Cinematographer
Bei Feuer-Stunts muss alles schnell gehen. Ich positioniere mich vorab, damit wir den Shot im begrenzten Zeitfenster bekommen – die Performer-Sicherheit geht vor.
Protective gel applied to skin and costumes for fire stunts – creates a heat-resistant barrier allowing performers to safely be near or engulfed in flames for limited periods.
What is Burn Gel?
Burn Gel (Feuerschutzgel) is a specialized gel applied to skin and costumes to protect performers during fire stunts. It forms a heat-resistant barrier that shields against flames and heat for a limited time.
How it Works
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Barrier between skin and heat |
| Evaporation | Cooling through water evaporation |
| Non-Flammable | Gel does not ignite |
| Oxygen Deprivation | Prevents combustion |
Product Types
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Protective Gel | General skin protection |
| High-Temperature Gel | Extreme heat |
| Costume Gel | For fabrics |
| Hair Gel | Head/facial hair |
Known Brands
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Zeller International | Industry standard |
| Fire Gel | Widely used |
| Cool Gel | Actively cools |
Application Areas
| Stunt | Gel Application |
|---|---|
| Partial Burn | Arm, leg burn |
| Full Burn | Entire body |
| Face Burn | Head protection |
| Flash Fire | Short flame exposure |
| Proximity | Close to fire |
Application
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean, dry skin |
| Base Layer | Thin gel layer |
| Build-up | Multiple layers |
| Reinforcement | At critical areas |
| Undergarment | Fire-resistant layer |
| Costume | Treated with gel |
Layering System
| Layer | Function |
|---|---|
| Skin | Clean, prepare |
| Gel Base | Initial protection |
| Gel Build-up | Several cm thick |
| Nomex Underwear | Additional insulation |
| Costume | Treated, flammable |
Time Limits
| Burn Type | Max Duration |
|---|---|
| Flash Fire | 3–5 seconds |
| Partial Burn | 10–15 seconds |
| Full Burn | 15–30 seconds |
| Proximity | Minutes |
Safety Team
| Role | Task |
|---|---|
| Stunt Coordinator | Planning, execution |
| Fire Safety | Fire department liaison |
| Safety Divers | For water extinguishment |
| Medic | On standby |
| Gel Technician | Application |
Extinguishing Systems
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Fire Blanket | Immediate smothering |
| CO2 Extinguisher | Rapid extinguishing |
| Water Crew | On standby with hoses |
| Jump into Water | For water burns |
Preparation
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Test | Test gel on skin |
| Rehearsals | Movement sequences |
| Communication | Establish signals |
| Backup | Replacement performer |
| Exit | Plan escape route |
Costs (approx.)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Burn Gel (Liter) | €50–100 |
| Full Burn Setup | €5,000–15,000 |
| Stunt Performer | €1,000–5,000 |
| Safety Team | €2,000–5,000 |
| Fire Department | Variable |
Risks and Limitations
| Risk | Measure |
|---|---|
| Burns | Strict time limits |
| Inhalation | Respiratory protection during rehearsals |
| Panic | Experienced performers |
| Equipment Failure | Redundancy |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Situation |
|---|---|
| CGI Fire | Post-production |
| Controlled Flames | No body contact |
| Dummy Double | Extreme burns |
| LED Flame | Simulation |
Today
Burn Gel is essential for safe fire stunts. The technique enables spectacular scenes that are difficult to achieve with CGI alone – but only with the highest safety standards, experienced teams, and strict protocols.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Burn Gel ermöglicht spektakuläre Feuer-Szenen mit echten Darstellern. Die Vorbereitung ist aufwendig, aber das Ergebnis ist überzeugender als jede CGI-Flamme.
Producer
Feuer-Stunts mit Burn Gel sind komplex und teuer. Versicherung, Sicherheitspersonal, Feuerwehr – aber für bestimmte Szenen gibt es keine Alternative.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Feuerschutzgel"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?