Cinematographer
Full Burns sind Ein-Chance-Shots – ich muss wissen, wo der Performer läuft, wie lange er brennt. Jede Sekunde zählt für die Aufnahme und für die Sicherheit.
High-risk stunt where a performer is completely engulfed in flames from head to toe – requires specialized protective gel, fire-resistant suits, safety team with extinguishers, and strict time limits, representing one of the most dangerous practical effects in filmmaking.
What is a Full Burn?
A Full Burn is an extreme stunt where a performer is completely engulfed in flames. Covered from head to toe in controlled fire, this effect is among the most dangerous and visually impressive practical stunts in film.
Protective Gear
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Nomex Suit | Fire-resistant base layer |
| Gel | Thermal barrier on skin |
| Hood | Head protection |
| Respirator Mask | Oxygen, smoke protection |
Nomex Suit
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Fire-resistant fiber |
| Layers | Multiple plies |
| Coverage | Complete |
| Concealed | Under costume |
Burn Gel
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Absorb heat |
| Application | On exposed skin |
| Thickness | Depending on burn duration |
| Material | Specially formulated |
Time Limits
| Burn Level | Max. Duration |
|---|---|
| Partial | 15-30 sec. |
| Full | 8-15 sec. |
| Extreme | <10 sec. |
| Factor | Gel, suit, heat |
Safety Team
| Role | Task |
|---|---|
| Fire Coordinator | Overall direction |
| Safety Supervisor | Protocol monitoring |
| Extinguisher Team | Immediate extinguishment |
| Medic | First aid ready |
Extinguishing Equipment
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| CO2 Extinguisher | Quick smothering |
| Fire Blankets | Covering |
| Water Hose | Backup |
| Gel Spray | Cooling |
Preparation
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Planning | Choreography, timing |
| Test | Without performer |
| Briefing | All involved |
| Dry Run | Rehearsal without fire |
Fuel
| Type | Property |
|---|---|
| Rubber Cement | Controlled |
| Isopropyl | Fast, hot |
| Stunt Gel | Specialized |
| Temperature | Varies |
Execution
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Dressing | Protective gear |
| Gel Application | Exposed areas |
| Fuel | On costume |
| Ignition | Controlled |
| Action | Choreography |
| Extinguish | Immediately on cue |
Camera Considerations
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiple Cameras | Single-take situation |
| Angles | Pre-determined |
| Frame Rate | Often slow-motion |
| Distance | Safety margin |
Risks
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Burns | Severe injuries |
| Smoke Inhalation | Respiratory problems |
| Panic | Uncontrolled reaction |
| Equipment Failure | Catastrophic |
Incident Protocol
| Situation | Response |
|---|---|
| Performer falls | Extinguish immediately |
| Time exceeded | Extinguish immediately |
| Panic signal | Extinguish immediately |
| Gel failure | Extinguish immediately |
Insurance
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Specialized | Stunt policy |
| Surcharge | Significant |
| Approval | Prior |
| Documentation | Extensive |
Alternatives
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Partial Burn | Parts only |
| CGI | Digital fire |
| Composite | Fire separately |
| Dummy | For wide shots |
Partial Burn
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Arm | Simpler, safer |
| Back | Common |
| Legs | Controlled |
| Head | Rare, risky |
CGI vs. Practical
| Aspect | Practical | CGI |
|---|---|---|
| Realism | Authentic | Very achievable |
| Risk | High | None |
| Cost | Variable | Variable |
| Control | Limited | Total |
Legal
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Permits | Fire department, city |
| Insurance | Proof of |
| Medical | On standby |
| Documentation | Complete |
Career as Burn Specialist
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Training | Extensive |
| Experience | Years |
| Specialization | Niche |
| Risk | Acknowledged |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Rehearsal | Every step |
| Communication | Clear signals |
| Redundancy | Backup systems |
| Abort Criteria | Clearly defined |
Today
Full Burns remain one of the most spectacular practical effects, but the risks are real. Modern CGI technology offers safe alternatives that are often indistinguishable from the original. The decision for a true Full Burn should be carefully considered – safety must always come first.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Ein Full Burn ist spektakulär, aber ich trage Verantwortung. Die Entscheidung muss den visuellen Wert gegen das Risiko abwägen – CGI ist oft die bessere Wahl.
Producer
Full Burns sind teuer und riskant – spezialisierte Crew, Versicherung, Sicherheitsmaßnahmen. Ein Unfall kann eine Produktion beenden. Wir prüfen sehr genau, ob es notwendig ist.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Vollbrand / Ganzkörper-Feuer"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?