Cinematographer
Zuckerglas sieht auf Film erstaunlich realistisch aus. Die Art wie es zerbricht und das Licht bricht, ist kaum von echtem Glas zu unterscheiden – ich achte auf Reflektion und Beleuchtung für maximale Überzeugungskraft.
Transparent prop material made from sugar that safely shatters on impact for film stunts—historically cast from boiled sugar syrup, provides realistic glass-breaking effects without injury risk.
What is Sugar Glass?
Sugar Glass (Zuckerglas) is a transparent breakable material made from sugar, specifically manufactured for safe stunt effects in film. It shatters on impact without posing a risk of injury and appears as real glass on camera.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Sugar-based |
| Function | Safe glass breakage |
| Property | Breaks easily |
| Usage | Stunts, effects |
Manufacturing
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixing | Sugar, water, syrup |
| Cooking | Hard-crack temperature |
| Pouring | Into molds |
| Cooling | Allow to harden |
Recipe (Basic)
| Ingredient | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Main component |
| Corn Syrup | Prevents crystallization |
| Water | For dissolving |
| Cream of Tartar | Optional, texture |
Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Transparent | Glass-like |
| Brittle | Breaks easily |
| Edible | Safe on mouth contact |
| Hygroscopic | Attracts moisture |
Applications
| Type | Usage |
|---|---|
| Windows | Breakthrough stunts |
| Bottles | Bar scenes |
| Drinking Glasses | Smashing |
| Mirrors | Dramatic effects |
vs. Modern Alternatives
| Aspect | Sugar Glass | Resin Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Limited | Longer |
| Moisture | Sensitive | Resistant |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Consistency | Variable | Uniform |
Safety
| Aspect | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Edges | Not sharp |
| Weight | Light |
| Impact | Soft |
| Ingestion | Harmless |
Limitations
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| Humidity | Becomes sticky |
| Heat | Melts |
| Storage | Short shelf life |
| Consistency | Batches vary |
Handling
| Aspect | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Storage | Dry, airtight |
| Transport | Carefully |
| Temperature | Keep cool |
| Timing | Use shortly before shooting |
Set Protocol
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Provide pieces |
| Check | Inspect condition |
| Placement | Mark position |
| Action | Execute effect |
Breakage Behavior
| Factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Breaking strength |
| Temperature | Brittleness |
| Stress | Break pattern |
| Score Lines | Controlled break |
Customizations
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Large Surfaces | Window panels |
| Shapes | Bottles, vases |
| Tinted | Colored glass |
| Textured | Frosted glass effect |
Departments
| Team | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| SFX | Manufacturing |
| Props | Placement |
| Stunts | Execution |
| Safety | Monitoring |
Cleanup
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Shards | Water-soluble |
| Cleaning | Wipe/Wash |
| Costumes | Easily removable |
| Set | No damage |
Alternatives
| Material | Usage |
|---|---|
| Resin | Moisture resistant |
| Wax-Based | Special breaks |
| Pre-Scored | Controlled patterns |
| CGI | Post-enhancement |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Test Pieces | Check consistency |
| Backups | Multiple takes |
| Timing | Avoid moisture |
| Documentation | Note recipe |
Today
Sugar glass remains a proven technique for safe breakaway glass effects in film, although modern productions increasingly opt for resin-based alternatives. The combination of low cost, ease of production, and absolute safety continues to make it a top choice for many practical effects – especially when contact with actors is unavoidable.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Zuckerglas ermöglicht dramatische Stunt-Sequenzen ohne Verletzungsrisiko. Ob ein Schauspieler durch ein Fenster springt oder eine Flasche zerschmettert wird – die Sicherheit meines Teams hat oberste Priorität.
Producer
Zuckerglas ist kostengünstiger als Spezial-Harze, aber weniger haltbar. Für mehrere Takes oder bei Feuchtigkeit bevorzuge ich moderne Alternativen – trotzdem bleibt es für bestimmte Anwendungen die beste Wahl.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Zuckerglas / Candy Glass / Bruchglas"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?