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Top 5 Reasons to Get a Fog Machine for Your Next Big Event [Video]

Bring your stage to life by adding a little “atmosphere”. Fog production can suit any venue and create eerie drama. Here is a quick look at its benefits.

Fog production

In the heat of the moment, there is nothing more exciting than fog shrouding the stage. Fog can add different elements to various settings. It can create drama, change the scene, amplify the lighting effects, and more. 

A fog effect can be almost opaque. But it can capture and reflect the colors of lighting in a unique way. When used well, fog production can make an excellent addition to your lighting scheme. Here are the top reasons that make fog a must-have for any stage or event.

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What Is a Fog Machine?

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A fog generator or fog machine is a device that releases dense vapor into the air. This vapor looks similar to real-life smoke or fog. The goal of the machine is to replicate the visual effect of fog to create effects for stage shows, small, and large-scale events. 

There are different types of fog generators. They use different fog fluids and offer a range of benefits. These can be bulky or portable and compact devices. You have:

  • Low-lying – This fog generator produces fog that remains low on the ground. The dense fog doesn’t rise into the air. It is commonly used in fixed and touring installation applications. 
  • Dry ice – This fog type uses water and solid dry ice to create fog. The dry ice creates a very thick fog and evaporates quickly.
  • Oil-based – This fog machine releases dense fog into the air and lasts much longer than water-based fog. The fog takes time to evaporate. 
  • Water-based – A fluid-based machine can create anything from wispy puffs to huge volumes of fog. They are less dense than oil-based options and dissipate faster. 

Benefits of Fog Production at Events and Stages

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Airborne effects are a popular choice for any venue. In the special effects and lighting world, fog machines are commonly used to enhance a spectacular moment. Fog production is often accompanied by excitement and is a fun addition to any party or event. Here is what fog machines have to offer.

1. Fog Creates Drama

A fog machine can be used to create some positive commotion. Depending on the size of the venue, you can use the machine to add a dramatic effect. 

For example, you can use dry-ice fog production to make a dramatic wedding entrance. The machine can pump out fog before the couple makes an entrance. This creates suspense and an eerie atmosphere. It can keep the guests on edge. As the bride walks down the aisle, the machine can slowly fill the room with more fog to create a cloud-like effect. 

2. Fog Creates a Memorable Launch

When launching a brand-new nightclub, dance club, or venue, you can create a memorable atmosphere with a fog machine. Catering to guests, and hiring DJs, and dancers is crucial, but a smoke machine is just as important. 

The right atmosphere keeps people talking. A fog machine creates a haze-like setting, which goes perfectly well with music performances and parties. The fog mixes with the surrounding air and dissipates after some time. 

3. Fog Improves Lighting 

The stage fog effect can create a life-like setting that’s captivating, mysterious, and exhilarating. This is why many concerts, theaters, amusement theme parks, and raves are using fog machines. The fog allows the lighting to feel fuller and the beams to create a more powerful effect. 

This translucent, smooth haze makes the laser and light beams change the entire atmosphere in the venue. The stage fog works well together with light shows and professional theater settings. Standard fog machines, with the fog rising upwards, are often used for events, concerts, and theaters.

4. Fog Adds a Spooky Element

Haunted houses and Halloween parties can make full use of a fog production machine. Low-lying fog machines can enhance and maximize the creepy atmosphere. The fog creates a misty effect, which impacts the party lights. 

With a low-lying fog machine, the fog stays closer to the ground. This can help transform a classic dance floor into a graveyard. Customers can also play with the colors and room decorations to highlight the effect of fog production. 

5. Fog is Versatile

Fog generators can be used for simulated training environments. Such as paintball events, laser tag arenas, or similar recreational sports. 

Fog machines paired with scent machines are often used in military training. They are meant to create a battlefield-like experience that can help prepare soldiers for combat settings. By using fog machines in different training or sports recreational activities, you can make the experience feel more immersive.

People love things that can stimulate their senses. Whether that is providing new colors, textures, or anything else, the space feels more alive when there are added airborne elements. Fog creates suspense and excitement. Especially in recreational shooting events. 

MIST SCREEN - Innovative Visual Production Using Fog

Do you know the technology that has been recently spotlighted in off-line event production? MIST SCREEN create a screen produced by fog on which images are projected, making them appear like holograms and allowing people to walk through the screen.

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This innovative product realized through the outstanding technology of SEIKO GIKEN INC., a professional fog control company in Japan. The product is the most powerful customer attracting tool in off-line production in recent years, as it provides breathtaking visuals and greatly attracts customers' interest.

It can be used in all kinds of events such as live stages, trade show, and commercial facilities.

The fog is generated using only water, so there are no running costs such as fog liquids, nor is there a need to worry about fire rules or contamination in facilities or live stages. Unique modular design greatly simplifies installation and operation, making the system easier to install and use.

Learn more about MIST SCREEN from the eBook below!

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FAQ

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Do fog machines affect the ventilation system?

The fog machine shouldn’t cause any problems for your HVAC system. But, it can affect indoor air quality. It is crucial to use fog generators in properly ventilated venues to avoid exacerbating asthma symptoms or other respiratory problems. 

Can the fog machine activate the smoke alarm?

Fog generators create particles that can activate an ionization-type smoke detector. The smoke detectors can register the particles in the fog, just like with smoke. A hazer is less likely to set off your smoke alarm. 

Are fog machines safe indoors?

Fog machines can be safely used indoors. Whether that’s a club, house, or any other venue. Depending on the size and type of fog generator, it can cover different sized-venues. Just, don’t use the fog machine on a carpet. Some of the particles could get trapped inside the material, which can damage the carpet. If you have a smoke alarm, consult with your provider as some detectors can trigger the fire alarm.

Do fog machines hurt animals?

Generally speaking, dry ice, water, and liquid nitrogen fog are safe, as long as pets don’t remain confined in small rooms without any ventilation or air circulation. The animal should be able to leave the area when it wants, as the risks of a fog machine are low. Still, keep an eye on animals and remove them from the area if they look disoriented. 

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References

https://www.electronicshub.org/best-fog-machine/

https://www.lemaitreltd.com/news/4-reasons-to-use-a-smoke-or-haze-machine-for-your-next-event/

https://www.heroic-productions.com/smoke-machines-and-hazers/

https://www.atlspecialfx.com/blogs/atlanta-special-fx-blog/rent-fog-machines-fire-military-training