VFX on a Budget: How to Fake Explosions Without Blowing Up Anything
Want to add dramatic explosions to your film, but don’t have a Hollywood budget (or a permit)? Good news, you can fake explosions at home using smart visual tricks, sound, and editing. Here’s how to pull it off without breaking the bank or the law. 💥 1. Use Stock Explosion Overlays You don’t need to create explosions from scratch. Websites like Mixkit, ActionVFX , and even YouTube offer free or low-cost explosion footage with transparent backgrounds. Drop them into your timeline, set the blend mode to “screen,” and you’re halfway there. 💡 2. Add a Bright Light Flash During the explosion moment, cut to a white frame or a quick lens flare over your actor's face. This simulates a burst of light hitting the lens and helps sell the blast. 🎵 3. Layer In Realistic Sound Effects Sound is 70% of the illusion. Add a deep rumble, shattering glass, and distant echoes to make your fake explosion feel real. Free sites like Freesound.org are great for this. 🎥 4. Shake the C...