How do you make a firefighter’s helmet look like it’s inside a burning house without using real flames? In our latest video, we show how smart lighting, smoke, and reflection can create a convincing fire effect that’s completely safe and easy to control.
The foundation of the effect
The goal was simple: the firefighter’s helmet needed to reflect moving flames in the visor, as if the character were standing in the middle of a fire. We used a TV screen playing fire footage in full brightness, positioned at an angle in front of the helmet. This created a dynamic, warm glow that perfectly mimicked the light of real flames.
Light that moves like fire: Godox KNOWLED C5R
To add depth and realism, we introduced subtle flickering light with the Godox KNOWLED C5R. This compact RGB LED light offers powerful output, accurate color reproduction, and a wide range of cinematic FX modes, including a natural flame flicker. Lightweight, magnetic, and app-controllable via the Godox Light App, it’s ideal for creating controlled lighting effects on set. By placing the C5R just out of frame, we achieved a natural movement in the light that enhanced the fire reflection and brought the scene to life.
Smoke for atmosphere and realism
The Look Power Tiny Accu Smoke Machine completed the effect. Short bursts of smoke added texture to the air around the helmet, softening and deepening the reflections in the visor. Since the Power Tiny runs on battery power, it’s perfect for compact setups or locations without access to mains electricity.
Why this effect works
The power of this setup lies in the combination of three simple elements: the TV provides motion and color, the C5R adds warmth and flicker, and the smoke gives the scene depth. Together, they create the illusion of a burning house without any heat, danger, or actual flames.
Try it yourself
Want to bring tension and atmosphere to your next production safely and efficiently? With a TV screen, the Godox C5R, and the Power Tiny smoke machine, you can recreate this effect easily. It’s a creative, low-risk way to simulate firelight on any film or video set.
Click here to watch the making-of and the final result on Instagram.
