Pyrotechnics · SAG-AFTRA
Bulletin #4 covers special effects involving pyrotechnics, explosives, and rapid pressure release — the SFX-side equivalent of Bulletin #14's stunt focus. Squibs, debris cannons, fire-bar gas effects, and pressure-driven destruction all fall under Bulletin #4.
Context
Bulletin #4 is operated by a licensed pyrotechnician (in the U.S., licensure is state-level — California's CalFire pyrotechnic license is the most-cited credential). The bulletin's central principle is exclusion-zone discipline: every pyrotechnic effect has a calculated debris cone, and crew is positioned outside that cone with a buffer. Cold-test, hot-test, and live-take protocols separate so that misfire conditions are identified before the camera rolls. Squibs (small body-strapped pyrotechnic charges that simulate gunshot impact) are the highest-handling-frequency effect under Bulletin #4 and the one with the most-cited near-miss reports — improperly placed squibs have produced debris injuries to the performer wearing them.
Requirements
Editorial summary of the bulletin's load-bearing requirements. The canonical PDF is the authoritative source — these are the surface points referenced in production safety briefings.
Every pyrotechnic effect is operated by a state-licensed pyrotechnician (in CA, a CalFire-licensed Class 1, 2, or 3 operator depending on charge size).
Each effect has a calculated debris cone; crew is positioned outside the cone with a defined buffer and a no-cross safety officer.
Effects are dry-fired (cold) without charge, then test-fired off-camera (hot), then live for the take. Skipping steps is grounds for stop-work.
On a partial or no-fire, the pyro crew is the only personnel approaching the rig; the misfire is rendered safe before any other crew enter the working area.
Governs
Rigging glossary entries whose work is governed by this bulletin. Click through for the mechanism breakdown.
References
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