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Welcome, Fire Performers!
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First and foremost, thank you for signing up and joining the FJA Fire Stunt Workshop! We’re thrilled to have you with us and can’t wait to light things up—literally! Our team has worked hard to design a workshop that maximizes your exposure to the essential aspects of fire stunts: preparation, safety protocols, and performance techniques tailored for film and TV. By the end, we hope you’ll not only walk away with some incredible footage but also a solid understanding of how fire burns work.

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What to Bring to the Workshop
We’re happy to announce that students are no longer required to have their own base layers of CarbonX (though you’re welcome to bring them if you already own some). However, each student must bring their burn wardrobe.

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Wardrobe Guidelines
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1. What should your wardrobe include?

  • Long pants

  • A long-sleeve shirt

  • A jacket

  • Shoes you don’t mind getting dirty or discarding

 

2) Material Requirements

  • Natural fibers only! Burn clothes must be made of materials like cotton, leather, or silk. Synthetic fabrics are dangerous as they melt instead of burning away. If you have any questions about a fabric you are unsure of, please feel free to reach out!

 

3) Any fabrics to avoid?

  • Wool: While it burns well, it emits fumes that can be hazardous. For this reason, we try not to use wool in indoor or small spaces, such as Argus.

 

4) What about blended fabrics?

  • Blended fabrics are fine as long as the synthetic component is 5% or less. In some cases, up to 10% is acceptable, especially for waistbands or other small sections. Any more than 10% synthetic fibers will not be used to burn. 

 

5) Lined garments:

  • If your wardrobe has a synthetic liner (e.g., polyester), simply cut out the liner and use the natural fiber shell.

 

6) Shoes:

  • Boots are ideal, but sturdy tennis shoes can also work. Ensure your footwear has solid soles, as the ground may get slippery with gel.

 

7) Thickness matters!

  • Thicker layers burn slower and allow for longer, more dramatic burns. Avoid paper-thin fabrics. For example, Wrangler jeans (available at Walmart) are an affordable and reliable option for burns. (These are my favorite to burn in, and I typically get several burns out of one pair) 

 

8) Size and Quantity:

  • Go 2–3 sizes larger than your normal size to account for the layers underneath.

  • Bring multiples of key items: at least two pairs of pants and 2–3 jackets. It's always better to be safe than sorry and you can always return any unused garments after the workshop.

 

9) Think about the look!

  • Choose wardrobe pieces that enhance the scene and tell a story. A hoodie or plain jacket might feel practical, but a thoughtfully chosen outfit will help your footage look professional and cinematic. Consider having a specific costume for your “big burn” and simpler outfits for practice burns.

  • Fire shows up better against darker colors than lighter colors. A dark look is good, but try to avoid an all black outfit. 

 

10) Do I need to worry about underwear or wires in bras?

  • Cotton underwear is a good idea, but your inner layers are unlikely to be affected. The heat required to compromise these materials would indicate more significant issues to address first.


Final Notes

If you have any other questions before the workshop, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll provide additional details about call times, burn orders, and other logistics in the week leading up to the event.

 

In the meantime, I encourage you to watch iconic fire stunt scenes from your favorite films and TV shows. Ask yourself, What makes this burn memorable?

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We’re looking forward to lighting you up!

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See you soon!

FJA Fire Stunts
 

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