How Foam is Used for Film, TV & Theatre

When it comes to set and prop design in the Film, TV & Theatre industry, you may not have considered the important role foam plays. From small detailed props to large-scale set pieces, foam can be shaped and sculpted into a wide variety of forms, making it a versatile building material for any project.

Summarising the Benefits of Foam in Film, TV & Theatre

The benefits of foam in media production cannot be understated. Many productions you have seen will have utilised foam in some manner, whether that be for elaborate stunt sequences or more subtle seat cushions. Here is a brief summary of a few benefits foam offers, explaining why it is a great choice.

Versatility

One of the key benefits of foam is its adaptability. It can be cut, shaped, moulded, sanded, and painted to look like a variety of materials, including wood, stone, or metal. This allows set designers and prop builders to create realistic and convincing pieces without the weight and cost associated with using any true-to-life materials. Many set designers and prop builders use foam to create intricate and detailed sculptures, displays and props, including statues, architectural elements, costume pieces and much more.

Lightweight

As foam is lightweight, it can be easily moved and manipulated on set. This is particularly useful for large set pieces or for scenes that require frequent changes to the environment. Additionally, foam is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of repeated performances, making it a cost-effective choice for long-running productions such as for certain TV shows and theatre productions.

Safety

Foam is also commonly used as a safety cushion for stunts and special effects. Its lightweight and shock-absorbent nature makes it a great material for protecting performers during high-intensity stunts and action scenes.

Foam for Stunt Sequences

Foam is often used in the film, television & theatre industry for stunt sequences. It’s an effective material that can offer protection to performers, keeping them safe during certain action-filled scenes. It can sometimes be used to create pads, mats, and other landing areas for various falls, jumps and fight scenes.

The type of foams used as well as the thickness and surface area can be altered to the specific needs of the stunt. For example, a jump may require a thicker foam pad than a standing fall. Foam pads can also be adjusted to factor in the weight of the performer and other surrounding pieces.

Foam can also be used to create environmental pieces. For example, a destructible environment for a specific stunt sequence could utilise foam to create realistic debris. As foam is very lightweight it is unlikely to pose a risk to actors.

Using foam to help protect actors can greatly reduce the risk of injury and make stunts look more realistic.

Foam for Props

When it comes to prop making, foam offers a world of possibilities. The flexibility of foam enables prop makers to create everything from convincing, high-tech alien weapons to medieval fantasy pieces. It can be shaped into detailed, intricate designs or large, bold shapes.

As well as being an easy material to work with, foam props are safer. They’re lightweight and, if dropped or mishandled, pose a significantly lesser risk of injury compared to their real or metal counterparts. Being lightweight also helps to reduce fatigue, which can be a great benefit for actors if they’re required to carry what would otherwise be a heavy prop for an extended period. This allows actors to focus on creating a great show, concerning themselves less with the burden of a heavy object.

Closed cell foam (such as our Plastazote) is one particularly popular type of foam for creating props. It is used by production houses for professional builds and even hobbyists such as cosplay enthusiasts. Plastazote offers many benefits in this regard. It is sturdy yet flexible, easy to cut and adhere to a wide variety of materials, offers high resistance to chemicals and fluids, can be painted and much more. If you’re interested in learning more about closed cell foam, visit our dedicated page.

Foam for Acoustic Treatment

Another essential role foam plays in the film, TV, and theatre industry is its use in acoustics. Whether that be closer to the production itself or behind the scenes. The sound environment in any film or theatre setting is as important as the visual elements. For the audience to immerse themselves in the experience, both the visuals and the acoustics need to be engaging and authentic.

Creating great acoustics might involve acoustically treating a theatre to improve live sound or treating a studio where voice lines need to be recorded. Studio rooms and theatre spaces often use foam panels on walls and ceilings to control sound reflections.

We stock a wide variety of acoustic foam products here at GB Foam and can even create bespoke foam pieces for the film, TV & theatre industries. You can learn more about acoustic foam by visiting our dedicated page or by getting in touch with our team.

Need Foam for Your Next Production?

If you need foam for your next production, we can help! GB Foam is a trusted supplier to many of the world’s most prestigious production companies. Whatever you need foam for, our team of experts can help you source the perfect products. Contact us today to find out more. Call on 01494 441177, email sales@gbfoam.com or fill out our contact form.