CONTACT DETAILS....

Mobile:	07774 611 604
e-Mail:	sfx@ianrowley.com
e-Card:	e-Card.PDF To save our eCard for future reference. Right-hand click and click Save As....

ABOUT OUR COMPANY....

Focused on safety and specialising in close-proximity explosions, pyrotechnics, fire and flame control we are able to deliver spectacular drama in even the most delicate and sensitive of locations. We offer an extensive range of water effects and a fully developed mobile rain system which is instant, silent and unique to the UK using hand-held rain booms for added flexibility and with 4x4 capability. We have the two largest and most effective pair of wind machines in the UK. We also manufacture one-off solutions and props, electronic devices for use on screen, large-scale stunt rigs and pneumatic and hydraulic rigs. We have an extensive range of bullet hit systems for artists and background. We are equipped with mobile workshop, 4x4 transport, tankers of 600, 800 and 1,000 litres capacity and of course our Special Effects workshop in Leeds.

H.A. & C. Rowley Ltd. is an established limited company and family-run business, and has been providing spectacular and ethical special effects to TV, Films, Commercials and Theatre for over fifty years. Our company structure allows for attention to detail but we also have the capability to go large scale when necessary and are conveniently based in the centre of the UK between Leeds and Bradford.

Through years of experience, over several generations, we have the knowledge and expertise to produce almost anything for the entertainment industry. Based on vast amounts of research in the design, construction and operation of magic illusions for such illustrious artists as David Nixon, Shahid Malik, Ali Bongo, Paul Daniels and Harry Corbett gave us the unique opportunity to develop our special effects skills from miniature flash pots for 'Sooty' to more recent award-winning conflagrations of Hollywood proportions.

The design and construction of the world famous Dusty Bin robot led us into the fields of radio control, pneumatics and engineering. The Dusty unit completed 164 shows without a breakdown, crossed the Humber bridge under his own steam and enabled us to develop those technologies culminating in the advanced kids game show of its time, 'Fun House' for S.T.V. The Fun House was an amazing collection of pneumatics, gas, pyrotechnics and electronic wizardry designed, installed and operated by ourselves; safe, reliable, with a turnaround time of eleven minutes!

2007 saw a speight of nominations and awards including Nominee for Royal Television Society Craft Award for Best Special Effects Designer 2006 and Winner of the Royal Television Society Yorkshire Craft Professional Award for Special Effects Coordinator 2007 for the 'King's River Disaster' on Emmerdale.

HEALTH AND SAFETY....

For us, generating spectacular effects using safe and ethical means is paramount. That said, we are insured specifically for Special Effects within the media and entertainment industry. We declare what we do and we do it safely.

Using our extensive database of previous risk assessments and reference video, we are able to produce comprehensive written risk assessments specific to each effect and are advisors to the Focal Press Publication 'Safety for Film Television and Video' by Robin Small. Our company continues to re-invest and develop new techniques in order to remain the safest and the best solution to your special effects requirements, no matter how unique.

We manage all our own fires; ie. we do not rely on any third party to extinguish what we start. All electrical equipment is PAT tested in-house.

Health And Safety Policy.PDF
Quality Assurance Policy.PDF
Environmental Policy.PDF

ROYAL VISIT TO EMMERDALE VILLAGE 11TH JULY 2002....

We are still very proud of our public explosion by royal request! The Queen of England, as part of her Golden Jubilee visit to Emmerdale Village, requested to see the effects team in action and we were told, ‘don’t pull your punches, the Queen wants to see something spectacular!’.

Once our team and our methods had passed close scrutiny by Special Branch and the Close Protection Unit, we set about re-creating the post office blast - a stunt we did several years earlier at the post office in Esholt. However, this time round, instead of a single blast, we planned a huge triple run.

We specialise in fire and explosions in close proximity to artists, crew and royalty: Her Majesty was a mere 17 metres from the first blast! And she never flinched! Awesome!

RECENT CREDIT LIST....

We've worked on over 5000 productions since our company's inception in 1946!
Here's a few of the more recent titles that we've worked over the last five years and who made them.

The Red Riding Trilogy: 1974, 1980 & 1983 (Revolution Films for Channel4)
Crusoe (UK Crew) (Powercorp for NBC)
Emmerdale (YTV/Granada Media)
Spooks : Code 9 (Kudos for BBC)
Five Days (BBC)
Vera (ITV)
The Fattest Man In Britain (BBC)
A Passionate Woman (Rollem)
Anne Lister (Oxford Films for BBC)
Lost In Austen (Mammoth Screen)
Hush (Warp X Features)
The Street series II, III (Granada Media)
Prank Patrol (Baker Media for CBBC)
James May's Sister's Toys (BBC)
500 Miles (Comic Relief music video 2007)
Mrs. Inbetweeny (Tightrope)
Ideal Series V & VI (BBC Manchester)
Clash Of The Santas (Granada Media)
Bunny & The Bull (Warp X)
Albert's Memorial (ITV) Colour Blind (Liverpool Film Academy)
SFX Display (St.James' School, Knaresborough)
Brideshead Revisited (Brideshead Feature)
And When Did You Last See Your Father? (Father Features Ltd.)
Distant Shores series I & II (Granada Media)
Shameless series I, II & III (Company)
Where The Heart Is (Granada Media)
Hollyoaks (Mersey TV)
Heartbeat series XVI (Granada Media)
Control (Northsee Ltd.)
Drop Dead Georgeous (Hatrick North Ltd.)
Vincent (Granada Media)
Byker Grove series XV & XVI (Zenith North)
Time Watch (BBC)
PC Alisdair Stuibhart (BBC Scotland)
The Allotment (Warp Allotment Ltd.)
MacIntyre's Big Sting (True North)
Motorpoint Commercials x2 (Mezzo Films)
Haven Holidays Commercial (HLA)
The Glencoe Masacre (IWC Media)
Dead Man's Cards (Aces & Eights)
Like Minds (Gunpowder Films, Australia)
Tunes Commercial (Outsider TV)
Ghost Squad (Company Productions)
Hollyoaks Late Night Special (Mersey TV)
Olaudah Equiano (BBC)
Marion Again (Granada Media)
If I Had You (Granada Media)
Blue Murder series III, V (Granada Media)
Eleventh Hour (Granada Media)
No Angels III (World Productions)
Satan's Hollow (Antix)
6 x Monitor Virals (Scopitone)
Ant & Dec's Game Show (Granada Media)
Kings Cross Fire (Darlow Smithson for BBC)

FIRE AND FIRE COVER....

Fire at any level is about fire control and respect. We use full-bore and/or micro-bore gas systems to simulate fires of any size and in all kinds of environments both in the studio and on location. We often have to supervise artists in close proximity to flame, this is done by setting a flame level which is repeatable and can be shut off instantly by using the correct control gear. We also have extraction facilities to minimise exposure to cast and crew in enclosed spaces.

We are not arsonists, we are illusionists and as such we operate a fire cover policy which states that we will not light anything we cannot extinguish ourselves. We do not rely on any third party fire cover which provides both piece of mind and a cost saving.

We also offer a bullet-proof solution for fireproofing the sets we are working to ensure that we have total control.

EXPLOSIONS....

Our explosions and fires, in any form, are all about illusion rather than performing the requested disaster for real. In this respect, good planning, good communication and strict health and safety are paramount. Because of this approach, we have performed explosions, fires and pyrotechnic tricks, in a vast selection of locations both interior and exterior, including many large studio fires and grade 3 listed buildings with 100% success.

The size of the effect is not a problem; we can do 'big' and we can do 'small' but we always do 'safe'.

OUR SPECIALITY: “LADCO BLASTING”....

Gas explosions are generated safely by use of piston-operated, remote-controlled silo blasters which are amazing when it comes to 'Backdraft'-style fire balls and underwater explosions. Because they release their contents under pressure within two thirds of a second, they are extremely friendly to buildings and structures and have been used many times in protected or listed buildings. We are experts at close-proximity explosions; large directional explosions that are safe for cast and crew to be near.

These machines, which are not to be confused with old converted garage compressors, are held in stock for creating an array of effects to suit your needs. We have four of these units and the triple-run explosion is one of our favourites to perform. These systems are ideal for explosions when artists are in the frame.

The Ladcos are also wonderful for pneumaic effects serving as air mortars. We use them for launching safe, selected debris through the air and we can also simulate flame-less destruction with these units.

PYROTECHNICS....

We use only top quality pyrotechnic materials supplied by the UK's leading manufacturer, T.P.L. These may cost more than a few twists of industrial explosives and a can of petrol, but you are assured there will be no nasty surprises.

All explosives are tested and videoed for power and effect and are selected for the specifics of your requirements. We will often combine different devices in the same effect to alter the look to suit.

FIREPLACES....

We are often required to install special effects fireplaces either in studio sets or existing fireplaces on location. Our installations are temporary gas systems that do not remain under pressure and are safe to use in even sensitive locations such as stately homes, providing the chimney has natural extraction. In a studio situation we have the facilities to install temporary extraction.

We have developed this system to be as quick to rig and as silent to operate as possible on behalf of our friends the Sound Department.

We stock a selection of quality lava logs and fake coals for dressing.

FIREPROOFING....

We have performed large fires in all kinds of environments where fire control has been a key. As such we have perfected a method of fireproofing that is bullet-proof.

For example we have the capability of fire proofing a hay or straw bale, or a fire set full of them, to the extent that we can cook it with flame and yet auto extinguish the flame on ‘cut’ where as naturally straw and hay are notorious for burning rapidly and being extremely hard to extinguish. The same can be said for most natural materials such as fabric and timber.

This preparative treatment provides peace of mind for all and total control for us.

WIND AND STORM....

Have you seen our Evil Weather Machines? These two new-build wind machines are slicker and more effective than anything else in the UK.

We have two designs to meet your requirements. Both sporting tri-proppellers and cage of diameter of six feet with powered elevation and tilt, 180º panning, electric start, overhead rain injection, onboard water supply. The machines can be used individually or for large scenes and more complex scenarios, in unison.

By introducing a little mist or a little soft debris (straw, leaves, etc) you have one seriously gusty storm on your hands!

Evil #1: Truck Mounted Mobile Storm. The first is mounted on a dedicated truck with a rain boom extending thirty feet which introduces rain directly overhead into the wind vortex. This vehicle has 1,000 litres supply of pottable water. It is possible to track with this vehicle

Evil #2: Trailer Mounted All Terrain Wind. The second is a road trailer mounted machine which is towed and anchored by our 4x4 pickup we can introduce five metre hand-held rain booms from over head into the vortex. This vehicle has 8,00 litres supply of pottable water. This set up is for harder-to-reach locations on rougher terrain.

RAIN....

We have developed a rain system which is unique to the UK which sports five-metre hand-held rain booms with our own modification to industry-standard rain heads. Because we are hand-held we can pan and track with the camera and turn-round time for shot set-ups is usually quicker than the camera.

Our compact system provides a great amount of rain with very economical water consumption. It is extremely mobile with 4x4 capability. It also runs silently, which is good for our friends the Sound Department.

Our boom truck provides a large curtain of rain from our pneumatically elevated 30ft (10m) boom. We have also developed an onboard rain rig for moving vehicles and our standard kit can be rigged almost anywhere, such as onto a technocrane head.

With our Evil Weather Machines we have the capability to blitz a set with driven rain should you need.

We only draw water legally. Please see our water policy.

SNOW....

Our snow machines give a fantastic falling snow effect and are best suited to smaller set-ups. We also use snowsticks to generate drifting snow in the air.

We also have the capability for small-to-medium sized snow scenes using blown snow and frosting.

WETDOWNS....

We have an excellent 4x4 driven wetdown facilitiy that is economical and rather speedy. It has it's own onbaord power supply for the silent onboard pumps. It is ideal for roads, pavements and carparks.

We also have the facilities for a more traditional hose-based wet down, either pumped from our bowser or directly off our licenced standpipe.

DRIPS, FLOODS, STUDIO TANKS, MISC WATER EFFECTS....

We have a lot of equipment for pumping water at high pressure for miscellaneous effects such as burst pipes and magic fountains for example.

We also stock a range of drip bars and pressurised drip rings for those film sets of a danker disposition.

Other water facilities include dump-tank technology which allows a mass volume of liquid to instantly wash into frame or wherever very quickly with little effort.

We have experience in specifying studio tanks for water sets with rising levels of water, drainage facilities.

We have the facilities to heat and chlorinate water for artist comfort and safety.

WATER POLICY....

With the privatisation of water in Britain, theft of water has become a criminal offence several production companies have faced prosecution for illegal use of water. For this reason, all water used by H.A. & C. Rowley Ltd. is drawn through a licensed standpipe.

This water is regulated and therefore 'potable' which means that artists and crew which come into contact with it should be safe from biohazards like Weil's disease and sewage as is the case when water is illegally drawn from rivers and streams, etc.

BULLET HITS AND SQUIBBS....

We offer the full range of safe squibb effects and have run up a long list of artist body hits including single shots, multi-hits and shot-gunnings to chest, back, stomach and even shoes!

We have an excellent system for registering bullet hits on car windscreens as well as the facilities to put hits on more inert background objects, walls and furnature.

We have also developed a remote-controlled pneumatic head-shot rig which gives the most amazing exit wound effect!

STUNT RIGS & ENGINEERING....

We are experienced in designing and specifying specialist stunt rigs and structures, often including hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The largest of which was the collapsing four-bedroom stone-build detached house for the King's River Disaster in Emmerdale.

We have a stock pipe ramp with a kicker for over turning vehicles. We built the pneumatic flying rig for The New Worst Witch and a long list of stunt equipment for The Last Of The Summer Wine (picture Peter Salis riding a wardrobe down a hill, or similar!) to name a few examples.

It is important to point out that we are not Stunt Co-ordinators or stunt performers and would always work in liaison with a separate qualified Stunt Supervisor where an artist is involved.

SMOKE, STEAM & ATOSPHERICS....

Smoke and steam atmospherics are easily available with our fine selection of smoke machines and selection of different smoke oil grades.

Such effects can be used in many situations to create different types of atmos, for example; a chilling mist, a disco session, steam from a dirty-looking vent or even a fire situation.

We use quality hypoallergenic fluids in varying grades depending on use. Smoke fluid tends to hang densely on the air whereas steam fluid dissipates at a quicker rate.

We also stock pyrotechnic smoke devices which can be useful in certain situations. These are mostly for exterior use and are available in a range of colours – for fires we stock white, black and brown – but other colours can be obtained.

AERIAL DISPLAYS....

We can deliver aerial displays such as fireworks and individual flares, rockets and shells, but also flying fireballs as seen in the biggest effect in soap history, which we had the privilege of performing for the 'Emmerdale' air disaster.

ELECTRONICS....

Our interest in electronics began with the design and build of the famous Dusty Bun robot of '321' fame.

More recently we have used our electronic knowledge for things like remote control bullet hits, making custom props that require specific LED operations and the loveable remote control Bionic Bear, 'the must-have toy of Christmas 2007' or so went the Emmerdale storyline.

NASTY MIXES....

We stock various soft debris materials and inert dust substitutes.

Interestingly, we have a secret recipe for making hypoallergenic mud and farmyard muck which is safe for artists to be directly exposed to and even consume!

Similarly, effects which contain blood only contain safe theatrical blood.

Slime and other such foul mixtures can be easily produced.

SFX GALLERY, ALL CATEGORIES....

THE DUSTY BIN FAN CLUB....

It has been a long time since Dusty Bin was last on TV in any regular capacity but he does seem to get a lot of interest still. It only seemed fitting that we have a little corner of our web site set aside for all those of you out there who remember him fondly.

3-2-1 ran for ten years, between 29 July 1978 and 24 December 1988 and was hosted by Ted Rodgers. The show was a huge success consistently pulling in large ratings. Dusty Bin was both the show's "mascot" and its booby prize. The robotic dustbin was put together by Ian Rowley, in his converted chapel workshop in Leeds. He used 73 microprocessers, which was cutting edge 1980s remote control robotic technology in that day, at a cost around £10,000 to manufacture - which was a small fortune in those days - to control Dusty, and in 154 shows, some of Dusty's antics included juggling balls like a clown, playing the piano like Elton John, flying round the studio with a James Bond jetpack, escaping from chains like Harry Houdini, riding a bike, spraying Ted Rogers with paint and he has driven a tank into the studio, to bomb the audience with confetti.

Since his time in the limelight, Dusty has made several appearaces on TV - most notably French and Saunder's Christmas Special Star Wars spoof "The Phantomn Millenium" as DB-321 where he spoofed R2-D2 and also as part of the Comic Relief single "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" Directed by Peter Kay in which he was seen dancing with Jasper Carrot and David Tennant.

THE GRAIN DIVISION SOUND STUDIO AND PA SYSTEM....

About The Studio:
'The Grain Division' studio is a purpose built sound-proof recording space with separate control room available for hire. It offers a comfortable and pleasant environment in which to document that which moves you most. It is ideal for bands wishing a quick and inexpensive demo and other creative purposes, such as a sound proof space for video work. The studio offers a kitchen facility and in-house catering service for film crews.
Studio Body - 5m x 4m (16ft x 14ft approx)
Control Room - 4m x 2m (14ft x 6ft approx)

Film and Video Usage:
The studio has blackout facilities and a range of lighting effects making it ideal for small film projects, interviews, digital work, web video content, stills photography, cutaways and pick-ups, and narration or voice-over work as well as music.

Recording Audio:
Operating a Roland VS-2400 digital 24-track through a Mackie desk with Wharfdale monitors the studio has a range of quality microphones, amplifiers, assorted percussion instruments, a PA system, a Yamaha keyboard and a baby grand piano. Friendly in-house engineer. Live recording and extensive multi-tracking available.

Studio Location:
Situated between Leeds and Bradford, it is easy to access by car off the ringroad, or by bus (670 and 760 from Leeds or Bradford). The studio has ample parking.

PA System Hire:
The Grain Division PA system is suitable for small to medium venues and function rooms, providing a quick and tidy set-up suitable for bands, acoustic acts and personal address. Operated by experienced and helpful sound engineers.

PA SPecifications:
2 x 400W Wharfdale powered stand-mounted speakers, 300W Wharfedale wedge monitor with seperate on-stage EQ, Yamaha mixing desk, Alesis microverb reverb unit, Peavy multicore, assorted vocal and instrument microphones and D/I boxes.

Bookings and Rates:
Competitive hourly rates and flexible hours available.
For studio bookings and PA hire, rate details and more information please enquire at studio@thegraindivision.com.

Ian Rowley: Special Effects Designer and Consultant for TV,
Film and Commercials in the UK

Specialist designer of close-proximity blasts, pyrotechnic and fire-based special effects.
All pyrotechnic and fire effects come complete with full fire cover and safety in mind.
Complete range of wind, rain, water, smoke and atmospheric effects facilities.
Pneumatics, hydraulics, stunt rigging, bullet hits and one-off solutions.
Special Effects health and safety consultant for TV, film and commercials.
Nominee for Royal Television Society Craft Award for Best Special Effects Designer 2006.
Winner of the Royal Television Society Yorkshire Craft Professional Award for Special Effect Coordinator 2007.
Fully insured for Special Effects. BBC, Granada Media and BECTU approved.