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 winner of the Royal Television Society Craft Award for Ian Rowley, Special Effect Supervisor on the ‘King’s River Disaster’ featured 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. 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!

NEWS.... April 2008 - We've had a considerable number of comments about the video clips and the pluggins required to view them. In response to this we have created a YouTube video channel from which the movies should play instantly for everyone. April 2008 - Our new web site launched! WELCOME. We've got a lot more pictures, new video reference, some new services which is good for the production members looking to book us, and the curious who like to see exciting things like stuff on fire. Please take a look around. Your comments are welcome [ sfx@ianrowley.com ]. January 2008 - The 'Grain Division' studio opens its doors for bookings. It's a purpose-built sound tank at our premisis in Leeds which is kitted out to record music but the room is a comfortable place to do all kinds of small-scale media activities. September 2007 - Ian has won the Royal Television Society Craft Award for Special Effects Coordinator for his supervision and execution of the King's River Disaster on Emmerdale. The effects sequence was made up of 14 key effects and stunts and the final house collapse is the climax. Watch the video. 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 on and who made them - January 2005 to March 2008:- Emmerdale (YTV/Granada Media) Spooks : Liberty (Kudos for BBC) Lost In Austen (Mammoth Screen) Hush (Warp X Features) Prank Patrol (Baker Media for CBBC) James May's Sister's Toys (BBC) 500 Miles (Comic Relief music video 2007) Mrs. Inbetweeny (Tightrope) 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.) The Street series II (Granada Media) 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 (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)

PYROTECHNICS, FLAME CONTROL, FIRE COVER, EXPLOSIONS, ETC.... 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'. Full fire-cover is always provided by us rather than relying on any third party via a licensed stand pipe, fire control equipment and extraction systems. Ladco Blasting - Our Speciality: 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. 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 three of these units and the triple-run explosion is one of our favourites. These systems are ideal for explosions when artists are in the frame. We also use them for launching safe, selected debris through the air. We can 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. Fire, Flame and Fire Control: Pyrotechnic devices are often combined with other fire-based effects such as gas systems for follow-on flames and smoke for added depth. Fire at any level is about fire control and respect. 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. Often the hard part is in the preparation of a fire set. We use the highest standard of fire-proofing solutions and we have developed our own fail safe application routine to reduce the amount of uncontrolled burning material - we can even cook hay bails in flame without it sustaining flame once the gas is shut down. Also, our larger fires are fitted with automatic dowsers that are activated on ‘cut’. We provide our own comprehensive fire cover as standard.

STORM, WIND, RAIN, WATER, ETC.... Wind and Storm: Crikey! 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 ignition, 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 and a little soft debris (straw, leave, 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. It provides a great amount of rain with very economical water consumption. It runs silently. It is extremely mobile with 4x4 capability. Our system provides a large volume of rain in both tight and wide camera angles, even in wind. We also have onboard rain kit equipment for moving vehicles. This is the complete legal solution. With our Evil Weather Machines we have the capability to blitz a set with driven rain should you need. Wetdowns: We have an excellent 4x4 driven wetdown facilitiy that is economical and rather speedy. Miscellaneous Water Effects: Floods, Drips, Water Effects, Studio Tanks, etc. Other water facilities include dump-tank technology which allows a mass volume of liquid to move into frame or wherever very quickly with little effort. We also stock a range of drip bars for those film sets of a danker disposition. 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 have experience in specifying studio tanks for water sets with rising levels of water, drainage facilities and heated chlorinated water. Legal Potable Water: With the privatisation of water in Britain, several 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.

BULLETS, ELECTRONICS, STUNT RIGS, SMOKE, STEAM, SNOW, FIREWORKS, MISC, NASTY MIXES.... Bullets: We have developed a remote-controlled pneumatic head shot rig which gives the most amazing exit wound! We have also run up a long list of artist body hits including single shots, multi-hits and shotgunnings to chest, back, stomach and even shoes. We also have an excellent system for registering bullet hits on car windscreens as well as the facilities to put hits on more inert background objects. Electronics: We designed, built and operated Dusty Bin, the famous robot of '321' fame but more recently we have used our electronic knowledge for things like remote control bullet hits, making 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. Stunt Rigging: 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 performers and would always work in liaison with a separate qualified Stunt Supervisor. Smoke and Steam: Smoke and steam atmospherics are easily available with our fine selection of smoke generating equipment 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. Snow: Our snow machines give a fantastic falling snow effect and are best suited to smaller set-ups. Aerial Displays: Aerial displays are also available such as fireworks and flares, but also flying fireballs as seen in the biggest effect in soap history, which we had the privilege of performing, the 'Emmerdale' air disaster. Miscellaneous Effects: There is a high miscellany factor in terms of the work we do, it varies from job to job; 'Special Effects' is an umbrella term. This section of the web site is really an amalgam of the thousands of varied effects we have produced aside from those with a pyrotechnic or a water basis. These include breakaway props, pneumatics, robotics, electronics, engineering, joinery, craftwork and the use of all materials to create items of a high quality designed, produced and guaranteed for the specifics of your needs. Nasty Stuff: 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 foulities can be easily produced.

NEW FOR 2008 - THE 'GRAIN DIVISION' SOUND STUDIO.... About: The Grain Division studio is a purpose built sound-proof recording space with separate control room. It offers a comfortable and pleasant environment in which to document that which moves you most. Location: Situated in Rodley between Leeds and Bradford, it is easy to access off the Leeds ringroad. Audio Equipment: 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. Filming: The studio has blackout facilities and a range of lighting effects making it ideal for small film projects, interviews, cutaways and pick-ups, and narration or voice-over work as well as music. Rates: Competitive rates and flexible hours available. Please enquire. For bookings and more information e-mail [ thestudio@thegraindivision.cjb.net ]

CONTACT DETAILS.... e-Mail Address: [ sfx@ianrowley.com ] Postal Address: H. A. & C. Rowley Ltd. 46A Oakland Road Industrial Estate Oaklands Road Rodley Leeds LS13 1LQ

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. All video footage on this web site was taken by the team to use as reference for future effects, often filmed from working angles, rather than the intended or most effective angle. Where you see the movie frame, click to view relevant video clips. Or you can visit our [ You Tube channel ] to view all clips out of context. Web design by Rob at The Grain Division © 2008 [ Bookmark this page ]