Wind machines rental

What wind machines are and what you use them for

A wind machine is a powerful fan that gives a directed airflow, intended to add movement to an image. Where most special effects work with light, smoke or sparks, a wind machine works with something intangible: the air itself. The effect is not the wind you see, but what the wind does with hair, clothing, fabrics and flags. A model walking the catwalk with billowing hair, a flag unfurling taut, a speaker whose jacket moves at the moment of the reveal: these are small things that turn a static image dynamic and cinematic in an instant.

You use a wind machine when you want to give a moment or an image extra charge and movement. In the fashion and photography world it is a classic tool for the hero shot, where the wind makes a figure look bigger and more powerful. At an event you use it for an entrance, a reveal or a moment captured on camera, or simply to bring flags and banners to life. Wind machines belong to the subtler special effects: they do not scream for attention, but they make the difference between a flat and a dynamic image, certainly when there is filming or photography going on.

When wind machines suit your event

Wind machines come into their own most strongly at events where image and presentation are central. At a fashion show they are almost indispensable: the wind makes hair and clothing move while the models walk the catwalk, which shows the collection more dynamically and gives the whole a professional, spectacular look. The wind ideally swells along with the music and the entrance of each model.

At a product launch too a wind machine reinforces the moment of the reveal, for example by making a cloth billow or giving a speaker or product a hero shot at the moment the attention peaks. At a photo shoot or video recording at an event, the wind machine is a standard tool for powerful portraits and dynamic images. A wind machine also brings flags, banners and fabric decor to life, which gives a lively image at a festive opening or a sports event. We assess in advance which type and which placement give the desired effect, so the wind arrives exactly where it is needed.

The technology: type, setup, test and operation

A wind machine seems simple, but the effect stands or falls with the choice of type, the placement and the tuning of the strength.

The right type

There are compact fans for a directed airflow over a short distance and large wind machines that give a broad, powerful stream over a catwalk or a stage. Some machines are adjustable in speed via DMX, so the wind can swell up and down with the music or the moment. We choose the type, the strength and the number based on the effect you want, the distance to the people or objects and the room. For a subtle billowing image you choose something different from a powerful hero shot.

Setup and test

On the day itself we place the machine stably and securely in the spot that gives the desired effect, and route the cabling safely. We test the airflow in advance and adjust the strength and the direction, so the wind does exactly what you want: hair that billows nicely, a flag that unfurls, clothing that moves without it becoming overdone. We also check that there are no loose objects in the path that could blow away. We do this test before the programme begins, so there is time to adjust.

Operation on location

During the programme our technician operates the wind machine, so the wind kicks in at the right moment and, where desired, swells along with the music or the entrance. At a fashion show that means the wind on for each model and off in between, at a reveal a powerful burst at the moment the cloth drops. We coordinate the timing with light and sound, so the movement fits the rest of the moment.

Points of attention for wind machines

The most important point of attention is the path of the airflow. A wind machine gives a powerful stream, so loose objects, papers, light decor and table decorations can blow away if they are in the path. We place the machine so the wind goes where it should and keep the path clear of loose items. We also watch the distance to people, so the wind stays pleasant and the effect stays beautiful without anyone being bothered by it.

A second point is the noise. Large wind machines produce noticeable noise from the motor and the airflow, which is no problem at a fashion show with music, but can disturb a spoken moment. We therefore choose a type that suits the situation and place it so the noise does not disturb the programme, or we use the wind only during musical moments. Furthermore, we always place the machine stably and securely, so it cannot fall over or shift, and route the cabling safely so there is no tripping hazard.

Combining with light, sound and other effects

Wind only really comes to life in combination with light. Hair or fabric that moves in a directed light stands out sharply, and a backlight shining through billowing hair or a moving cloth gives a cinematic, dramatic image. Without good light much of the movement is lost, whereas with the right lighting it becomes the focal point of the image. We take care of that coordination between wind and light.

The sound plays a part too: at a fashion show or an entrance the wind ideally swells along with the music, so movement and rhythm coincide. Wind machines also combine beautifully with other effects, for example by blowing confetti or streamers further into the room, or by making a low mist move over the floor. Because HuurAV delivers sound, light, video and effects from a single source, those elements fit together without you having to coordinate different parties. HuurAV takes care of the advice, the setup, the test and the operation, while standalone rental of simple equipment without support can be arranged through SpeakerVerhuur.nl.

Requesting a quote

Do you want to give your catwalk, your reveal or your image the dynamism of billowing hair, moving clothing or an unfurling flag? HuurAV, part of Speaker Verhuur Amsterdam, puts together a wind machine setup on a quote basis that suits your moment, your room and the rest of your technology, including the choice of type, the tuning of the strength and the operation on location. Let us know which image you want to set in motion and what your space looks like, and we will think along and send you a clear proposal. Request a no-obligation quote.