A Tear in Space (Airlock)

Bespoke Atmospheric Wind Rigging for Glass Animals’ “A Tear in Space (Airlock)”

MACHINESHOP engineered and executed the full package of on-set practical special effects and environmental staging for the visually striking music video “A Tear in Space (Airlock)” by global indie-pop band Glass Animals. Developed to ground the track’s futuristic, high-concept narrative, the cinematic video relies on aggressive, real-world physics to simulate a chaotic spacecraft de-pressurization event completely in-camera.

Our special effects crew worked directly on the soundstage to construct a highly controllable practical environment. The embedded official music video and behind-the-scenes engineering logs capture the precise mechanical testing, high-output fan positioning, and synchronized cues required to blast environmental elements flawlessly across the filming environment.

Advanced Mechanical Wind Rigging & Vacuum-Style Atmospherics

Simulating the violent extraction of an airlock breach requires absolute control over high-velocity air streams, rapid take-to-take reset mechanics, and tight safety parameters around the performers:

• High-Velocity Practical Wind Rigging: Deploying heavy-duty mechanical air movers and variable-speed wind machines from our wind and extraction hire range to project localized, high-impact gusts directly onto the talent.
• Crisp Atmospheric Haze Texturing: Calibrating low-residue haze generators from our haze machine fleet to visually texture the fast-moving currents, making the invisible “vacuum” currents pop dramatically under high-definition studio lighting.
• Flawless Performance & Wardrobe Agility: Positioning low-profile, vibration-isolated wind tunnels behind custom studio backdrops, allowing the band members to practically interact with the intense drafts safely without breaking frame.
• Strict Take-to-Take Continuity: Programming synchronized electronic controllers to instantly fire or cut the mechanical wind lines on a live cue, keeping the fast-paced music video production schedule moving efficiently.