A CENTURY IN PHOTOGRAPHS
South China Morning Post photographers have raced to capture Hong Kong's defining moments in the years since the newspaper hit the streets. In this, the publication's centenary year, our researchers are trawling the archives to illustrate a forthcoming book celebrating 100 years of history as seen through the camera lens. Post Magazine provides a preview of some of the most spectacular images.
March 15, 2002: Fiery ending, or just the magic of the movies? A stuntman performs a pyrotechnical set-piece in Tuen Mun as the second Special Effects Operators' Training Programme class graduates.
With the introduction of the Entertainment Special Effects Ordinance in March 2001, operators were required to complete the programme and obtain a special-effects licence if they wished to stage stunts in films and television shows, or at any public event.
The course was introduced in response to a government review of the use of fireworks and other explosives on film sets. Hollywood pyrotechnics expert Jim Allen, enlisted to advise on local practices, said he was shocked by the dangerous methods often employed, adding, 'the materials used were very unpredictable'.
He warned the volatile combination of potassium, carbon and sulphur previously favoured was 'very, very violent' and was not subject to any quality control.
