Concept Smoke Systems Welcomes National Trust Team for Artificial Smoke Open Day

Concept Smoke Systems welcomed the National Trust and fellow heritage, conservation and filming professionals to our Maidenhead premises on 14 May 2026 for a morning exploring the science and practical application of artificial smoke.

Combining a technical overview with live demonstrations, the open day was designed to give those involved in managing filming at historic properties and sensitive countryside locations a better understanding of smoke types, how different systems operate and the questions to consider when planning smoke effects.

The visit built on an earlier National Trust visit in 2023 and ongoing discussions about smoke and haze guidance for filming.

Understanding the differences

Artificial smoke can create everything from a subtle atmospheric haze to a dense blanket of mist, but similar looking effects can be produced using very different equipment and fluids.

During the session, we explored the differences between oil based and water based smoke, the operating methods used to generate these effects, and the importance of particle size. The aim was to help visitors understand why the choice of machine and fluid matters, and why artificial smoke should not be treated as a single, uniform product.

For teams reviewing filming proposals, this knowledge provides a useful foundation for discussions with production crews and special effects suppliers. Understanding the equipment being proposed, how it operates and the effect it is intended to achieve helps make those conversations more informed and specific.

Seeing the systems in action

Live demonstrations brought the technical discussion to life, giving visitors the opportunity to compare how different smoke systems performed outdoors and ask questions as the effects were produced.

Seeing the equipment operating helped connect the theory with the practical realities of creating smoke for filming. It also provided an opportunity to discuss the differences between producing a light atmospheric effect and generating a larger volume of smoke across a location.

The group brought together expertise in filming, conservation, ecology and countryside management. This made for valuable discussion about the information needed to assess proposed effects in the context of individual locations and their particular sensitivities.

Sharing knowledge to support informed decisions

The visit was organised with Vicki Marsland, National Conservator, Filming & Locations at the National Trust. Following the open day, Vicki thanked Concept for hosting the group and commented:

“I think everyone gained a huge amount of information about artificial smoke and it was so useful to see how different smoke systems performed in the demo’s.”

For Concept, the day was an opportunity to share our manufacturing experience and practical knowledge with the people responsible for overseeing filming in some of the country’s most valued locations. Bringing technical and conservation perspectives together helps build a clearer understanding of the available effects and supports better-informed decisions about their use.

We would like to thank Vicki and everyone who joined us for their interest, thoughtful questions and contribution to an enjoyable and productive morning.