What does Breakaway mean?
Breakaway refers to a prop, set piece, or costume element that is designed and built to break, shatter, or come apart safely during a stunt or action sequence. Breakaway items are constructed from materials like balsa wood, sugar glass, or soft foam that look realistic on camera but are engineered to break in a controlled and safe way. The property master and special effects team are responsible for preparing and supplying breakaway items on a production.
Example:The stunt coordinator requested six breakaway bottles made from sugar glass for the bar fight scene — each one designed to shatter safely on contact without risk of injury to the performers.
Example: The property master provided a breakaway chair built from balsa wood for the scene where the actor falls backward onto the furniture, ensuring the piece would collapse safely without injuring the performer.
Did you know?
Sugar glass — one of the most common materials used to make breakaway glass items — is made from sugar syrup poured into molds. It shatters into blunt, non-sharp pieces that are safe for performers to fall through or near. Real glass is never used in scenes involving performers, regardless of how realistic the shatter needs to appear.
You can also find “Breakaway” and related terms in this category: Technology and Equipment.
