An exploding cream pie

[ibimus]

So I've been creating this cooking skit, and I decided that cream pies need to play some part in it. However, since I'm clowning alone, I can't throw it at anyone, so I got to thinking that it could just expode in my face.
I'm not really sure how to make it do that. Any suggestions? Like a hidden pump or something...I'm not really sure how that would work.

[Scruffy]

how do you want it to explode?
If you want to be able to control it, I would go to a thrift shop and get a cheap metal pie pan, drill two holes thru it across from each other about a half inch up from the bottom of the pan. next,buy a new, clean wooden mouse trap, place it in the bottom of the pan,set it,an run a piece of wire thru the two holes, across the top of the trap. it should now be locked in place, and safe to handle. BTW, you might need to screw the trap to the bottom of the pan to keep it in place. For the load, I would cut a piece of poster board so that it fits into the bottom of the pan. Cover with whipped cream. Theoretically, it will be light enough that when you release the wire, it will flip the card board up and make a big mess.
This is an untested prop. I don't question the trap in the pan, but make sure the card board is not a tight fit, and that the lock pin sticks out about an inch on the opposite side so that you can handle it in a fairly normal manner without tripping it. If any of our other prop engineers have Ideas, I am interested in hearing them. This is a good exercise in brainstorming.

[ibimus]

Well, you know how on cartoons things just explode in a burst. Sort like dynamite explodes. I'm looking to end the skit by looking at (maybe smelling or admiring) the pie, and it'll burst into my face. So, yes, I need to do it on command.

A moustrap sounds good...better than anything I've come up with. I'll play around with that idea.

All of my ideas have consisted of extremely complicated tubes, air pressure, pumps, balloons, and more caculations than brain surgery. Yikes!

Thanks, Scruff!

[ashes]

Or, you can hold the pie and trip, thus causing you to
thrust the pie into your own face.

Or maybe sneeze and end up face-first in the pie.

Ashes

[The_Princess_of_Bozonia]

All my suggestions would have involved pumps, tubing, and balloons too. I hope you'll make a video of this skit when you've got everything figured out, it sounds like it'll be great!

[tim]

Originally Posted by Scruffy

Cover with whipped cream.

Shaving cream.

[ibimus]

Shaving cream.

What if it gets in my mouth.....?

Ashes, I think I may end up just doing that. It's simpler and safer than anything else...

My task for tonight is to get all of my thoughts about this onto paper (that could get messy) and get a proper skit written up...wish me luck!


And thanks for the help.

[tim]

Originally Posted by ibimus

What if it gets in my mouth.....?

It's just soap, really. Shaving cream is more stable as a substance and easier to clean off your costume, ultimately. It's what has traditionally been used for such gags, actually.

[ashes]

To me, simpler is better.

I've seen all sorts of rigged props, but to me that just
means more to carry and more things that can go wrong.

Just my opinion.

Ashes

[ashes]

And I agree with the shaving cream - plain, not menthol.

Ashes