KORBIN BURKHARDT SFX
PRACTICAL, MECHANICAL, AND SPECIAL FX MADE FOR FILM
Korbin Burkhardt is a special effects technician and mechanical engineer focused on practical effects, mechanical rigs, and on-set film work.
WHAT I DO
I design and build physical effects using engineering principles like mechanics and forces.
This approach reflects the tradition of mechanically driven effects seen in films like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Alien, Terminator, and Mad Max.
FEATURED EFFECT SHOWCASE
Squibs and Body Impacts
Remote-triggered squib systems designed for controlled blood hits, precise timing, and repeatable performance. Built with safety, reset speed, and camera readability in mind.
Shoulder-Mounted Cannon
A wearable, button-activated shoulder cannon built for in-camera use. Designed for reliable triggering, secure mounting, and repeatable performance during filming.
Mechanical Wearable Effects
Wearable mechanical rigs including expandable wings and articulated hand-mounted claw systems. Designed for movement, comfort, and durability during filming.
Props and Fabrication
Functional prop builds using 3D-printed components, mechanical linkages, and custom assemblies. Designed to deploy, retract, or activate on cue.
Practical Injury Effects
Classic practical injury effects using traditional materials and methods, refined through testing to ensure consistency across takes.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
I combine mechanical engineering, practical effects fabrication, and on-set production experience. My effects work is built around real mechanical systems that are designed, tested, and refined to function reliably during filming.
Practical Effects & Mechanical Skills
Through hands-on projects such as squibs, mechanical wearables, articulated props, and practical injury effects, I have experience with:
Engineering Background
I hold a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Engineering Design and have professional experience as a mechanical engineer.
My background includes mechanical system design, CAD modeling, and real-world problem solving, all of which inform how I approach practical effects work.
On-Set, Camera & Media Experience
In addition to effects, I have experience working on set in production support roles and as a videographer and editor. My experience includes:
Open to Production Work
While my primary focus is mechanical and practical effects, I’m open to contributing wherever needed on a production, including effects work, production support, media capture, or background roles.
ABOUT ME
I’m drawn to movies, games, and stories that feel immersive and physical. Films like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Alien, Blade Runner, and The Dark Knight sparked my interest in practical effects and how real builds bring worlds to life on screen.
Outside of film work, I enjoy streaming and playing video games on Twitch and staying active through bodybuilding and training. Both push me to stay disciplined, creative, and detail-oriented.
I enjoy working hands-on, learning through doing, and contributing wherever I’m needed on set, whether that’s building effects, supporting production, or helping a project come together.
CONTACT ME
If you’d like to get in touch about film work, collaborations, or on-set opportunities, feel free to reach out.