Real SFX LTD

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Real SFX LTD

UK based award winning SFX company for the TV & Film industry. Credits include Doctor Who, Sherloc

ience in the industry will ensure that it is delivered safely, on budget and as realistic as possible using all of the latest techniques and equipment available. All projects are over seen by Danny Hargreaves whose fresh and exciting approach has earned him respect as one of the most enthusiastic, dynamic supervisors in the industry. His experience spans over 15 years and his reputation for consistently providing cutting edge special effects along with his integrity and attention to detail has built him an impressive client portfolio.

26/11/2025

Huge congratulations to Lost Boys & Fairies on winning the International Emmy for TV Movie/Mini-Series! 🌟

An incredible achievement for and every single member of the team behind this beautiful production.

So proud to see Welsh storytelling shine on the international stage, and especially proud knowing we had the chance to be part of something so special.

Massive love to the Welsh crew and everyone who poured their hearts into this. Diolch! ✨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

21/11/2025

What a brilliant day at the launch yesterday! 🎬✨

We were very proud to be there, and it’s amazing to be right at the heart of the Midlands creative scene with our base there.

Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat, and to and the whole team for a standout event. Great to hear from Adrian Wootton OBE of the British Film Commission, Martin Simms, and all the speakers about the incredible momentum building across the region.

Production Central WM is really set to supercharge the sector - bringing locations, crew, logistics, permitting, build space and the supply chain together under one roof, backed by the region’s creative cluster and fast-growing studio infrastructue🍼🚀🧢

And a big shoutout to , and Rudi for holding down the stand and bringing the energy all day.

REAL energy. REAL ideas. REAL big things coming for the West Midlands. 💥

17/10/2025

We were thrilled to join the celebrations marking 10 incredible years of , a company that has transformed the Welsh film and TV industry.

Since 2015, Bad Wolf has delivered world-class productions, and we’ve had the privilege of working alongside them on iconic shows such as His Dark Materials, A Discovery of Witches, Industry, The War Between the Land and the Sea, Dope Girls, and Doctor Who. These shows - and Bad Wolf itself - have captivated audiences globally, while also creating real opportunities in Wales: generating thousands of jobs, investing millions in local suppliers, and helping build a sustainable screen sector in Wales.

What’s particularly inspiring (and something we absolutely love) is how has gone beyond just making productions. Their commitment to nurturing talent, supporting local crews, and engaging communities is remarkable. From career events and school tours to mentoring programmes and hands-on training initiatives with , they’ve created pathways for a new generation of film and TV professionals to learn, grow, and thrive right here in Wales.

Under the vision and leadership of and , two true powerhouses of the industry, Bad Wolf has consistently combined creative excellence with a genuine commitment to people and place. Their work has not only put Wales firmly on the map as a world-class hub for film and TV production, but it has also fostered an environment where local talent can flourish and the community can share in the success of the screen industry.

Here’s to 10 years of bold storytelling, collaboration, and unforgettable impact, and to many more years of creativity, inspiration, and Welsh-made magic. We truly love working with Jane, Julie, and the entire Bad Wolf team, and can’t wait to see what comes next!

16/10/2025

🎬 What an amazing day at the Careers Fair today in Birmingham.

We had such a brilliant time chatting with so many passionate people keen to kickstart their careers in Special Effects. 💥 The energy and curiosity was fantastic.

Our Birmingham dream team - our apprentice Rudi and Birmingham University students and Liv - did an awesome job talking all things , sharing their experiences and advice about breaking into the industry.

At Real SFX, we’re all about training, careers, and supporting the next generation of creative talent. Helping people discover their path in this exciting industry is something we’re genuinely passionate about.

👉 If you’d like to learn more about careers, training, or opportunities with us, drop us a DM or email [email protected]

24/09/2025

💥Can you believe this was 10 years ago when
we took the cobbles of Coronation Street live with an unforgettable car explosion, bringing drama to millions of viewers in REAL time.

From fire to floods, crashes to chaos this milestone reminds us just how far we’ve come as leaders in practical special effects. 🔥

Here’s a look back at that explosive night with BTS shots of our crew making the magic happen.

How has a decade gone this fast?! 👀

12/09/2025

Because it’s the Emmys this week, we thought we’d post a throwback to when RealSFX proudly won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role on Sherlock: The Abominable Bride! 🏆✨

This was a joint award shared with the brilliant team at Milk VFX – collaboration at its very best 🙌

Moments like these remind us why we love what we do and how powerful teamwork can be when practical and visual effects come together.

02/09/2025

Have you seen the No.1 series Hostage yet? Did you wonder how on earth Downing Street ended up in blowing up? 💥

Well… this is how we did it! 👇

Our awesome REAL SFX crew brought the chaos to life with precision, creativity and safe, controlled explosions, to deliver one of the most talked-about moments in the series.

Check out our exclusive BTS of the team in action making the magic happen. 🎬💣

12/08/2025

🔍✨ Elementary, dear friends! ✨🔍

It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since Sherlock first burst onto our screens! 🕵️‍♂️

We had the pleasure of bringing some of the show’s most iconic moments to life with our special effects - from explosive reveals and roaring fireballs to atmospheric details that kept you right on the edge of your armchair… and we loved every minute of it!

As a blast from the past, take a peek at these exclusive BTS shots, where the smoke, sparks, fireballs, explosions (and the occasional flurry of fake snow) all came together to build the world of Sherlock Holmes.

We’re also incredibly proud to say our work was recognised with an Emmy Award in 2016 for The Abominable Bride - one of our proudest cases to crack. 🏆

15 years on, we’re still honoured to have been part of such a groundbreaking, mind-twisting, coat-swishing series. 💥

08/08/2025

🎉 It’s been one whole year since we picked up the keys to our new Bristol base at

And what a year……. being right at the heart of Bristol’s TV & film hub has been a huge part of our growth. Surrounded by incredible productions, talent, and creative energy, we’ve felt right at home.

Having a permanent space here has allowed us to work more closely with local crew, support emerging talent, and be part of a thriving screen community.

Here’s to year two - growing, collaborating, and making more movie magic in the South West! 🎥

06/08/2025

Yes… we own an International Space Station. 🛰️
And you might’ve already seen it on screen 👀

Check out this clip from one of the productions where our ISS was featured. Available for your next shoot, currently in flatpack form.

We also handled the practical effects in War of the Worlds — so if you want cinematic impact, you know who to call.

📩 For hire and more info: [email protected]

02/07/2025

A big thank you to everyone who visited the Real SFX stand at the Sustainability in Production - Wales event. We had (our SFX Technician), and Rudi (our SGIL Cymru Production Office Apprentice) there, chatting to so many of you about what we do.

From our commitment to - and leadership in - sustainability in special effects, to our KIT4CREW initiative, and the exciting career opportunities we’re currently recruiting for, it was so great to share our work and hear from others who are just as passionate about building a greener future for film and TV. 💚🎬

And yes, our business cards made from reclaimed set pieces got a lot of love! ♻️ Just a small example of how circular thinking can be embedded into even the smallest details.

We’re super proud to be part of the change, and to have been part of today. A big thank you to
and for making it happen.

Here’s to more collaboration, innovation, and positive progress across the industry. ♻️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿💥

17/06/2025

🎉 Huge congratulations to (CBE) and (OBE) on their incredibly well-deserved recognition in the King’s Honours List!

We are beyond proud to have worked so closely with both of these extraordinary women - true trailblazers who have helped shape the screen industry in Wales and beyond.

Jane’s creative leadership at has brought global attention to Wales through iconic productions like His Dark Materials, Doctor Who, Industry, and A Discovery of Witches. Her fearless storytelling and belief in Welsh talent have created opportunity and inspiration in equal measure.

through has been a tireless force for good - an absolute powerhouse - building pathways for local crew, nurturing new generations, and opening doors for those who might never have had the chance. Her belief in projects like our own initiative has helped drive forward real, tangible change in how we support and grow our workforce.

As a company rooted in Wales, we’ve seen first-hand how much these two women have done, not just for the industry, but for people. They lead with vision, integrity and heart - lifting others as they go.

✨ Jane and Allison, thank you. Your legacy is powerful, and your recognition is so deserved.

Address

R/O ATS Ipswich Road
Cardiff
CF239AQ

Website

http://www.realsfx.com/

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Our Story

We pride ourselves on being able to offer competitive and flexible quotes for all types of productions. We operate under strict codes of practice with safety paramount and are totally committed to delivering a personal, professional service with the maximum input from our team of qualified technicians. We can design and build effects for specific requirements and what ever effect desired our experience in the industry will ensure that it is delivered safely, on budget and as realistic as possible using all of the latest techniques and equipment available. All projects are over seen by Danny Hargreaves whose fresh and exciting approach has earned him respect as one of the most enthusiastic, dynamic supervisors in the industry. His experience spans over 15 years and his reputation for consistently providing cutting edge special effects along with his integrity and attention to detail has built him an impressive client portfolio.