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Fake snow
Fake snow
from Wikipedia
A White House decoration volunteer throws fake snow onto a Christmas tree at the White House

Fake snow is any product which simulates the appearance and texture of snow, without being made from frozen crystalline water.

Fake snow has been made from many materials. In the early 1900s, decorative snow was sometimes made from borax flakes and even ammonia.[1]

Before the dangers of asbestos were known, the substance was sold for Christmas tree decoration. It was also used to simulate snow in films, including The Wizard of Oz and Citizen Kane,[2] although gypsum may have been used[3] until it was banned. Actor Lon Chaney died after fake snow, lodged in his throat, caused a serious infection, which then lead to a throat hemmorrhage of which he died.

Fake snow has also been sold in spray cans which could apply the flocking to windows and indoor displays.[4]

Film and theatre

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Fake snow at a filming location for the Doctor Who 2013 Christmas Special

When snow-like scenery is needed in live theatre, materials have included feathers, cotton, paper, breakfast cereal and potato flakes.[5] To reduce the cleanup problem, many theatres use "snow generators" which create soapy white bubbles which disappear after a short time.[6] A similar process has been used in film studios and backlots; one well-known example is It's a Wonderful Life.[7] Director, Frank Capra, refused cornflake snow made from asbestos and gypsum. Working with Russell Sherman, special effects artist, they created fake snow from foamite, soap, sugar, and water. The mixture was then released from high-pressure cans, causing the fake snowfall to appear natural. The properties of the fake snow were also realistic as actors could clump the mixture in their hands and leave footprints on the ground. Shearman along with his staffers, Jack Lannan and Marty Martin won an Oscar, the Technical Achievement Award, for their special effects efforts.[8]

For outdoor film scenes needing large amounts of fake snow, salt was an inexpensive choice, but damaging to soil and plant life.[9] Gypsum and bleached or painted cereal flakes have often been used;[10] a less noisy alternative is paper, which is shredded and spread by specially-built machines.[11] Snow blankets, made from woven tapestries, are typically used to represent large areas of snow for a background.[12]

Many productions turn to eco-friendly fake snow, crafted from recycled paper and food-quality ingredients, to build expansive winter settings. Its biodegradable makeup ensures it dissolves harmlessly, preventing environmental runoff.[13] SnowCel, a paper-based material, is known for replicating various snowfalls and frost. The modern industry commonly uses SnowCel as its properties are non-toxic.[14]

Finally, the newest method for creating movie snow involves adding it digitally during post-production. Specialized software generates realistic snow overlays, allowing editors to choose from many detailed effects, such as falling, piling, or melting snow. [15]

Making fake snow

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A common method for creating artificial snow at home involves combining household materials. To make this mixture, baking soda and hair conditioner are placed in a bowl, and small amounts of water are gradually added until the texture becomes slightly sticky. Decorative items such as beads, buttons, or other craft materials may be mixed in to enhance the appearance and texture of the fake snow.[16]

References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Fake snow, also known as artificial or simulated snow, refers to a variety of synthetic materials and mechanical techniques employed in , television, and theatrical productions to mimic the visual and textural qualities of natural and accumulated without using frozen water. Developed primarily to overcome the unpredictability of real weather during shoots, fake snow allows directors to control environmental conditions for winter scenes, ensuring consistency across takes and locations. Early methods in the era relied on simple, improvised substances such as bleached cornflakes, , salt, dust, chicken feathers, and batting, which were scattered manually to create ground cover or light flurries. However, these materials often proved problematic: cornflakes were noisy underfoot, disrupting audio recordings; posed hazards; and , used in films like (1939) and (1941), later revealed severe health risks due to its carcinogenic fibers. A significant advancement came in 1934 when engineer Louis Geib invented the first snowmaking machine, which shaved large blocks of ice into fine particles using rotating blades, enabling more realistic falling snow and even the formation of snowballs on set, as seen in the film As the Earth Turns. This ice-based approach marked a shift toward mechanical production, though it was labor-intensive and limited by the need for constant ice supply. By 1946, for Frank Capra's , a groundbreaking foamite mixture—combining , flakes, water, and sugar—was developed to produce silent, photogenic flakes that could be directed by fans across large sets, simulating a gentle snowfall over the four-acre replica of Bedford Falls. This innovation not only enhanced visual realism but also addressed sound issues from earlier materials like cornflakes. In the mid-20th century, other substitutes emerged, including marble dust for heavy drifts in epics like (1965), instant potato flakes, flour, and early firefighting foams, though many were messy or environmentally unfriendly. The 1980s introduced Snowcel, a cellulose-based product made from tiny bits of paper, which became a standard for its lightweight, footprint-holding properties and ease of use in films such as the series, where it was combined with refrigeration units to prevent melting under lights. Modern production methods often involve pneumatic blowers that disperse paper snow—available in various thicknesses and textures—through hoses at rates covering up to 37 square meters per minute, with added moisture for better adhesion to surfaces. Today, while physical fake snow remains essential for practical effects requiring texture or interaction (e.g., trudging through drifts), digital technologies like (CGI) have revolutionized the field, as exemplified in Disney's Frozen (2013), where animated snow integrates seamlessly with live action for boundless, cost-effective simulations. Beyond entertainment, similar materials find use in holiday decorations, theme parks, and , prioritizing safety, sustainability, and visual fidelity over the years.

History

Early development

The development of fake snow originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily motivated by the challenges of simulating winter conditions in indoor theaters and emerging studios, where natural snow proved unreliable due to scheduling constraints and variability. Performers and producers sought materials that could mimic snow's appearance without melting, drifting, or requiring outdoor filming, enabling consistent effects for plays and acts. Gypsum-based powders were used in early film productions, often mixed with other materials like cornflakes to simulate snow. This method allowed for easy application over sets but posed challenges like dust inhalation, contributing to health risks for actors and crew. Potato starch was used as an early alternative material, noted for being safer and biodegradable. This addressed some rigidity issues of materials like gypsum while maintaining affordability. A notable mechanical innovation occurred in 1934 when engineer Louis Geib invented the first snowmaking machine, which used rotating blades to shave ice blocks into fine particles, enabling realistic falling and snowball formation, as demonstrated in the film As the Earth Turns. In the late 1920s, was suggested as a fire-resistant for snow effects, leading to its use in films starting in , leveraging its fibrous quality to produce drifting flakes that enhanced visual realism in controlled studio environments. Despite later revelations of its health risks, was widely used in early Hollywood winter scenes due to its texture and fire resistance. These foundational techniques paved the way for broader adoption in 1930s cinema.

20th-century advancements

In the , Hollywood shifted toward more practical and less hazardous materials for simulating in films, moving away from earlier substitutes like painted cornflakes used in the 1930s. A significant advancement came with the development of foamite-based mixtures, combining foam, flakes, water, and sugar to create a lightweight, silent-falling snow that did not interfere with recording. This innovation was prominently employed in the 1946 film , where approximately 6,000 gallons of the mixture were produced to cover sets, marking a key refinement in production efficiency for large-scale winter scenes. By the 1950s, asbestos remained in use for some productions despite emerging health concerns, as seen in the 1954 musical White Christmas, where asbestos fibers simulated drifting snow across outdoor-style sets filmed in studios. However, theater regulations increasingly emphasized , prompting the integration of fire-retardant additives into artificial snow formulations during the . resins emerged as a common component in foam-based fake snow, providing both structural integrity and flame resistance suitable for stage applications, such as in live performances where proximity to lighting and sets heightened fire risks. In the mid-20th century, mechanical machines were developed for applying artificial flocking materials, including for decorations. Advancements culminated in the with the introduction of cellulose-based products, such as SnowCel, a shredded derivative that offered a realistic texture and easy cleanup while avoiding previous toxicities. First utilized in the 1984 The , this material became widely adopted in Hollywood for its biodegradability and versatility in both ground cover and falling effects, solidifying industrial scaling for and theater.

Materials and methods

Chemical compositions

Fake snow formulations primarily rely on lightweight, expandable to replicate the texture, density, and visual properties of natural snow. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads serve as a core material, composed of —a synthetic derived from styrene —infused with as a to create a closed-cell, microcellular structure. This expansion process begins with pre-expanding the beads by heating them in , causing the to vaporize and increase volume up to 40 times, resulting in a fluffy, irregular texture that closely mimics snowflakes. The beads typically exhibit densities of 15–30 kg/m³, providing low weight for voluminous coverage while maintaining structural integrity under light compression. Water-based polymers like (PVA) gels offer another key formulation for granular or moldable fake snow, acting as a binder to hold particles together while allowing flexibility. PVA, typically at 0.5–5% by weight, is dissolved in heated water (around 85°C) to form a solution, then combined with a cross-linking agent such as (0.5–5% by weight) and a like (20–35% by weight) to induce gelation. The gelation process involves mixing the PVA solution with the cross-linker, which forms ionic bonds between PVA chains, creating a viscoelastic network that can be blended with fillers like crystalline particles (50–75% by weight, 0.5–3 mm size) for a homogeneous, snow-like aggregate. For biodegradable variants, crystals provide a superabsorbent option that expands dramatically upon hydration to form soft, white flakes resembling fresh . This anionic absorbs up to 300 times its weight in water through osmotic swelling, locking moisture within its crosslinked structure without dissolving. Optimal performance occurs at 4–8, where absorption capacity remains stable, preventing degradation or reduced efficacy in mildly acidic to neutral conditions typical of water-based applications. Additives are incorporated to enhance aesthetic and behavioral realism in these compositions. , added in small amounts (typically 1–2% by weight), imparts a sparkling sheen by reflecting , replicating the of sunlight on snow crystals. Urea-formaldehyde resin, used at proportions of 10–20% in foam-based formulations, enables melting simulation through its degradable foam structure, which breaks down or softens when exposed to or , imitating snow's response to warming temperatures. These materials may be briefly shredded mechanically to refine for uniform distribution.

Mechanical production techniques

Mechanical production of fake snow often begins with shredding and methods applied to base materials like foam sheets. Industrial grinders or specialized shredders process these sheets into irregular flakes typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm in size, creating a lightweight, realistic texture suitable for ground cover or drifting effects. Flocking machines, such as the Snow Force or FM-1000 models, then propel the shredded material onto surfaces using fans and mists, ensuring even distribution for applications like tree branches or set dressings. Aerial dispersion systems facilitate widespread application, mimicking natural snowfall over large areas. Devices like the Blizzard Snow Cannon employ fan-propelled mechanisms to eject up to 200,000 flakes per minute over a range of 68-72 feet, often combined with simulation for dynamic effects in outdoor or staged environments. These systems can cover approximately 7,000 square feet with dual units, drawing from hoppers or fluid reservoirs at rates such as 7 gallons per 30 minutes for foam-based dispersions. On-site molding techniques enable rapid creation of instant snow using crystal powders derived from superabsorbent polymers like . These powders are hydrated by mixing with in a of approximately 1 part powder to 10-20 parts by volume (e.g., 1 powder to 2 ounces ), which triggers expansion to 40-100 times the original volume, forming fluffy, snow-like material within seconds to a few minutes for initial formation and up to 5-10 minutes for full hydration and stabilization. This process is ideal for controlled, moldable volumes in tight shooting schedules. Recycling processes for reusable fake snow materials emphasize collection and reprocessing of components. Vacuum systems collect dispersed flakes post-use, compacting them via densifiers like the GREENMAX M-C200 to reduce volume by up to 90% for transport. The compacted material undergoes melting and re-foaming cycles to produce new sheets, enabling multiple reuse cycles in production environments.

Applications

Film and television

In film and television productions, fake snow enables the creation of immersive winter environments on soundstages or locations lacking natural snowfall, addressing challenges like weather dependency and audio interference. Specialized materials and methods ensure visual fidelity across shots, from wide establishing scenes to intimate close-ups, often integrated with for seamless realism. Building on advancements from the , such as the foamite-based snow in (1946) that allowed quiet footfalls and earned a Technical Achievement Academy Award, modern techniques prioritize both aesthetics and practicality. For close-up simulations requiring authentic crunch sounds, cornflake-based snow—typically bleached and painted white—has been layered with other materials like to replicate texture and noise, as utilized in the 1954 Western Track of the Cat. In disaster epics like (2004), fake snow was used to create frozen library scenes and sequences. The 1990s marked a shift toward CGI integration, where physical fake snow was augmented by digital enhancements like overlays to extend snowy landscapes. and demand precise material choices, including UV-reflective additives like or mica flakes mixed into fake snow to simulate natural and sparkle under studio lights, preventing flat appearances in key or fill illumination. These enhancements ensure consistent sheen across takes, vital for high-definition captures where discrepancies could disrupt immersion. Large-scale fake snow applications significantly impact budgets, with blockbuster scenes involving massive dumps—such as blizzards covering sets—often costing several thousand dollars per setup due to material volume, labor for application and cleanup, and specialized equipment rentals. In historical precedents like , such effects contributed significantly to the production's $3.18 million budget, underscoring ongoing fiscal challenges in visual effects-heavy films.

Theatre and live performances

In theatre and live performances, fake snow enables dynamic winter scenes in unedited, real-time settings, where precise timing, actor safety, and rapid deployment are essential to maintain the flow of plays, musicals, and concerts. Unlike pre-recorded media, these applications demand materials that fall realistically without accumulating excessively or compromising performer mobility, often using automated systems controlled via lighting consoles for synchronized effects. The practice traces back to early 20th-century stages, where simple drops of or shredded from overhead created basic snowfall illusions, though cleanup was labor-intensive. Modern iterations, as seen in Broadway productions like Frozen (2018), employ drop-and-sweep systems featuring revolving drums or snow cradles that release lightweight, biodegradable flakes, ensuring actors can navigate scenes fluidly without slippage risks. These materials provide an eco-friendly alternative to , dissolving naturally if exposed to moisture while maintaining a soft landing for enhanced mobility during choreographed sequences. Interactive elements further immerse audiences in holiday pantomimes and similar festive shows, with ceiling rigs—such as catwalk-mounted dispensers—releasing fake snow directly over seating areas to simulate a shared snowglobe experience, complete with controlled dispersal patterns from spinning tubes that produce a 15- to 20-foot cone of gentle fallout. In productions like White Christmas at the Ordway Center, this technique extends the effect beyond the stage, allowing patrons to catch evaporating soap-based or plastic flakes without residue, heightening the communal magic of live events. To address safety in these high-traffic environments, cleanup protocols are executed swiftly during intermissions, involving crew members sweeping reusable flakes into collection bins for redistribution, often preceded by spraying the stage with static guard to minimize and followed by non-slip powders or mats to mitigate accident risks from residual material. These measures ensure seamless transitions, as slippery surfaces from accumulated snow can pose hazards in fast-paced performances, with protocols emphasizing immediate vacuuming or evaporation-friendly variants to keep stages clear.

Outdoor events and sports

Fake snow plays a crucial role in outdoor events and sports, particularly in regions where natural snowfall is insufficient or unreliable, enabling consistent conditions for competitions and spectacles. In ski resorts, systems produce artificial by nucleating fine water droplets with compressed air at wet-bulb temperatures around -2.5°C, forming snow crystals that accumulate on slopes to support extended seasons and high-profile events. For instance, during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, 90 to 98 percent of the snow used across venues was artificially produced to ensure optimal course quality despite variable weather. These systems, often utilizing mechanical cannons or fan guns, can generate substantial volumes, such as the TR10 model producing up to 10 truckloads of per hour under ideal conditions, allowing rapid coverage for athletic competitions. Holiday light displays frequently incorporate fake snow piles embedded with LED lights to create immersive winter scenes, enhancing festive atmospheres in public spaces exposed to outdoor elements. These installations use durable artificial snow materials that integrate energy-efficient LEDs, providing illumination while withstanding environmental challenges like rain and temperature fluctuations. For example, LED-embedded snowflake decorations and blankets often feature IP65-rated waterproofing, protecting against water ingress and ensuring reliability during wet weather typical of holiday seasons. In large-scale festivals, fake snow installations transform venues into winter wonderlands, with effects machines and blankets simulating snowfall over expansive areas to engage crowds. Events like those at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland employ snow effect providers to generate realistic flurries and ground cover, contributing to attractions that draw millions of visitors annually. These setups, sometimes spanning hundreds of square feet with flame-resistant snow blankets, require secure anchoring such as stakes or weighted bases to resist wind gusts, maintaining structural integrity in open-air environments. For sports augmentation in outdoor stadiums, fake snow enhances shows on fields, where traction additives like rubber or specialized coatings prevent slippage during performances. Such applications, seen in events, layer lightweight artificial snow over turf to create thematic winter effects without compromising player safety or field usability post-event.

Environmental and safety aspects

Ecological impacts

Fake snow materials, particularly those derived from foam, contribute to pollution when they break down during use and disposal at outdoor events. -based fake snow, often shredded into small particles for visual effects, fragments into microplastics (<5 mm) that can enter and waterways through runoff, especially after or cleanup efforts. A study on non-essential microplastics highlights fake snow as a potential source during and activities, where outdoor dispersal leads to widespread environmental . For example, one type of fake snow is composed of , which forms a white foam when exposed to water and may contribute to pollution upon degradation; yet, many other forms of fake snow are made of microplastics. The use of fake snow indoors might lead to human exposure, while outdoors it is likely to be dispersed and result in environmental . The production of fake snow materials carries a notable , driven by energy-intensive manufacturing processes. For expanded (EPS), a primary component, lifecycle emissions average approximately 6.1 kg CO2 equivalent per kg, with major contributions from production (styrene, ~31% of total) and (~22%). This estimate aligns with broader analyses of primary production, where accounts for significant GHG contributions relative to its 20.9 million tonnes global output in 2019. Case studies from the illustrate the ecological residue from fake snow at events. In urban parks during winter festivals, cleanup operations have revealed substantial non-biodegradable remnants that persist post-event, contaminating and drains.

Health and safety regulations

and regulations for fake snow primarily address potential hazards from historical and contemporary materials used in its production, focusing on airborne particulates, chemical exposures, and fire risks in applications like , theatre, and events. In the United States, the (OSHA) enforces limits on asbestos-like fibers, which were used in pre-1980s fake snow formulations such as chrysotile asbestos for realistic texture in motion pictures. Under 29 CFR 1910.1001, the (PEL) for is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA), with an excursion limit of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter over a 30-minute period, to prevent respiratory diseases like among workers handling or dispersing such materials. These standards apply retroactively to legacy sites or archived props, requiring like local exhaust ventilation to maintain exposures below thresholds during cleanup or reuse. In the , the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, effective since 2007, imposes restrictions on commonly found in polymer-based fake snow, such as (PVC) flakes or foams used for skin-contact applications in events and performances. Annex XVII, entry 51 limits four phthalates—DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP—to no more than 0.1% by weight in articles like costumes or props that may touch the skin, with mandatory labeling to warn of potential endocrine disruption or dermal irritation risks. Compliance requires safety data sheets detailing handling protocols, including (PPE) like gloves, to protect performers and crew from prolonged contact during live events. Fire safety regulations emphasize flame retardancy for fake snow materials in enclosed spaces like theatres, where ignition sources such as pose risks. The (NFPA) 701 standard outlines test methods for flame propagation in textiles and films, applicable to synthetic snow products made from coated fabrics or sheets. To pass, materials must exhibit an after-flame time of less than 2 seconds, a char length under 6.5 inches, and no flaming residue or drips that could spread fire, ensuring safe use in proximity to audiences. Theatres must certify compliance through third-party testing, with non-compliant materials prohibited under local building codes to mitigate burn hazards. Incidents in the highlighted dust inhalation risks from non-asbestos fake , prompting enhanced ventilation protocols in . For instance, during a shoot, plastic-based artificial particles lodged in a member's lungs, causing respiratory distress that required intervention with saltwater lavage to clear the airways. Such cases led to industry-wide of OSHA's general ventilation requirements under 29 CFR 1910.94, mandating mechanical systems to dilute airborne concentrations below nuisance limits of 15 mg/m³ total and 5 mg/m³ respirable during dispersion scenes. These measures, combined with respiratory protection programs, now form standard protocols to safeguard against acute irritation in high-exposure scenarios.

Modern innovations

Sustainable alternatives

Sustainable alternatives to traditional fake snow emphasize biodegradable materials derived from renewable resources to minimize environmental persistence. Plant-based foams, often made from corn starch-derived (PLA), offer a viable eco-friendly option for applications in , , and events. These foams are produced by fermenting plant sugars into , which is then polymerized into PLA pellets and extruded into lightweight, snow-like particles. PLA-based fake snow, such as Eco Falling Snow, is fully biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, breaking down into water, , and without leaving microplastic residues. Similarly, products like Frosty Snow utilize combined with wood pulp to create self-adhesive, non-toxic flakes that mimic real snow's texture while ensuring rapid decomposition in soil or water. Recycled paper pulp serves as another key sustainable substitute, transforming fibers into fluffy, lightweight snow effects suitable for outdoor and indoor use. This material is sourced from recycled newspapers or , processed into pulp, and dried into irregular flakes that provide visual realism without chemical additives. For instance, biodegradable snow products like Sno-FX utilize from paper sources, dissolving naturally in water for easy cleanup, making it ideal for temporary installations. Such paper-based alternatives have gained traction in large-scale events and productions during the , including music festivals and holiday displays, where cleanup involves simple vacuuming or watering to facilitate breakdown. Enzyme-accelerated degradation additives represent an emerging enhancement for semi-sustainable fake snow, particularly for variants that dominate legacy applications. Emerging research since 2024 explores bacterial enzymes, such as styrene monooxygenase, to degrade by breaking it into monomers, potentially accelerating breakdown under aerobic conditions, though adoption remains limited due to challenges like cost and sensitivity to environmental factors. Adoption of these sustainable alternatives has accelerated in response to regulatory pressures and green certifications, particularly in . Initiatives like the encourage eco-assessments for theatre productions. In film and events, companies like Snow Business report widespread use of their EcoFlake products, which are 100% biodegradable and certified non-toxic, contributing to a broader industry trend toward zero-waste effects. This shift not only addresses ecological concerns from non-degradable snow but also aligns with certifications such as ISO 14001 for environmental management. As of 2025, ongoing research focuses on fully compostable alternatives for broader adoption.

Digital and hybrid simulations

Digital simulations of fake snow have revolutionized in film and entertainment by enabling realistic particle-based rendering without physical production. Software like Houdini, developed by SideFX, facilitates complex particle simulations for snow effects, as seen in Disney's Frozen II (2019), where artists used POP networks to advect snowflakes along curves for Elsa's magical sequences, combined with Pyro simulations for dynamic flurries like those in the wind spirit . These techniques allow for scalable computation of millions of particles, enhancing realism through instanced geometry and . Augmented reality (AR) applications extend virtual snow overlays to live events, providing immersive experiences by blending digital elements with real environments. Apps such as Snowfall AR enable users to project falling snowflakes onto their surroundings via smartphone cameras, transforming ordinary spaces into winter scenes suitable for holiday gatherings or promotional events. Since the introduction of sensors in devices like the series (2020), AR frameworks such as Apple's ARKit have improved real-time depth mapping and occlusion, allowing virtual snow to interact convincingly with physical objects for more seamless blending. Hybrid systems integrate digital projections with limited physical elements to simulate snow while minimizing resource use. In Tokyo Dome City's "Snow Dome" illumination event (2024–2025), approximately 650,000 LED lights create a winter illumination with snowfall effects across , including a 15-meter Wonder Snow Tree and interactive Snowflake Dome, using light-based visuals to simulate without physical materials. Such approaches reduce physical snow needs in similar installations by prioritizing light-based visuals. Algorithmic advancements underpin these simulations, particularly fractal-based methods for generating realistic snowflake geometries. The Koch snowflake algorithm, a foundational introduced by Helge von Koch in 1904, iteratively subdivides edges to produce intricate, self-similar patterns mimicking natural branches, widely adopted in for procedural snowflake modeling without manual design. This technique ensures visual authenticity in CGI by scaling complexity efficiently, as detailed in seminal works on fractal rendering.

References

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