Author Topic: great head shot spfx wiz
posted 02-23-2001 05:20 PM
hello all,
i am currently working on a major production, and I learned of a way to make great JFK-esque side-of-head shots.

first take a foam substance, like foam latex, and make a flat round circle around 4" in diameter. then use a black marker and draw a dark, solid circle on the actors head. then apply half the circle to the actors face, with spirit gum. Then, you must glue, or tape using electrical tape, some sort of line, like fishing wire, or red yarn. then glue another quarter of the circle on, so the line is perfectly horizontal, and a hole is the seam is left open. then pour a genorous amout of blood into your head pouch, and glue the remaining portion to the side of the head.

***note this is geared for the portion of the head that is below the hair line, and above the cheek (propfile view).

now you are ready to film.

immediately after the camera starts rolling, pull your line quickly, so that the pouch tears off, and the blood spills out in a rush.

take that for what its worth, if u have any questions or comments, contact me at PaDrEvil@aol.com.

Jeff F
posted 02-24-2001 08:49 PM
An interesting variation on the "button buried in derma wax" technique.

Using an indelible marker would reduce the likelihood of the blood dissolving it, but is likely to be annoying to the actor at clean up time.

I'd suggest well powdered black greasepaint area instead, or even a PAX paint spot if you really want it to be durable.

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Jeff F - Moderator
Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses

[This message has been edited by Jeff F (edited 02-24-2001).]

gore master
posted 02-25-2001 11:58 AM
It's actually more similar to the method invented by dick smith in the film tai driver. It included to plastic appliances. one glued to the skin, the other glued on top and blood filled in between, like a sandwhich. A button or scored/cut portion of
was pulled with monofilament and the blood would pour out freely. a bullet hole can be cut out of the foam piece and attach monofilament. the piece can then be filled with blood and the bullet hole plug glued back with thick cornsyrup. I would suggest using a sealer of some kind on the inside of the foam piece so must of the blood does soak into the foam.

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