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Props & SFX How-Tos

iOS 17 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

How To: Knife someone in the face with film effects & tricks

In this tutorial, we learn how to knife someone in the face with film effects & tricks. This effect is mostly done in the camera and not in computer software. First, get two identical knives and a hat you don't mind ruining. Then, remove the blade from one of the knives and fix it to the hat. Once you have the knife set up, put your actors in place. When you do this part, use caution to make sure you don't throw the knife at anyone. Throw this into the air, then take the shot to the person wi...

How To: Make day into night & create giants with film tricks

In this video, we learn how to make day into night & create giants with film tricks. When doing this, make sure you don't show the sky because it will be a dead give away. First, set the correct exposure and make it indoors so it's blue. Then, the shutter should be set around four and there should be clouds in the sun. Add some blue and saturate as much as you can. When you shoot, you will get the darkness that you need. If you want to show that it's still daytime and almost night, then make ...

How To: Make a Necronomicon prop from the "Evil Dead" series

In this video, we learn how to make a Necronomicon prop from the "Evil Dead" series. First, gather all of your materials together so you can make this prop. After this, cut up piece of cardboard into the desired shape, then tape them and make sure it's able to open and close. Next, you will use tape to make it look like creases in the skin and create the face by rolling it together. Use masking tape to connect these and make it look like it's all part of the same skin. Next, mix red, yellow, ...

How To: Get your heart torn out with film effects

In this video we learn how to get your heart torn out with film effects. First, go to the butcher's section of your market and find a gross piece of meat. Then, cut a hole in your shirt and grab some fake plastic blood. Soak the meat in the blood and then place it into the shirt. Have one of your actors push their hand into the shirt and act like they are tearing a heart out. After you do this, have the other actor act like they are in severe pain. This will finish our your heart torn out fil...

How To: Make a home made battle axe and pole axe out of cardboard for your cosplay

Looking to hit up DragonCon, GenCon, ComicCon, or any other sort of con and want to dress up? Well, if you're going as your favorite Dungeons and Dragons character (there's others, but this one was first to mind) and that character happens to use an axe, there's a cheap way to make your own with a broom handle, some cardboard, spray paint and time! In this video you will learn how to construct a battle axe, a pole axe AND a war axe, pretty cool right?

How To: Jump over a car with film effects & tricks

In this tutorial, we learn how to jump over a car with film effects & tricks. First, you will take a long shot of someone pretending like they are jumping over a car, make sure they add in excitement. After this, you will take a long shot of a car driving over in the same area. Now, load your clips and add in the image of the person jumping with the image of the car. After this, use the magic tool to add them both in the same scene, then you will have a great film effect that makes it look li...

How To: Apply injury makeup with Emmy winner Brad Look

In this tutorial, we learn how to apply injury makeup with Emmy winner Brad Look. First, clean the area with water, then use glue and powder to apply the surface of the injury. After this, use more makeup to cover up the piece on the skin and blend the edges into the skin so they mix in completely. In the middle, add in some reds, purples, and blacks to create a realistic looking injury. Make sure there are textures and highlights on the would to make it look more real. Make the injury radiat...

How To: Create fake blood effects

In this tutorial, we learn how to create fake blood effects. The easiest blood formula is to use soap and red food coloring, nothing else. It's the easiest blood to make and looks more realistic than anything else. You can also make blood out of different things if you want to make a more expensive version. Make sure you always add in red food coloring and make it dark to match the color of real blood. The liquid should flow so it looks like real blood. To create blood splatter, you will take...

How To: Make a prosthetic glasgow smile like the Joker in Batman

In this video, we learn how to make a prosthetic Glasgow smile like the joker. First, smooth the material onto the face and around the lips. Follow the shape of the lips for the sides of the mouth to make it look larger. Use a Q-tip to push on the prosthetic onto the face. Once this is attached, you can add in the color to the lips to make it look more realistic. Makeup will need to be added to the entire face. White should be on the face, black should be around the eyes. Go for a cracked and...

How To: Apply injury makeup with Oscar winner Bill Corso

In this video, Bill Corso teaches us how to apply injury makeup. This can make it look like you are hurt, but it's really just makeup you are using to create the look! Using red and brown together can give a more realistic look of blood, blending it out through the entire cut. Using different colors on the injury can add a more realistic look to where the injury is. Work with the different features on the face to create the best look you can. Pay attention to the sweat on the body as well, be...

How To: Create floating objects and razorblade props

In this tutorial, we learn how to create floating objects and razorblade props. First off, take your object and some double sided tape. Then, place the tape on the object to make it look invisible. After this, tape it to the middle of the plexi-glass. Have someone else help you move this, and then when you record it on video it will look like the object is moving around in the air without anything holding it. This is a great effect that looks even better on video! To create the razorblade pro...

How To: Splatter blood & make a muzzle flash in film

In this tutorial, we learn how to splatter blood & make a muzzle flash in film. First, you will need to grab a starter pistol for anywhere on the internet. Then, take a shot of your shooting the gun and someone else pretending like they are taking the bullet. Then, load this clip into the software you use and place a light coming from the end of the gun to make it look realistic. When you are finished fixing the lighting with this, you can edit and then you will have a finished product! Save ...

How To: Create great gore, mutilation and blood with makeup

In this tutorial, we learn how to create great gore, mutilation and blood with makeup. Using makeup can make you look like a completely different person, and this includes making something gross! Using pumpkins to blow up can look just like someone getting hurt and their body parts coming out, it has the right sound as well. Gasoline and firecrackers are also used to help make the sound of something bad happening in a movie! Using gelatin on the face can create a makeup look that gives a real...

How To: Break an arm in half & blow up a head in film

In this tutorial, we learn how to break an arm in half & blow up a head in film. To do this, you will need: a tripod, after effects, and actors. First, you need to record a shot with the background and the person whose head you want to blow up. After this, put the clean plate clip over the head of your actor. Now, you will be able to clear out the person and add a mask that is exploding in the frame instead of the head. Add in some fake blood and sound effects, then you will be finished with ...

How To: Create a black eye with cinema makeup

In this video, we learn how to create a black eye with cinema makeup. First, you will need black makeup, black eyeliner, and a sponge. Start out by applying purple shadow with a flat brush on the sockets on the bottom of the eye. Apply this down until you reach the top of the cheekbone. Start to pat on a light dusting of black eyeshadow on the same area. After this, start rubbing purple and pink colors into the cheek area and dark brown on the top of the eye. After this, rub the purple on the...

How To: Create a "District 9" inspired alien hand

You will need: rubber glove, paper towels, liquid latex, paint, and newspaper. First, fill the glove with newspaper, then secure the fingers with electrical tape to make only 3 fingers. Then, mix up the liquid latex with black paint and apply it to the fingers. Then, place the paper towels over this in coats and shape them so they are pointy. Add in some texture using paper towel strips and cotton balls. Continue to paint over with the liquid latex/paint until you have made your desired textu...

How To: Create a realistic looking cinema style head shot

In this video, we learn how to create a realistic looking cinema style head shot. First, you will need a cheap toy gun, colored wax, and fake blood to create this. Now, you will need to get some footage of the shooter shooting the gun and flinging fake blood in the persons fake as they shoot. Then, take shots of the other person being taken back by the bullet coming at them. After you get several of these shots, apply the makeup to create a fake gun shot and then mesh all of these together to...

How To: Cut your friends in half with film effects

In this tutorial, we learn how to cut your friends in half with film effects. To do this, you will need an actor, a still frame of blood, and some gory looking meat. Have your wounded actor lay on the floor with another actor laying next to him. Then, have them all leave the frame. Next, bring all the footage in After Effects and bring in the meat picture as well. Add blood and the meat in the pictures and remove the lower half of the body. Play with the colors to make it look more realistic,...

How To: Use food for special effects film makeup

In this video, we learn how to use food for special effects film makeup. Using familiar ingredients you find in the kitchen, you can make a scene from a movie that looks real! Food can be made to look like really gross things in movies, using the right colors and consistencies. Gelatin can be used on the face to create something that looks like scabs and a raw burn on a face. Corn flakes can also give off the scraped face look. Barbecue chicken skin can be made to look like a black cut on the...

How To: Create a realistic, severe burn using cinema makeup

In this tutorial, we learn how to create a realistic, severe burn using cinema makeup. You will need to start out with unflavored gelatin made to be placed on the skin to create texture and a glossy look for blood. Start by applying the gelatin to the face with a flat wood stick for makeup. Apply in strokes so you have a textured look, not just smooth. Give this time to cool and set, then apply different colors of makeup onto the gelatin with a brush. Use browns, purples, and reds to create a...

How To: Create a realistic looking cut using cinema makeup

In this video, we learn how to create a realistic looking cut using cinema makeup. Start out by using silicone putty on the face to help make the cut on the face look more real than ever. Use brushes and a spatula to help mix colors together and apply to your face flawlessly. Also make sure you have fake blood with you so you can apply to the face to make look more realistic. After you have let the silicone dry, start to apply the red, dark red, and black colors onto it and blend to create a ...

How To: Film realistic, bloody gun shots

In this tutorial, we learn how to film realistic and bloody gun shots. You will first need to gather up all the materials you need to make this happen. Once you have everything ready, set it all into place. Make sure you have the fake blood placed in the shirt where the person is pointing the gun, and also make sure you have a good actor. After this, use a firecracker to make the sound of a gunshot. As soon as this goes off and the person pulls the fake trigger, have the other person push on ...

How To: Build your own prop shotgun

In this tutorial, we learn how to build your own prop shotgun. To make this, you will need: one 2x6 that is 2 feet long, one 1x3 eight inches long, two 8" diameter PVC piping 2 feet long, two one inch PVC end caps, picture hangers, assorted nuts, bolts, and crews. First, draw on the shape of your gun on the pieces of wood, then cut them up with a saw. Then, cut out a prong shape in the front and stain the gun to your desired color. Next, connect all the pieces together and attach the wall han...

How To: Make simple special effects for movies

In this tutorial, we learn how to make simple special effects for movies. First, you will need to set up a ladder that's tall enough to make the rail look like it's falling down naturally. Make sure the rain is hitting all around the person or you have sealed off an area. Make sure you also have the right attire to wear the clothing you have. Moving some pinto beans back and forth in a PVC pipe sounds just like rain, so record that. You can spray a garden hose up in the air and it will give a...

How To: "Un-manicure" your fingernails (zombie effect) for Halloween or horror movies

This Halloween, forget store-bought prosthetics and expensive makeup artists. If you're looking for that creepy undead look, nasty nails are easily made at home. This video will show you how to make some horrific and ghastly fingernails for your zombie, vampire or other creature costume. The key to these Halloween nails are clear plastic report / presentation covers that you can get from any office supply store.

How To: Build your own DIY police taser for your film

If you remember in the Hangover, there was an incredibly funny scene where the guys were stuck getting out of going to prison by helping the officers demonstrate a police tazer in front of a group of kids on a school field trip. If you've ever wanted to make your own prop police tazer for one of your films, check out this hilarious and informative video! In it, you will learn how to create your own police tazer!

How To: Make a pole camera

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a pole camera with John Park. You can take some amazing pictures by just using a pole to mount your camera onto and take pictures with. Most cameras will work with a general pole as long as they have a tripod mounting pole. To help you press the shutter button the camera while it is up in the air, you will need to create a rig that will press it when you trigger it to press. After this, you will need to build an inner frame that tilts up and down to take...

How To: Fake a Loch Ness photo

This video will show you some methods to create a fake Loch Ness monster photo. You will need a camera or a camera phone for this project. One method of faking a sea monster picture involves creating a clay model of a head and a neck of a sea monster and holding it underwater. The outline of your hand holding the clay will serve as the body of the monster. Another method which can be used to fake a sea monster can be done using a clothes hanger and holding it underwater. The hook of the hange...

How To: Make pneumatic dust system for blood and dust hits in film

Have you ever wondered how all of the blood and dust that flies from wounds and bullet holes in Hollywood films gets shot through the air so convincingly? The answer is a pneumatic dust system. This video will show you how to make one yourself for almost no money, allowing you to achieve all sorts of cool special effects without any expensive digital technology.

How To: Make a costume replica of the Jason Voorhees machete from Freddy vs. Jason

Freddy vs. Jason was one of the greatest film cash-ins of all time, but it was still cool to imagine these two greats of 1980's horror squaring off. This video will show you how to make a replica of Jason's machete from the film, using a real machete as a base. They aren't expensive, and if you're going to a Halloween party where real weapons are allowed this would be a great one to use.

How To: Make DIY Hatsume Miku Vocaloid headphones for cosplay

Vocaloids have to be one of the weirdest of the many weird things to ever emerge from Japan. They are basically synthesizer software programs that can sing any song a user creates in the voice of a character created for that Vocaloid. The queen of these Vocaloid characters is Hatsune Miku, who has become something of a cosplay darling since her software caught on. This video will show you how to make her cosplay replicas of her iconic headphones.