Hot Props & SFX Posts
How to Do film preproduction: budgeting, script breakdowns, and casting calls
Pre-production is a much less complex process for an indie film than a big-budget one that needs stars and permits and such, but it's still vital to shooting a good film in a timely fashion. This video will walk you through Ryan from Film Riot's entire pre-production process, including script breakdowns, free casting calls, budgeting, getting a crew and locations.
How To: Light and key a greenscreen with either Final Cut Pro or After Effects
The greenscreen has allowed filmmakers to take us to worlds they never could have otherwise, but they can ruin a movie when used poorly. Watch this video for a guide to picking a screen, lighting it, and getting a good key for it using Final Cut Pro or After Effects.
How To: Shoot someone's head off, use a jib and dolly together, and make a light ring
Three awesome film special effects, one video. Ryan at Film Riot sure knows how to make one-stop shopping filmmaking tutorials. This video will show you how to shoot someone's head off, use a jib and dolly together to get more dynamic shots, and also how to make a great cheap light ring.
How To: Build and shoot a ray gun and shrink an object for a film with effects
The shrink ray as always been one of the oddest and least-useful sci-fi guns, but alien invaders seem to love them and so we'll keep seeing them. If you want to use a shrink ray in a film you're working on, watch this video. It will teach you how to first make a generic ray / laser gun, and then how to make an object shrink in After Effects.
How To: Replace the sky and make a UFO with special effects for a film
Alien invaders are a constant threat, so it is important that filmmakers continue their long tradition of making educational films like Independence Day to ensure that we know what to do when the invasion comes. If you want to make aliens films yourself, watch this video for tips on using compositing to replace the sky and make an awesome UFO / flying saucer.
How To: Motion track, make a prop sniper scope, and dunk someone in a toilet for film
If you like to learn filmmaking techniques from internet videos fast, then you've found the holy grail right here. This video will teach you how to do four different effects, including text motion tracked to your shots, motion tracking, make a prop sniper scope, and how to dunk someone's head in a toilet. Bonus points if you can use them all in the same film.
How To: Run over an actor's head or bury them alive with special effects for film
Running over someone's head or burying them alive so that they can rise from the grave are dangerous, and not worth using in filmmaking generally speaking. But yay, there are special effects! Watch this video for a guide to running over someone's head with a car or burying them alive for your film using After Effects and some fun props.
How To: Do professional zombie makeup for film or costume and blow someone's head off
The fine folks at Film Riot usually teach you how to do two awesome film tricks per episode, and this one is no different. It will teach you how to do really scary professional zombie makeup first and follow that with how to blow someone's head off with a shotgun. Using effects, of course.
How To: Do professional quality Voldemort from Harry Potter makeup
Voldemort, the seemingly unstoppable antagonist of the Harry Potter series played so compellingly by Ralph Fiennes in the films, is one of the best villains in the history of fantasy. If you want to scare the bejezzus out of some children this Halloween or pay homage to Harry Potter in a film, watch this video to learn how to recreate the Voldemort look without makeup and prosthetics.
How To: Make a fake cardboard iPod prop for a film, costume, or prank
Real iPods are as quite common, but still so expensive that there are times, especially for films and pranks, where you may want to do something to one that will break it and necessitate buying another. You can't afford that can you? This video will teach you how to make a prop iPod out of common DIY materials.
How To: Avoid common mistakes when working with a green screen
Some film makers fall into a few pitfalls when working with a green screen. This video lists a few common problems, such as having your talent wear costumes in similar color keys or using uneven lighting, and how to avoid them completely.
How To: Make your own replica of the wands from the Harry Potter movies
Make a wand that looks like it just came straight from Olivander's shop - or, at least, directly off the set of the Harry Potter movies! This tutorial shows you how to make your own light up Harry Potter style wand.
How To: Make a functional alien egg and a ceiling mounted radial dolly
This one is a twofer! The first part of the tutorial shows you how to make a fully functional alien egg out of papier mache and carpet foam. The second tutorial shows you how to make a ceiling mounted radial dolly.
How To: Build a DIY reverse flow coffin fog chiller for Halloween or a film
Spooky fog-emitting items like coffins and cauldrons are iconic parts of many haunted houses, but are terribly expensive to buy premade. If you're got some DIY know-how, watch this video for a guide to building a coffin fog chiller for your fog machine yourself for a Halloween display, horror film effect, or just because you like foggy coffins. This thing is a BEAST, it will cover your whole lawn if fog by itself.
How To: Freak out your family this Thanksgiving with a chest burst SFX
Have a tendency to eat so much at Thanksgiving dinner that you worry you might burst? Using the same SFX for the chest-bursting alien in the movie Alien, you can create that exact, stomach popping effect! Freak out your family this holiday season!
How To: Make a Gaara Gourd from Naruto
Are you into Gaara? If so, why not make one of his gourds? Materials you will need:
How To: Make 300 Spartan greaves or leg guards
The first part of the video shows examples of completed Spartan leg guards. The materials needed for this project include boxes of cardboard, two liters of soda pop, gold paint, masking tape, scissors and wire. you must first print out the template shown by the narrator and use it to cut out the leggings to the appropriate size. Now use the two liters to fold the cardboard around the two liters to give the legs their shape. Once the cardboard has shape use the wire to hold to the paper in it'...
How To: Make a Tommy Gun out of cardboard
This video begins by showing the necessary tools needed to make a prop tommy gun out of a cardboard base. The first step is to trace a simple handle shape on the cardboard and repeat eight more times until you have eight exact copies of the handle. Then using an image of a tommy gun make an outline on the gun to cut in another piece of cardboard. You must cut and make eight more copies of the entire gun body to have the appropriate thickness for realism. The handle must be glued to the gun bo...
How To: Create a spring loaded hidden arm blade from Assassin's Creed for your movie
Sure you can go and make something cheap and unauthentic with a cardboard blade, or, you can REALLY live your dream of being Ezio, or Altair, by checking out this awesome video from IndyMogul on how to make a spring loaded hidden arm blade that will ALL of your friends squealing in jealousy!
How To: Make fake blood
In this video, we learn how to make fake blood. Ingredients are: water, corn starch, corn syrup, red food coloring, green food coloring, and peppermint extract. First, you will need to mix in 1/3 of a bottle of water with the corn starch and corn syrup. Add in ingredients until it's the consistency that you want it to be. Then, drop in some red food coloring and mix it together. After this, add in the green color until it's the color of blood that you would like. From here, add in some pepper...
How To: Make a Deadpool sword
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Deadpool sword. To do this, you will need: a marker, scissors, hard plastic, cardboard, silver spray paint, duct tape, saw, electrical tape, sandpaper, and hot glue gun. First, cut the plastic into three thin knife shapes. Then, use sandpaper to smooth edges. Then, use the cardboard to create three layers of a rectangle. Make the corners round and then tape around them with duct tape. Put a hole in the middle and then put it into the plastic. Now, glue...
How To: Make a Spartan 300 shield
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Spartan 300 shield. You will need: paper mache, durable cloth, gold spray paint, newspapers, cardboard, nuts and bolts, and the cap to a trash can. After you have these, cut out a large piece of cardboard and place it over the trash can cap in a circle shape. Then, dip newspaper strips into the paper mache mixture and apply it to your shield, taking your time to make it smooth. Let this dry, then cut two strips of cardboard and place it in a 'v' shape ...
How To: Make a Halo Needler prop
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Halo Needler prop. You will need: knife, scissors, pink straws, paint colors, cardboard, paint brush, and pencil. First, draw the pattern out on a piece of cardboard. Next, cut this out and make four layers of it. After this, glue or tape it together and then line glue everything together. Now, cover this with paper mache until all parts are fully covered and dry. Next, color with your paint and then let it dry until the paint is no longer wet. This wi...
How To: Make a Saw 2 death mask
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Saw 2 death mask. Start off by grabbing an old helmet and covering it with plastic wrap. Then, make paper mache over it. From here, cut a piece of rubber into small strips. Then, draw and cut three stripes on a piece of cardboard. Then, use two strips for the shoulders and one for around your waist. Then, make the front chest piece with cardboard. From here, make a square with Styrofoam and cut out a piece of an egg carton. Now, draw the eyes and mouth...
How To: Make a Universal Soldier eye
In this tutorial we learn how to make a Universal Soldier eye. You will need: old head set, cardboard, hot glue gun, screwdriver, pen, flash light, knife, saw, black paint, and masking tape. First take the cardboard and cut it out into two rectangles. Place these around the headset and stick a rectangle in the eye piece. After this, you will connect the flashlight to the side of the head piece. Once finished, you can spray paint the entire eye piece and then wait for it to try. When done, wea...
How To: Make fake blood with household items
In this tutorial, we learn how to make fake blood with household items. You will need: 5 ml flour, red food coloring, 20 ml syrup, and blue food coloring. You will also need a container, spoon, and mixing sticks. First, place the flour in, followed by the syrup and the food coloring. Mix this all together with the mixing sticks until it's well combined. If it's not to the color or consistency that you would like, then you can add more color or ingredients until it's how you like it. After thi...
How To: Make Splinter Cell prop goggles
In this tutorial, we learn how to make Splinter Cell prop goggles. You will need: goggles, a saw, pipe, a brush, black paint, duct tape, batteries, chop sticks, glue, a ruler, and a pen. First, mark three cuts on the pipe to 3 cm and 5.5 cm. Now, use the saw to cut these. Then, use sandpaper to smooth all the edges. Next, place these onto the goggles and glue them with a hot glue gun. Next, grab two batteries and wrap them in duct tape. Place these with them and then paint these all black. Af...
How To: Make cheap, realistic, fake blood
In this tutorial, we learn how to make cheap, realistic, fake blood. This is easy and cheap and looks great depending on how well you mix it and follow directions. This is safe and won't hurt you or anyone else. You will need: corn syrup (any brand or kind), cocoa baking powder, red and blue food coloring, water, and vanilla extract (optional). Start out by pouring the corn syrup into a bowl, until half way filled. Next, add in around 5 or six drops of red and mix it together. Then, add in a ...
How To: Make a prop Michael Myers knife
In this video, we learn how to make a prop Michael Myers knife. You will need: six pins, a pen, a sharp knife, black paint, hot glue gun, cardboard, thin cardboard, and medium foil. First, print out a picture of the knife that's given in the video. After this, cut out the pieces and tape them together so it looks like a real knife. Then, cut off the points from the pins and draw the handle of the knife out on the regular cardboard, making two layers. Then, cut out the large part of the knife ...
How To: Make a cheap realistic blood splatter
In this video, we learn how to make a cheap and realistic blood splatter. After you have made your blood, you will need to make sure it's the right color you need for blood. Now, take Kleenex and rip it into five different parts. Then, stick these into a tube and grab a pesticide sprayer. After this, stick the blood into the bucket for the sprayer. Now, when you shoot the blood splatter the Kleenex tissue will turn the color of the blood and look like brains or parts of the body that have bee...
How To: Make a scary green monster latex mask for Halloween
In this clip, we learn how to create a DIY latex monster mask for Halloween or other fancy-dress event. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started creating your own one-of-a-kind monster masks, watch this fun video guide.
How To: Make your own realistic vampire fangs at home
You don't have to spend lots of money for custom fit vampire fangs or costume fangs - you can make your own at home quite easily! All you need is some non-toxic modeling clay, JB weld, a mixing container and a stirring stick.
How To: Make Samus Arans arm canon from the Metroid series for your costume
In the Metroid series you play as the inter-galactic, female bounty hunter known as Samus Aran and follow her adventures against Mother Brain and more! Guess this kid didn't mind being a female for Halloween, but more importantly, he was luck enough to have a super cool dad to help him build the arm canon from Samus' Varia suit! Interested in making it yourself? Details lie within!
How To: Apply Scarecrow brand costume vampire fangs
Just bought a pair of costume vampire fangs, and confused as to how to make them fit on your teeth? This tutorial shows you how you create the mold (focusing on Scarecrow brand fangs) and attach them securely to your teeth. Rawr!
How To: Apply latex ear tips to make yourself look like an elf, alien or faerie
Ear tips are a versatile part of any science fiction or fantasy costume - make yourself look like a Vulcan, elf, fae or any other creature with pointed ears. Not only are you shown how to attach the ears, you can make blend in with the skin of the wearer to look as natural as possible.
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?