On set effects for "Killer Hoo Ha."

This past week we worked on the set of "Killer Hoo Ha," a low budget horror film that Fangoria is involved with. The shoot took place at The Carriage House at Glen Cove Mansion, on Long Island. This is the same place that "Ghost Hunters" went to one season and investigated because it's allegedly haunted. The place was extremely creepy and we all had to sleep there. Supposedly, people would see billiard balls moving across the pool table in the rec room--the same rec room down the hall from my room. Shudder.

Anyway, Fangoria had a crew on set shooting a documentary that focused on "how to make low budget horror films." Basically, we were trying to shoot a feature length genre flick in 7 days. Do not attempt to do this if you wish to keep your sanity. In addition, do not drink to excess each night of the shoot with the rest of the cast and crew.

The pictures featured here were makeups done very quickly on set and were inexpensive to create. Later, I'll post some pics of the more involved makeups that were done.
Here, you'll see some pics of a slashed throat that were done with derma wax, or mortician's wax. Now the key is to lay down a layer of spirit gum first so that the wax will adhere to it and remain in place. Then you sculpt the piece on the actor, seal it with rigid collodion, paint it and seal it with a neutral set powder. Not baby powder, because it will make it lighter. Then you add fake blood. Looks good, is fast to do and very cheap.

Next, we have some pics of body wounds done on two actresses. Basically the bruises were created with yellows and purples. Best to use a stipple sponge. Create mottling effects with the colors and blend them in lightly with a finger or sponge. I also added some cigarette burns. These were made by applying a layer of latex, then tissue paper and the latex again. I tear the top layers, creating a nice little hole. Then I color them in with reds and blacks, add some coffee grounds for texture too.

Lastly, here's a picture of a scar done on film star/pro wrestler Brimstone, who is basically the film's leatherface, except for the mask made of human flesh and the fact that he scowls a lot. The scar was made with rigid collodion, straight out of the bottle. Easy! Note: never tell a pro wrestler that you know for a matter of fact that wrestling is fake...