Squibs

[Multiplex Manner]

Hey, does anyone know where I can get squibs or other blood bags at a low price in Birmingham UK?

[AJ]

You can get squibs from www.lemaitreltd.com/prostage2/ProductList.asp?idxCategory=22 the correct name for them is Microdets.

It'll be expensive to ship them though, as you need a courier (and not all couriers will carry explosives). I generally use Citylink.

For blood bags, just use condoms, the thinner the better, you will also need some thick metal plates (approx 5inch square) to prevent your actors getting injured.

[80s_Slasher]

Here's an easy way I saw on a website (Though it's a bit risky, so proceed with extreme caution). Here's a list of materials:

* Condoms
* Black Cats (Or another type of wimpy firework)
* Three small square pieces of cardboard
* Duck Tape
* Fake Blood

STEP 1: Wash all the lube of the condom.


STEP 2: Fill condom about 1/4 with fake blood.


STEP 3: Tie knots on both sides of condom (More compressed = better explosion!)


STEP 4: Tie condom around three layers of cardboard (For obvious reasons)


STEP 5: Duct tape condom to cardboard.


STEP 6: Insert black cat between condom and cardboard.



STEP 7: Light black cat and get out of frame!

FINISHED PRODUCT:


I'll try to find the guys website that the images and info came from...

- Austin -

[goriddle]

there are better and safer ways to create gunshot fx for a small udget movie than using squibs

[AJ]

Yes, but squibs are safer than these 'black cat' fireworks though

If you like, I could help you to do some muzzle flash / impact debris work digitally. Depends on the number of shots you need, but if it's just one or two, then I can definitely help you out.

[goriddle]

I have used a fire extinguisher for gunshots. when they are fully charged they have enough thrust to blow open a hole in clothing that has been taped and this also much more blood than a condom full. I have also seen people use insecticide sprayers, but they arent as powerful. I honestly dont think black cats are THAT much riskier than squibs as far as the explosion goes, but the fuse can burn you very badly. There are ways to rig them up remotely to an ignitor to avoid this.

[Mommy's Little Monster]

www.exposure.co.uk/eejit/blood/

That is a link to the bug sprayer bullet hits. If you set it up right it works great.

[Multiplex Manner]

Wow, thanks! That's the most useful website I've seen in a while. (i.e. it's stuff I can actually afford)

[goriddle]

Im tellin you man, I used liquid fire extinguisher is better and cheaper for this effect. You can find them sometimes at flea markets. Oh hell, I guess you have to have an air compresser to use them... nevermind.

[Pippo]

I've used the method described at www.exposure.co.uk and it worked out great (most of the times). I'll see if I can find som pics of it later, but right now I'm at work.
One thing that we experienced though, was the fact that the sprayer wouldn spray out the blood sometimes. We didn't really pay much attention to what's marked in the text as "MOST IMPORTANT BIT!!!". But I can tell you, it is indeed important.

I've also tried the use of firecrackers as suggested by one of you. It worked out, but the actor got a real pain in the gut even though we used a metal plate. So it's not very safe, evn though I must say the pic of the guy above is really cool.

I'm new here by the way.

[goriddle]

I find it really ironic that people spend so much time talking about such mundane special effects as gunshot wounds and blood. Im not singling you fellas out either it happens all the time. Anyhow, having said that- I'm telling you, track down a liquid fire extinguisher. those things never fail.

[AJ]

A fire extinguisher is all very well, but it's next to useless, unless you have some way of filling and pressurising it goriddle.

Not many people have access to such an item, and it is also far more messy and complicated than a simple microdet and blood filled condom.

[goriddle]

All they need is a standard air compressor for car tires or even a bike pump will work. but thats the last I will add about plain ol' bullet hits and plain ol' blood.

[SeanHope]

If you are concerned with the safety of your actors, you could always make an Alumilite body shell, or head cap (with hair) or you could buy body armor or have it made. though you might find the cheaper you go, the more obvious your actor will look like they have a protective shell on their body.

The only other thing to note is even if you are using whimpy fireworks, you will have to notify the local Fire Department and they would have to have either a person on site or have given their permission during the use of any type of explosive being detonated. Then of course there's insurance. Some places you will need the Tobacco and Firarms and have a licenced Pyrotechnic on hand and handling even that silly little firecracker. All this just to have a gun shot on film.

Most movies, even the very high budget ones, cheat this and only use squibs to make bullet holes in walls and things instead of a person. Mostly because of the death of Brandon Lee. Now to create gun shot hitting a person they computer graph most of it, right on down to the bullet being fired from the gun. Though this is very expensive, you might find it's cheaper than paying for your insurance rider, another staff member who basically sits around all day or one that you have to pay for whose job it is to merely observe.

The technique that is fairly simple. Turn on a high powered fan and actually have someone thow mostly blood into it and then pan the camera back to the actor wearing a prothetic. The effect is usually nice and graphic and you don't have to have sky high insurance, nor do you have to pay for a pyrotechic to add on to your budget.

Though I'm a big proponant for protecting your actors (you might want to use them again sometime), I'm even more concerned about protecting myself and the project I'm working on. I'm pretty aware of the fines and possible jail time for discharging a weapon with blanks without permission in a public place is. I do know that setting off a firecracker in most places is only a misdomeaner and a small fine. But if someone gets hurt, even a sore belly - the cost are high enough to ruin a low budget film company.

[xander171]

I'd just use the spray thing.