“It’s important to remember that everyones safety is the number one priority. Explosive squibs depending on the country or state may require a pyrotechnics license.”
These effects always gets the oou’s and awe’s on set! That’s right were talking about makeup effects, more specifically blood rigging!. When done correctly the effect can really add to the scene and save a lot of money on post-production! There are several types of rigs for different effects.
The more you tell your artist the clearer the picture is. When it comes to pre-production there is no such thing as TMI. The more I know, the more prepared I can be and the smaller the window for surprises are. So lets talk about the different type of blood rigs you can find!
Squibs - Believe it or not these were not always around. Squibs are used to simulate bullet impacts. The first use of squibs was in 1955 in a Polish film, Pokolenie by Andrzej Wajda, back then it was a tiny stick of dynamite attached to a blood filled condom. There are two types of squibs an explosive squib or an air squib. A squib typically consists of 3 parts. A pocket that holds fake blood, a charge, and a protective metal plate. Your explosive squib, once detonated, the charge rips through the clothing and blood splatters! * Cue oou’s and awe’s * These squibs depending on the country/state require a pyrotechnics license. Then there are your Air or CO2 squibs. Since this is an air powered charge, you can skip the protective metal plate. Air powered squibs have the advantage of saftey and cost. Unlike traditional squibs, you can get several uses out of air squibs so long as you have more compressed air.
Flowing or pumping effect - Here we are talking more about a throat slash effect. You know when the actor or actress reaches up for their neck and the blood keeps flowing through his or her fingers? This can also be powered by air or hand with a syringe. This blood delivery system is concealed under a prosthetic appliance. This can also be your zombie, wolf, vampire bite, or any arterial cut.
Blood gag - Blood gags, are going to be your rigged props like knives, needles, hooks, hammer, nails, ect. This meaning the blood delivery is concealed on the prop not the talent.
Blood Cannon - pneumatic blood delivery system where the cannon is hidden off screen. Cannons are not attached to the talent or any props. Pneumatic cannons can be used to for more accuracy and control of where the blood lands. This is when you want blood on the wall behind the talent from a head shot, exploding heads, shot gun hits, ect.
It’s important to remember that every one’s safety is the number one priority. Making sure you hire someone who is qualified, having safety meetings with all involved, and allowing time for rehearsals, and makeup tests are best practices. I always recommend that wardrobe has 3 of the same outfit for talent, this will allow for reset and give everyone at least 3 chances to get the shot.
So now that you know the different type of blood delivery systems, which one do you need?