Fauxtex

Thanks to a Facebook reader of the Lost in Schlocko Facebook page, I have recently discovered Fauxtex.  In my research of Fauxtex, I have found this great video tutorial that I would like to share:

Helmet Foam Fabrication Gets Evil

You may not have heard of Evil Ted Smith, but you have seen his amazing prop work from the lowest budget of films to the largest including The Guyver, Dollman Versus Demonic Toys, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Fifth Element; he even has worked with Rob Zombie creating props and costumes for his stage shows and music videos.  This is a one hell of an artist who never stays idle.

Recently he has posted a three-part video series on foam helmet fabrication which I find to be one of the best available anywhere on the internet.  Check it out.

Foamcore Lantern How-To

Propmaker and artist, Dave Lowe, has a fantastic how-to on building a fake lantern using foamcore.  This is a tutorial I definitely plan on using for my own yard haunts for years to come.

Helpful hint:  foamcore can get kinda pricey in some stores.  However, some dollar stores will sell it for a dollar a sheet and in either white or black.

Part one of the tutorial starts here.

Build Your Own Vampire Hunting Kit

Every video that Stiltbeast Studios releases each week is solid gold in terms of great prop making techiniques and tips and this latest video just proves that.  Here is a great tutorial on how to make a vampire hunting kit with a low budget.

Graveyard Statues on a Dollar Store Budget

Here is yet another amazing video tutorial from Stiltbeast Studios on how to make a cheap graveyard statue without the need for monster mud.

Heavy Metal Dungeon

I recently shot this scene of a fake public access MTV-esque show called Heavy Metal Dungeon which is being edited by Joe Sherlock that will go into a movie for Warlock Video.  The background was just dumpster rescued bits of cardboard duct taped together and then painted with a fake brick wall pattern using a sponge.  Then I added all of the graffiti using spray paint and paint markers.  Bits of the show's hostess' costume, Heavy Metal Kitty, was made at the last second using Velcro tape and hot-glue.   All in all, I think it came out pretty damn good.

Here is a sneak peek:

Adam Savage's Talks Rasputin's Mecha Glove

One of the coolest bonuses of Jamie and Adam's (MYTHBUSTERS) Tested site is the inside look at Adam Savage's man cave/workshop and the replica prop projects that he has meticulously been working on.

What I love about his process is that he actually takes his time to study the prop and takes the time to make sure every detail is as close to the original as possible, even going as far as machining the parts himself or hiring companies to build custom made parts.

Here he is discussing one of his prop projects which is the infamous Mecha Glove that Rasputin used in the film HELLBOY:

UPDATE! Enter the Specter Studios Custom Props Contest Give-Away

Update:  The winner of the custom prop contest is Ed Schrecengost!  It was a tough decision coming down to two contestants.  However as much as I lovede the Youtube video that Kat had made, the baseball bat ultimately goes to Schrecengost for his zombie baseball team haunted hayride idea which sounds like real ghoulish fun.  Congrats to Ed.  Ed if you would please email me at kidschlocko(at)yahoo.com and send me your name and address so that Specter Studios can send you the prop.  Many thanks to everyone who participated.

Specter Studios which has been creating some amazing custom props and masks has joined Lost in Schlock to give away one of their own custom props.  A prop which is valued at $45 dollars.  The prize is a ultra realistic baseball bat which is made from soft foam and latex materials which has a dowel rod core for support.  It is incredibly realistic which includes a nice faux wood grain finish to add to it's realism.

The baseball bat is one of the the many cool and ghoulish custom props one can find at Specter Studios.  Their site can be found at http://specter-studios.com/cart/ and you can become a fan on Facebook by clicking on the like button on their page at http://www.facebook.com/specterstudios 

The Rules of the Game:

To enter the contest just comment below and tell me what kind of project you would use the prop and how.  The project can be a home haunt, a haunted attraction, or even your own indie horror movie.

You can only enter the contest once.

The person who comments below with the best project will win the contest and the winner will be announced on May 25th.  So be sure to return to this page on that day to see if your name has been chosen so that I can get your contact info so that Specter Studios can send you the prize.

All contestants must be within the continental U.S. only.  (those in Alaska or Hawaii cannot enter)

For a better look at the prop and for more details be sure to check out Specter Studios website at or go directly to the prop's own page.

Good luck!

Steampunk Gauges on the Cheap

Here is a AMAZING way to make steampunkish gauges on the cheap to add to your next prop.

Weathering Props: Fake Moss

Here is a cool trick for anyone needing to add moss to a prop whether it be a tombstone, tree, or anything else.     It's easy and super cheap!

Link:  http://www.halloweenforum.com/tutorials-step-step/112685-faux-carpet-moss-tombstones.html

Replica Prop Forum Hacked!

Just got word that the Replica Prop Forum was hacked.  Here are the details sent to me by one of the moderators:

DO NOT USE WWW.THERPF.COM or THERPF.COM

ONLY USE WWW.THEREPLICAPROPFORUM.COM

There is a FAKE SITE at www.therpf.com

They have your password (with a little work), regardless of whether you have logged into the fake site or not. So you need to change your password... AND PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU SEE www.thereplicapropforum.com in your address bar when you change your password.

We do not know the extent of what they have and don't have, so just assume that they have EVERYTHING (password, email address, saved pm's, etc).

Please just stop using / testing therpf.com at all.

---

The hacker has now duplicated our Facebook page for the RPF.

This is the FAKE page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Replica-Prop-Forum/321458777885579?sk=info

Please go to this page and report it to Facebook by scrolling to the bottom and choosing Report Page from the Left hand side. From the Report Screen choose "Duplicate or miscategorized Page", then choose "Duplicate of another Page" from the drop down. Finally, type in "Replica Prop Forum" and our icon should come up.

I also suggest reporting it also as spam too.

Show your support at the REAL Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/therpf?ref=ts&sk=wall

Please share this with your friends so others aren't fooled into going to this fake page.

Build a Cardboard iPhone or iPad

Here is a brilliant way to make a mock iPad or iPhone prop using a magazine or print out of the actual thing and  cardboard.  Quite useful for those not wanting to shell out the big bucks for your next indie movie.

Full how-to here.

Creepy Skull Jar Lanterns

Here is a cool tutorial from Ghoul Friday on how to make a collection of creepy skull jar lanterns.

Full details here.

A Look At the Props and Sets of DOCTOR WHO

Here is an amazing collection of prop and set photos for DOCTOR WHO from prop maker and set designer Mark Cordory.  From his website he picked up the prop making bug while playing and running various LARP (live action role playing) games.  Proof that your passions can lead you to greater and better things.

Besides his work on DOCTOR WHO, Cordory has also been busy making a Cthulhu creature suit and other TV and Film projects.  Well worth the visit!

(h/t to Propnomicon)

Build a Fake Fire Pyre

I had posted a cool tutorial on how to make fake hot coals using Christmas lights and now Dave Lowe has his own fantastic way of making a fire pyre for his cauldron project.  Check it out here.

Terra's Monster Horse

Here is a very cool and inspirational vid on some creative use on pink insulation styrofoam and monster mud:



Full details on the how-to here

How to Create Fake Hot Glowing Coals With Christmas Lights

Here is a cool trick you can do using Christmas lights to create a burning embers or coal effect.  It's the perfect thing for those making one of Dave Lowe's Cauldrons.

Full details here.

(via Haunt Project)

Weekend Links: 8-13-11

Here are a few links you may have missed here or on the Facebook page:

Take a look at how forced perspective has been used in films from the past to the present

Discover how Silicone Paste can be used to create some nasty scars and wounds

Learn how to revamp a cheap plastic Halloween cauldron and turn it into something far more unique

Be amazed by this Wheatley puppet inspired by the hit video game PORTAL 2

Have your mind blown by this dragon puppet by the upcoming HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON live show.

Building a Better Cauldron

Over at Dave Lowe Design is this great post on how to take a plain plastic cauldron and turn it into something a bit more unique and even add a bit of realism to the prop overall.  A great read!

Go here for the full details.

Make a Wall of Weapons for Less than Fifty Bucks

Here is another AMAZING Stiltbeast tutorial on how to inexpensively crank out a multitude of hand weapons for less than fifty bucks.  There are also some great tips to weather a prop to be found in the vid.  Enjoy!

(via The Haunter's Digest)

Also see Stiltbeast Studios