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:

How to Make Faux Steel Panels without Vacummforming

Terra from her Youtube channel has another incredibly AMAZING tutorial on how to make fake weathered and rusty steel panels using pink insulation foam sheets and parts from a hardware store.  This is a very cost effective method considering that the same panels that are made using a vacummforming method can cost around a hundred dollars and upwards.

(via Haunters Digest)

Tutorial:

How to Build a Destructible Wall

Here is a neat way of making a destructible wall for an actor to punch through:



This could be taken another level by widening the damaged area so that an actor could be fake thrown into the wall; a common effect in most super hero flicks these days.

Build a Time Machine

It's no Tardis but It Can Still Time Travel

It may not be the Tardis but this is a cool prop to build for your next time travel film or anything else sci-fi.

Full details on the build can be found here.

Here is a vid of it in action:

Kenneth Strickfaden: A Movie Artist for the Ages

You may not immediately know the name Kenneth Strickfaden but if you are a hardcore horror and sci-fi movie geek or TV nut then you have surely seen some of his work in some incarnation or another.

Snipped from Wikipedia:

Ken Strickfaden, short for Kenneth Strickfaden (1896 - 1984) was an electrician, film set designer, and electrical special effects creator. He created the science fiction apparatus in more than 100 motion picture films and television programs, from 1931’s Frankenstein to The Wizard of Oz and The Mask of Fu Manchu to television's The Munsters.

Propnomicon has a fantaastic mini write-up on Strickfaden and his prop and set contributions to genre cinema and what had happened to many of the pieces of props and sets that he had made which found their way unto Ebay a few years back via Forrest J. Ackerman.

Go here for more details including some cool pics of his work

Inspiration: A Replica of the Entire M*A*S*H Set in a Backyard

Somebody has way too much free time on their hands.

Someone REALLY loves the classic TV series M*A*S*H and has built an entire replica inside and out of the show's sets.  No detail was spared including replica sign posts, props, and even costume replicas. 

The one thing you should take note of is that this project proves that nothing is impossible.  If you are making a indie film and need a elaborate set then think of using your very own backyard.  It's cheaper then renting a warehouse or campgrounds for a few weeks.

I wonder if one day we will see a fan-made web series using this backyard set-up.

See more pics and get the full details on this amazing project here.

(via Make)

Flocking Made Cheap

A example of flocking on a puppet

Snipped from Wikipedia:




For all of you puppet builders, miniature landscape artists, and prop makers out there who are in need to flock your project, I have found a handful of fantastic vids for you.  The best part is that they do not require the sometimes expensive equipment needed.


Warning: Since some flocking tutorials involve soldering and electricity build these at your own risk.

Inspiration: Syd Mead

/Film has posted a cool seven minute short video doc called SYD MEAD'S 2019: A FUTURE IMAGINED which focuses on the artist who has worked on such cult sci-fi classics as BLADE RUNNER and ALIENS. 


2019: A Future Imagined from Flat-12 on Vimeo.

Build a Motorized Secret Door

This is the perfect thing for any of you making your next superhero or spy movie; a how-to on building a motorized secret door.  What really sells this for me is the bust that has to be moved to make the door switch work.

Full tutorial here.

(via Haunt Forum)

Recycling Ideas: Building Creepy Fences from Wood Pallets

One of the greatest skills that any prop builder can have is know how to turn what other sees as junk into something worthwhile.  Case in point, here is a neat video tutorial on turning wooden pallets into a creepy cemetery fence.  It's perfect for most yard haunts or any low budget film set in a cemetery.  Full instructions below:

(via Haunt Project)

DIY FAKE STONE WALLS

Here is a nifty way to make more realistic stone walls for your next home haunt or even a mad scientist lab flick. Full details here.

Monster Mud: A Recipe You Should Know

It wouldn't be October or the holiday Halloween without a bit of Monster Mud.  It's the kind of goop that can take a prop into the next level of coolness.  What is Monster Mud?  It's a witch's concotion of materials found at most hardware stores that when mixed becomes a goop that can turn cloth and props into statue like things of beauty and creepiness to behold.

Here is Lost in Schlock's complete listing of all Monster Mud related tutorials and recipes that I habe found throughout the years:

Link.

Inspiration: Motel Marquee Sign Update

Last week I mentioned this cool behind-the-scenes look at the making of a rusty and weathered motel marquee sign.  Well, Michael Fitchenfoo (aka Fitchenfoo) has updated his site with newer pics of the sign and it's base complete with fake trash and weeds. 

It truly is one of the best set prop pieces I have ever seen.

Go here to be amazed.

Inspiration: Steampunk Horror Walkthrough

I'm not entirely sure if this is a video promoting a Halloween walkthrough, but damn it's cool.  This was all done in one garage and has several different sets and on the spot sound effects and environmental changes.  It is AMAZING!  See it for yourself:



Steampunk Horror Walkthrough 2010

(via Boing Boing)

How to Build a Indoor Spooky Forest

Ever need to shoot a scene in a forest or need to do a quick reshoot but there is no forest nearby?  Then here is a neat tutorial for you on how to build a spooky forest inside your studio or garage. 

Follow this link for the full tutorial.

(via The Frugal Filmmaker)

Cortec and the Wonders of Cardboard

If you're like me and are always looking for ways to save a few pennies on a prop or set build then this site was tailor made for you.  Cortec is a website which focuses on turning cardboard (which is mostly free from local dumpsters) into a wide array of amazing set pieces or props.  This even includes cardboard furniture. 

The best part of the site is the free two-part how-to manual which can be found here.  It's a awesome 32-page set of tutorials on crafting cardboard into said props and sets. 

Go here for more details.

How to Build a Fake Fireplace

For those needing to spruce up a movie set or need a extra touch to their home haunt here is a neat tutorial on how to build a fake fireplace.

Terra's Lair

This morning I stumbled upon a great and resourceful Youtube channel for any prop maker, set designer, or home haunter showcasing a treasure trove of tutorials and behind-the-scenes of some of the sets/props that a woman named Terra has made for her own home haunts called Terra's Lair. 

Go here to see the full set of vids and be sure to see her fantastic blog which also features tons of helpful hints not just for home haunters but for set and prop makers as well.

Stagecrafting: Working with Styrofoam

Here is a nifty article from talented home haunter Dread Night on how to use and craft styrofoam for sets and prop projects.  It's one of the better how-to's on the topic out there and well worth the read.  Go here for more.

Set Design: How to Build Connecting Wall Panels

Here is a nifty tutorial for anyone needing to build walls for a set or for the home haunter needing a sturdier maze. Full instructions over here.