View Feedback | Send this Article | Published 4/18/03

Graphic By: Jonelle Thackston

Shot on the weekend of March 1st and 2nd in the most heinous weather conditions, ROTD was a trying but successful ordeal for the ROC Crew. Special effects are in abundance during the film and things were tried that ROC has never done before. We hope to surprise many. If you are lucky enough to see the premiere we hope you enjoy the special but gory effects and know that a lot went into making them happen. One such effect is blood. Blood is the staple of any good horror movie diet.

While watching ROTD you will notice there are two types of blood used in the production. One is a thin and runny blood substance that we used quite freely that we called The Cheap Stuff. The second type of blood used was a thick and very realistic looking substance we called The Good Stuff. We used each in different ways during the production. Below we have printed the ROTD recipe to blood making. That way, if you are a future filmmaker or you and your friends want to mess around, you will have a something to start off with that has actually been used and has worked before.

THE CHEAP STUFF:

The Cheap Stuff is relatively easy and cheap to make. In ROTD we used it for long distance blood shots and when we really had to tear into someone and needed something to flow. In puddles it is a deep red color but when just thrown on someone it looks more pink than red, so careful application is needed. It is thin and is really great when working with tubes to run the blood through. It won't get stuck inside them and it isn't as sticky as other blood types. You might find the ingredients to be unusual, but as you will see in ROTD they work.

INGREDIENTS
1 Quart of plain water
2 Teaspoons of Coco Chocolate Mix
1/2 Bottle of red food coloring: 29 Fluid Ounce Bottle
1 drop of blue food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS: These are simple mixing instructions. Put the one-quart of water in a bowl and mix the two teaspoons of Coco Mix in the water first. The Coco makes it a bit dense so it just doesn't look like colored water. When the water is a nice muddy brown, mix half a bottle of red food coloring into the mix and add one drop of blue to darken. When mixing it will look brown no matter how much red you put in, but don't worry; it is red and when on camera it will come out red. Once it is well-mixed, pour into a bucket and then make one batch after another so you can build the supply you need. It comes out of clothing relatively easy as well.

THE GOOD STUFF

INGREDIENTS
6 Pints of Karo Syrup
3 Pints Red Food Coloring
1 Pint Powder Dairy Creamer
2 drops blue food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS: This recipe can cover two people in the glorious red stuff but it is a little more costly and much more sticky. Pour the 6 pints of Karo Syrup into a bowl and slowly fold the pint of dairy creamer into the syrup after adding water to the creamer to make it a fine paste. Then pour the 3 pints of red coloring into the mix and the drops of blue. Mix well until all the bumps of creamer are gone. This stuff looks so real it will give old ladies a heart attack. However, it is extremely sticky and uncomfortable for actors. It is hard to get out of clothing and other materials, but I will let you in on a little secret to getting it out. Get a bottle of Aristocrat Vodka, moisten a rag with some of the cheap vodka, and wipe. It comes off almost like it was never there. Trust me; it works.

"Ring of the Dead" will be premiering near the end of March or early April in McGuffey Hall Auditorium. Expect surprises galore and a local movie experience to never forget. See you at the movies and remember: Make movies, not war!

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