1000 Dollar Film

Here are some more ways to add cheap but effective special effects to your low-budget movie.

Increase Your Space: If you’ve got a limited set but need a much bigger area, try this. Have your actor walk (or run, depending on what you’re filming) toward you, and simply repeat the clip over and over again. If you need variations, mark the spot he or she started in and film it again, editing the clips together afterward.

Fake Weather: Instead of getting your equipment all wet, use a hose with a spray-nozzle to make rain. Rent a snow machine for icy scenes, and use a large fan to create a windy day.

Stab Someone: Keep your actors safe with this fake-stabbing technique. With the assailant/murderer/stabber standing further away from the camera, have him or her “stab” the air behind his or her “victim.” Have the victim act as if he or she has actually been stabbed, of course. Cut to a close-up to the victim’s face, then add the sword under his or her arm, as if it has really been impaled there. Commence direction as you want the scene to play out–the victim to fall, the assailant to remove the sword–and simply edit the film when it’s finished to flow smoothly.

Monster-Making: If you can’t afford a monster costume (they usually look pretty unrealistic anyway, unless specially made for your film), buy some liquid latex. For under fifty bucks you can create scar tissue, fat, scary faces, wrinkles and whatever you need for your monster–or even for characters who just need new looks for the roles they are playing.

Tags: cheap special effects, free special effects, movie makeup, movie props, special effects