How to become Zombie (revisit)

Hey everyone and welcome to the technical blog for Episode #24 (zombies revisited). We've worked on zombies before, but I couldn't let Mogulween pass by without doing another "undead" episode. Everyone should check out the first zombie episode and the associated blog. Send in your zombie movies, or log into the forums and challenge us to a different special effect.

Shopping List

1. Soft nose putty.
   (I got this stuff and it's almost like clay. Great for making quick and dirty prosthetics.)
2. Liquid latex
   (Another FX must-have.)
3. Make-up kit.
   (I used reds, yellows, blues.)
4. Tooth wax.
   (Easily found at Halloween stores...stock up now!)
5. Small piece of white plastic.
   (I used the side of a white spray bottle, but have also used plastic disposable plate.)
6. White cream make-up.
   (As a base.)
7. toilet paper.
   (You really only need a few squares. "Can you spare a square?")
8. Panty hose.
   (Beige or flesh tone.)
9. Paper towels.
   (Again you only need a few.)
10. Knox gelatin.
    (For ballistics gel!)
11. Red food coloring.
    (Also for ballistics gel!)

The make-up

As I mentioned above this is our second episode on zombies. In this episode I'll show you how to take zombie make-up a few steps further. For "Stage 1" zombie make-up please refer to this blog. For reference though, here are a few pictures from the newest zombie.

Now on to stage 2! The main difference here is that we are adding a chunk of exposed skull and a drooping rotten eye. The idea is this guy has been undead a bit longer and therefore taken more zombie damage. The exposed skull starts with a small piece of white plastic. Anything semi-shiny and thin works great. I cut a circle out of an old spray bottle, but you can really use anything.

Once you have the size and shape you want cut out, you can attach it. I'd recommend attaching to the forehead, because it is a a large area and doesn't move much. Wrap the edges in a thin layer of nose putty and stick in place. Then cover in a layer of liquid latex.

You also want to add a thin layer of toilet paper to the exposed skull and cover that in liquid latex. This will create a layer of fake skin we can later tear open to reveal the skull. You'll have to wait for all this to dry, but once it does, rip it open in an uneven pattern and fold over. Color in the edge of skull and the back side of the skin flap to add realism.

Next is the rotten eye socket. This is basically a whole lot of soft nose putty applied directly to the face and sculpted. Build up the mass around the eyebrow ridge then create some hanging, dripping pieces. After that coat it in liquid latex.

Finish up with some blending make-up and don't forget about the tooth black out!

The guts

This is a really simple build. Take a pair of beige color panty hose. You might be able to get an old pair, but even if you have to buy them new they only cost like $1.50. Cut off the legs and stuff both with paper towels. I used about 8-10 sheets per leg, but you could add more if you wanted your guts is be thicker. Once you've get them evenly stuffed, tie the ends together. This roughly makes a 10 foot long intestine. For longer guts just add more panty hose. Put dry guts in a bowl.

Now add some red ballistics gel. For instructions on ballistics gel check this episode of Weekend Extra. Pour it over the dry guts and make sure it is all soaked in. Then refrigerate for 24 hours.

Now you have not quiet edible, but certainly non-toxic, fake guts. Right before the shoot cover your guts in a healthy amount of fake blood. This will make the guts extra tasty too!

Check out this build in action, from Episode 24 of Backyard FX