- Source: Dead-character costume
Stage clothes worn by actors who portray characters who have been fatally wounded in movies, TV shows, or theatre productions are consumables called "dead-character costumes". These costumes often include special effect elements such as blood squibs or prosthetics to simulate bullet impacts or stab injuries. Despite the character being "killed" only once on-screen, multiple identical costumes are typically prepared for repeated takes to ensure consistency across multiple shots, as the irreversible damage caused by squibs or blood effects limit their reusability. After their use, they are placed on the "dead-character rack" for eventual disposal, unlike other clothing articles that may return to the costume shop. These costumes serve as a metaphorical canvas to portray injury and death without the need for digital post-production effects.
Costume selection should consider script requirements, possibility for modification, aesthetics, and budget. If fake blood is used, the outfit's colour should be bright or have sufficient set lighting to show bloodstains. Typically, 3-6 identical stunt pieces are modified for the planned takes, rehearsals, backups and tests, and one hero piece without modifications is used for close-ups and prior scenes. Sufficient duplicates ensure smooth execution.
Costumes used for bullet hit squibs
A dead-character costume is one of the most significant components of a blood squibs effect, especially in action or crime scenes that involve gunfire. These squibs simulate a burst of a bullet wound and a fake blood packet hidden beneath the costume. Designated areas of the fabric where the squibs are placed are first weakened (often by legislation) by cutting, sanding, scoring, grating or plunging a scoring tool, and sometimes, they are cut open from the inside to affix the squibs. As a result, spare or unused costumes are usually unsalvageable.
Example of identical sets of scrubs used for a movie scene
= Preparation of the costume
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The preparation of a dead-character costume involves determining the number, sequence, and location of bullet holes (~50 mm diameter) based on the script. To maintain an intact appearance from a distance, the area is weakened and glued or taped to create realistic fraying when the squibs trigger. Squib assemblies, which are large and heavy, are securely attached to the inside of the costume to ensure the blood effect is directed outward. The lining and filling may be modified to reduce bulk, though multiple squibs can still add significant weight and unnatural bulges, affecting movement and appearance. Costumers aim to minimise visibility of squib placements, with subtle scoring or stippling techniques and using post-production to erase visible bullet holes before the squibs are fired.
In some cases, jackets with multiple frontal squibs are fitted with an additional rear zip, allowing actors to wear them from the back to minimise disturbance to the squibs. Fastening all closures is crucial for both visual consistency and safety, as it prevents the squibs from being exposed or aiming in unintended directions.
Preparation of a dead character costume for bullet hit squibs
= Reusing or salvaging dead-character costumes
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Producing convincing bullet hit squib effects often requires a substantial wardrobe budget, though some costumes can be reused or salvaged. Thin fabrics, like cycling jerseys, where a squib can easily blow open the thin fabric, can be used for a blood squib stunt without weakening the fabric and unused spares can be salvaged. More durable clothing, such as jackets (e.g. waterproof, parka and down), can be reused across several takes, thus reducing the number of duplicates. Bullet holes are completely cut open and loosely glued or taped back together, as shown in the demonstration image in the gallery. Between takes, blood squibs are replaced, and the jacket is wiped clean again. Other advantages of using a jacket as a dead character costume include:
the insulation provides additional padding
versatility in many scripts
easy to hide multiple squibs, wiring and equipment
more sophisticated appearance
comfortable for extended filming or performing periods
The main disadvantage is that this requires more time for resets between takes.
Specific modifications for a down jacket, such as repacking down fillings in a taffeta pocket or a plastic pouch, help maintain their puffy appearance.
Using non-staining simulants (e.g. water) during rehearsals or dry simulants (e.g. dust, powder) also facilitates cleanup.
Bullet hit squibs on a waterproof down jacket
When costumes cannot be altered or damaged, realistic blood stains can be achieved using acrylic painted nylon tulle mesh and added ripped fabric material for bullet hole textures. This method allows repositioning before sewing and removal after production for costume reuse. However, it does not replicate the blood spray effect of a bullet hit squib, potentially requiring CGI to achieve this effect.
= Performing with bullet hit squibs
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Costume containing blood squibs and equipment is visibly bulkier and heavier, which requires care during dressing and performance to avoid damaging the squibs. For safety reasons, it is generally advised to change into the dead character costume immediately before the shot to prevent accidental triggering or equipment malfunction, unless practical reasons necessitate switching from the hero costume to the stunt version earlier.
Post-production
Spent and unspent costumes, whether salvageable or not, are kept until post-production is complete in case additional footage is needed. This ensures that all necessary footage is captured and allows for reshoots if required. Afterwards, they can become souvenirs, be auctioned as memorabilia, repaired, or donated depending on the production's needs. An example is winter coats with bullet holes that have been repaired and donated.
See also
Bodily mutilation in film
Bullet hit squib
Fake blood
Practical effect
Pyrotechnics
Special effect
Squib (explosive)
References
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