It isn't always pretty
If you have not yet watched Chutes and Ladders- Episode 1, do so before reading on. You've been forewarned.
If you have not yet watched Chutes and Ladders- Episode 1, do so before reading on. You've been forewarned.
I really pride myself on being a DIYer and finding the cheapest alternative for any project. So when I was asked to create a corpse for the big reveal at the end of episode 1, I was up for challenge. While a corpse is more of a prop than strictly makeup, I figured it was close enough. Luckily, I am a huge Bones fan, so I have seen my fair share of rotting and decaying flesh, well the television version anyway. Take a look at some of these rotting beauties featured in NYmag.com.
I don't like watching gory movies, I don't even like scary movies, and I don't like blood in real life either. But I like Bones, ozzy goozy guts and all. I think I appreciate all the work and creativity that goes into all the makeup, props and special effects. So I was pretty excited to get a chance to make a corpse.
I knew Backyard FX had a lot of really great tutorials, perfect for DIYers like me. I was able to find this one on creating a corpse.
I made a quick trip to Home Depot and was able to gather most of my supplies there, and charm my way into getting my PVC pipe cut according to the dimensions in the video. I made another stop at the 99cents store for pantyhose, a cheap barbie with black hair, and wire coat hangers. One final stop at a theater shop for liquid latex, and I was ready to start building.
I just needed to acquire a foam head. They have them everywhere around Halloween, but in March, they are surprising difficult to find. I only had two days, and Latex takes a while to dry, so I started building without the head.
I just needed to acquire a foam head. They have them everywhere around Halloween, but in March, they are surprising difficult to find. I only had two days, and Latex takes a while to dry, so I started building without the head.
I named him "Frankie" and here he is, just "bones." The drill I borrowed was too heavy for me, so drilling through the PVC pipe took forever. I enlisted the help of my friend Nahid, and she helped hold the PVC pipes steady. She also helped mold the rib cage seen below.
By the end of the night, I was ready to start wrapping "Frankie" in newspaper to build his paper body, wrap him in pantyhose, and cover him in latex.
Once "Frankie" was dry he was ready for wardrobe. At the end of episode 1, Alejandro discovers his own decaying body, wearing the same clothes he has on now. So Frankie's wardrobe had to match but look much older. I added a few burn holes to mimic heavy wear and tear.
Here he is with Alejandro on the day of the shoot. I wish I had more time, and more latex, but overall I was happy withe the final product. I couldn't fit him in the car after the shoot, so I left him at my parent's house. My mom was so creeped out by it, that he was promptly moved and hidden in the garage. He now resides in my closet, but I can't wait to put him on display somewhere for Halloween.
