Bloody Hell – In Search of the Ideal Red and Consistency

And we’re not going to talk about wine.

In the dimly lit corridors of the horror filmmaking world, where shadows dance and the air is thick with suspense, one question often echoes through the minds of aspiring directors and makeup artists alike: what is the best and most affordable artificial blood? This seemingly simple query is the lifeblood (pun intended) of many a horror scene, where the visceral presence of gore can make or break the chilling atmosphere.

Let’s begin the quest with bad examples from film history. The problem with blood of unrealistic color is that it distracts from the story. Much like somebody using a bright cell phone in a dark theater, it can take you right out of the story and diminish the impact of the film. Here are some movies where the blood color was problematic. Have you seen any of these?

1. Sleepy Hollow (1999) – The film was shot with a predominantly blue filter to give it a gothic, eerie atmosphere. To counteract this, the blood used was an overly bright orange to appear red on screen, which made it stand out starkly against the film’s palette.
2. Evil Dead (1981) – Known for its low-budget charm, the original Evil Dead used bright red blood that was almost cartoonish in its vibrancy.
3. Fright Night (1985) – The blood in this vampire horror comedy was often bright and vivid, enhancing the film’s over-the-top horror elements.
4. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) – This film, blending crime and horror, featured scenes where the blood was notably bright, especially in the chaotic vampire bar scenes.
5. Blade (1998) – The bright red blood in this action-horror film was part of its stylized approach to vampire violence, but distracting, nevertheless.
6. Black Christmas (2006) – The remake is often cited for its use of bright, almost neon-like blood, which some viewers felt detracted from the suspense.
7. The Ring (2002) – Certain scenes with blood were criticized for their bright, unrealistic color, which clashed with the film’s otherwise somber tone.

Everybody knows what blood looks like. To meet audience expectations, artificial blood needs to meet those expectations, with the sole exception where it’s an intentional cinematic effect.

The quest for the perfect artificial blood began in earnest with the advent of color filmmaking, where black and white no longer served as a veil for the less convincing concoctions. Early filmmakers resorted to everything from chocolate syrup in black and white films, which gave a realistic texture but was too dark for color, to red food coloring mixed with water, which was far too thin to mimic real blood. But as the genre evolved, so did the art of creating fake blood.

Among the myriad recipes and commercial products available, the consensus often leans towards the DIY approach for those on a tight budget. One particularly revered recipe hails from the legendary makeup artist Dick Smith, whose blood formula was used in classics like The Exorcist and Taxi Driver. Smith’s recipe involves a mix of corn syrup, red food coloring, and a touch of yellow for depth, with optional ingredients like soap for washability and chocolate syrup for a darker hue. This concoction not only looks remarkably like blood under the camera’s eye but is also relatively inexpensive, with most ingredients found in any kitchen or local store. It’s safe for actors, as long as you ensure the food colors are non-toxic, making it ideal for scenes where blood might inadvertently end up near actors’ mouths or eyes. However, this blend has its drawbacks; it’s sticky, can stain costumes if not carefully managed, and might require a bit of experimentation to get the shade and consistency just right for your film’s lighting and requirements.

For those who prefer buying over brewing, there’s are many options, but one brand stands out for its balance of quality and affordability: Mehron Makeup’s Stage Blood. Known for its realistic appearance, this product is washable, non-toxic, and comes in various shades to simulate different stages of blood exposure from fresh to coagulated. The affordability comes from its pricing, which tends to be reasonable for the quality, especially when bought in bulk for larger productions. It’s celebrated by makeup artists for its ease of use, requiring no mixing or worrying about spoilage, which can be a significant advantage on set. The downside? It might not give you the exact control over consistency that homemade blood allows, and sometimes, the color might not match the director’s vision without additional diluting or blending.

Another affordable and practical choice for horror aficionados is the Viola House Artificial Blood Red Spray. This product is not only economical but also user-friendly, coming in a spray form that can be applied quickly for wide scenes or touch-ups. It’s perfect for those dramatic, high-impact scenes where a character is suddenly covered in blood, offering a realistic, dripping effect. The safety aspect is covered with its non-toxic formula, though caution is advised around sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth. Its primary advantage is convenience; it’s ready to use, which saves time on set, but it might not be as versatile for creating intricate, detailed gore effects as some other options.

The debate between homemade and store-bought blood often centers around customization versus convenience. Homemade blood allows filmmakers to tailor the exact look they need for each horror scene, from the freshness of arterial blood to the dark clots of venous blood. However, it demands time, experimentation, and sometimes, a bit of messiness. On the flip side, purchasing specialized fake blood products offers consistency, ease, and sometimes, special effects like clotting or drying properties that can be hard to replicate at home.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the best and most affordable artificial blood, a blend of both worlds often serves horror filmmakers best. For those just starting out or working with limited funds, Dick Smith’s recipe provides a cost-effective, highly customizable solution. For time-strapped professionals or those needing consistent results shot after shot, products like Mehron’s Stage Blood or Viola House’s spray are invaluable. The key lies in understanding your project’s needs, balancing them with your budget, and perhaps, being willing to mix and match methods to achieve that perfect, chilling splash of horror.

I’m Michael McKown, co-founder and president of Ghostwriters Central, Inc., a provider of outstanding, professional ghostwriting services to clients worldwide since 2002. Step one is to click the link. Let’s talk, there is no obligation. We have skilled horror writers under contract, should you have an idea for a horror movie or novel that you’d like to execute. So to speak.