Creating Special Effects for TV and Video, 3rd Edition

Dirt and Decay

 

Although it is easy to produce scenes of untidiness and disorder it is far from easy to produce scenes which are meant to be dirty. This is because both TV and movie cameras tend to improve or beautify their subjects. To create dirty scenes it is necessary to substantially overdo the treatment.

Dust

Dust is easy. Talcum powder or cement sieved or blown over props will quickly make the point. For furniture use Fuller’s Earth.

When preparing scenes in which large amounts of dust will be blown about (ceiling falls, etc.) check if studio equipment such as air-cooled cameras, computer units or precision dollies might incur damage.

Filth

For sewers, dirty cellars and similar scenes, varnish-streaked walls give an impression of seeping ...