r/Filmmakers • u/BraindeadUlash • 22d ago

Request How can i create a thick, blood-like, black liquid within a budget?

Guys, I'm going to be shooting my first short film in a couple of days. One of the actors will be puking a black, blood-like liquid. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to order anything online. I’d greatly appreciate any tips or suggestions. Thank you!

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u/BauerBourneBond 22d ago edited 22d ago

Chocolate syrup? Molasses? Go to the grocery store and buy anything dark enough to pass for black blood. For the sake of your actor, try and make it taste tolerable. 

You can add charcoal powder to darken. Pharmacies will sell charcoal tablets or capsules. Break them open. 

Also, just found this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y89ER6GgHr0

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u/blakester555 22d ago

Agreed. If your actor can tolerate it, try molasses. Chocolate syrup is slightly brown and more recognizable. But some molasses has a blacker sheen to it and would probably look better on camera. But it either tastes great.. or they'll hate it.

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u/DarthTheRock 22d ago

I mixed chocolate syrup with a bit of red+ blue food coloring to get that dark, almost black look. If you want it to be thicker, a spoonful of cornstarch helps. 

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u/funky_grandma 21d ago

I think this is the recipe. wouldn't taste bad, and cornstarch creates a fantastic gooeyness

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u/nikky2424 21d ago

Hi! You should use Xanthum Gum and charcoal powder (plus water). This will allow you to control the thickness/liquidity. That's also what they used for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbMwTqkKSps&list=RDpbMwTqkKSps&start_radio=1