Dead-character costume

Did You Know?

• If fake blood is used, the outfit's colour should be bright or have sufficient set lighting to show bloodstains.
• Typically, 3-6 or even 8 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.
• Spent and unspent costumes, whether salvageable or not, are kept until post-production is complete in case additional footage is needed.

Costumes used for bullet hit squibs

A dead-character costume is a key part of creating a blood squibs effect, often used in action or crime scenes with gunfire. The squibs themselves simulate a bullet wound, with a fake blood packet hidden inside the costume. Before the effect can work, the fabric where each squib will go is deliberately weakened—by cutting, sanding, scoring, grating, or using a plunging tool—and sometimes cut open from the inside to attach the squib. Because of this preparation, any spare or unused costumes are usually ruined. The costume’s preparation starts with the script, which dictates the number, order, and placement of bullet holes, each about 50 mm across. To keep the costume looking intact from a distance, the weakened area is glued or taped back together, so it frays realistically when the squib fires. Squib assemblies are large and heavy, and they are fastened securely inside the costume to make sure the blood bursts outward. The lining and padding may be altered to reduce bulk, but multiple squibs can still add noticeable weight and create unnatural bulges, affecting how the actor moves and how the costume looks. Costumers try to hide the squib placements using subtle scoring or stippling, and they rely on post-production to erase any visible bullet holes before the squibs are triggered. For jackets with several frontal squibs, a rear zipper is sometimes added so the actor can put the jacket on backwards, which disturbs the squibs less. Fastening all closures is important for both visual consistency and safety, as it keeps the squibs from being exposed or pointing in the wrong direction. Creating convincing bullet-hit squib effects usually requires a large wardrobe budget, though some costumes can be reused or salvaged. Thin fabrics, like cycling jerseys, allow a squib to blow open easily without needing to weaken the fabric first, and unused spares can be saved. More durable clothing, such as waterproof jackets, parkas, and down coats, can be reused across multiple takes, cutting down on duplicates. For these, the bullet holes are cut completely open and then loosely glued or taped shut. Between takes, the blood squibs are replaced, and the jacket is wiped clean.