Severed ear gag

Sahlah Tepes

Hey there,

I need to create a severed ear gag on film.  I can create the ear prop needed, but I also need to make the side of the head look like the ear is missing because someone sticks a finger in that hole.  Would greatly appreciate any suggestions on something that will work and look good on camera.  

Thank you.  

Chris Ellerby

Subtractive effects are always a challenge.  If you are on a budget, you may want to work closely with the director and cinematographer to see exactly what type of shot they want, vs what they actually need to tell the story.  Make sure they understand what's possible with your budget, and how it would need to be filmed.  Often showing less looks better.  If you are not careful and don't have a massive budget, it could look comedic. 

Your best bet, on a budget, is to not show it up close and heavily control the camera angle.   To make an effect like that look "real," you typically need a fake head for the close-up or an appliance that only looks good from a specific angle, and/or digital enhancement combined with makeup.

With an appliance, you would basically be recreating the head around the ear, raising the surface up a good quarter to half inch.  To hide the thickness you have to add to cover the ear, you would also need to build up the cheek and the head/hair around the ear.   Then you have to shoot it from that side so you don't see the added depth.

/Chris

Sahlah Tepes

Understood.  This helps tremendously.  Thank you so much for your insight.