Stupid things people do when they are scared

Being in the makeup effects industry we can say we have almost "seen in all", when it comes to the way the public reacts to being scared. Some people do the craziest things when they are genuinely frightened. We have witnessed screaming, crying, punching and other acts of violence, urination, defecation, going into labor, freezing motionless on the spot, histrionics, uncontrollable shaking, and much more.
The violent and angry reactions, like punching are of course, the hardest to take. There is nothing stronger than a pumped up 14 girl with an adrenaline kick from being scared of your character, beware! LOL!

So if you are in the scare industry, and are new to it.. Please note, some peoples first reaction is to lash out. Understand this and perform safely out of range if you can.

What is the funniest/weirdest reaction you have ever gotten while wearing a foam latex appliance, like ours?

Post here  and let us know. We love to hear the Halloween haunted industry stories...

Happy Haunting!
The Scream Team
http://www.screamteam.com

Common Mistakes Made When Using Foam Latex Appliances

We often get asked, "What are the most common mistakes people make when applying the Scream Team Prosthetic?"

So here is our list of common first-timer mistakes:

• Not doing your hands: You apply your foam latex appliance, color to perfection, add your contacts, wig and costume...The dead giveaway? Always your hands! Most forget to add makeup to their hands if they are exposed.  Or you can simply add gloves. It helps with the illusion that your character actually "lives"...

• Not doing the back of your neck: We see this all the time! Even in movies! (Especially the ones where the vampires "sparkle"! AAAArgh!) The back of the neck is completely forgotten about, mainly because you just don't see it in the mirror. Have a friend help you with this task. Again, it helps the illusion.
  

• Applying the lip of the foam latex appliance BELOW your own lip. Our Scream Team appliances are designed to go ON the lip not under lip. 'Nuff said.

• Not reading the directions thoroughly. Oh heck, this is a BIG ONE! Reading our awesome directions cannot be that HARD, right? They're fun and informative. Do yourself a big favor: Read the instructions! All of them.  See them as your downloadable "Jiminy Cricket."
  

• Using a non-castor oil based makeup: If you did not read the instructions (see above), this can happen. You use a commonly found, inexpensive petroleum based makeup from Target or Walgreen's or what-not and your beloved facial appliance degrades, swells, and looks like a seriously bad staff infection! (Not a look that you were not shooting for...) Why? Petroleum oil based makeup degrades foam. Sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. Why risk it? Use a castor oil based makeup only at the very least for the base of the foundation.

• Doing TOO MUCH: Some pieces look best when they are handled with lighter touch. Honestly, The Clown looks awesome with not alot of detail work. Stippling is a very effective technique, but let's not get out of hand and stipple the colors of the rainbow on poor old Hagatha.

• Not doing ENOUGH: On the flip side, using our lovely Dead Lee and just painting it flesh tone with no highlights and shadows just makes him look ...well, flat. "Alive" and flat. Not a good look for a zombie. Every Scream Team piece can use shadowing and a bit if highlighting. Again, the instructions cover this in detail.
  

• Not having fun with it: Stressing over/seeking perfection can take the fun out of the whole makeup experience. Relax, play. Have FUN. You are not curing some disease... you are having a blast on Halloween, remember?
  

• Using the Scream Team Instructional DVD for a coaster instead of watching it. The Scream Team Instructional DVD is an invaluable tool for those who are "visual learners". Why not order it, and if you do, make sure and watch it at least once before the big night.
  

• Not giving yourself enough time: The first time you apply your Scream Team appliance, it should take you an hour or maybe two. Some customers have taken longer-- but give yourself at least that much time. Then you can go our and really experience Halloween on a whole new level!

Check in on you later.. Email us at contact@screamteam.com with ideas about what you may want to read about here. We are open to almost all suggestions...;)

ST

What's your Monster Backstory?

Every monster has a story. And your monster should too. What makes an actor great? The prep work he has done to create his character. Why should you be any different in creating your monster? In a haunted event or even just dressing up for a party? It deserves a attention to detail.

Where did your creation come from? What made him or her that way? Can he change from good to evil and back again? Where does he live? Is he a progressive liberal trapped in a Fox-watching-conservative Glenn-Beck-worshiping family? (Oh wait, that's for another blog..)

Create a backstory so you can have your character be fully YOURS not a copy of someone else's. The more detail the better. The more original the better.

Why should this matter, you ask? Geez, it's just makeup. We have been in the makeup and haunted event biz for decades; Suffice it to say, that we have seen it all when it comes to scare-acting...the brilliant, the good and the just plain "Why are you here? Go home to your Warcraft game and let the pros work this crowd!" We know what makes a good scare actor better-- Detail. Don't overlook the small things--in your makeup design, your costume and your character choices. Really, anyone can hide, jump out and shake a noise can. Even if that is all that is expected of you; make a commitment to do more. Think outside the box. In fact, blow up the friggin' box.

Write some ideas down. Stay away from cliches and things others have done. This will make your whole experience all the richer. Then you can rejoice in the simple fact that you have helped make your audience's Halloween all that much richer, too.