Bullet hit squib

[2][3][4] This is achieved by remotely detonating a small explosive hidden in the actor's clothing, bursting a fake blood packet and blowing open a pre-scored hole to create an aesthetic that filmmakers and audiences alike have become accustomed to associating with a gunshot wound.

[5] The device comprises a squib (a small, tablet-shaped, firecracker-like explosive) with an integrated igniter or glow wire,[6] a pack of simulant (often fake blood), a protective shield and padding attached to the actor's costume.

While the portrayal is not necessarily accurate or is exaggerated compared to real-life[7] (in the main figure, bullet holes are blown outwards and blood projects through the fabric), it is nevertheless a useful tool to create a dramatic scene.

Advancements include specific methods and chemical compositions to manufacture the squibs themselves, such as without heavy metals;[6][12][13] a wearable, reusable pneumatic system that eliminates the need for explosives by using compressed air to expel fake blood through a small outlet.

In film productions, multiple crew members, including pyrotechnicians[17] and costume designers, work together to create realistic blood squib effects.

These squibs are used to create both entry and exit wounds,[23] often accompanied by 10-30 ml of fake blood, depending on the fabric's absorbency and the desired visual aesthetic.

Fake blood is typically filled in a small balloon, packet, or condom placed on the squib, followed by a grooved protective plate and padding.

Various simulants, such as fake blood, water (rehearsals),[25] glycerine (night scenes),[26] or dry substances like dust[27] and feathers (gunshot aesthetic on a down jacket),[28] are used depending on the desired effect.

[5] When preparing these costumes, considerations include script and scene requirements, how easily squibs can be integrated, aesthetics, lighting conditions and budget constraints.

As a result, they play an important role as a figurative canvas, portraying violence and death through bursts of blood, frayed bullet holes and the stains.

Several "distress doubles" or "stunt" costumes with pre-scored bullet holes are usually prepared for main characters to accommodate multiple takes and camera angles.

Test fires and rehearsals are performed to check for faults and to make adjustments to timing or the amount of fake blood as needed.While most outfits can only be used once due to the destructive nature of squibs on the material,[34] jackets (e.g. waterproof, parka and down) and other durable clothing may be reused if the bullet holes are crosshatched in well-defined, clean-looking cuts.

Other advantages include their ability to conceal devices, provide additional padding, support multiple squibs and be easily worn and removed, thereby minimising the risk of accidental premature rupturing.

[39][40] Fully assembled devices – including fake blood, plastic packets, duct tape, wiring, and protective shields – can cost around $150.

[21] For example, for a winter shootout scene, a character's jacket might cost around $500 each, with one reserved as the hero costume, three for the stunt,[21] one for testing,[19] and another for dress rehearsal, totalling an estimated wardrobe budget of $3,000.

There have been reported cases of ad-hoc squib manufacturing, even in professional settings, causing injuries due to inconsistencies in construction or inadequate safety measures.

Additionally, safety protocols dictate that other cast and crew members maintain a minimum distance of 0.5 to 2.5 meters from the squibs, depending on the size of the charge.

Careful manufacturing and strategic planning with multiple camera angles can reduce the need for repeated takes, minimising the actor's exposure to the squibs.

Lead particles from squibs have been found to exceed EPA and occupational safety standards by more than 500 times in an enclosed space, potentially affecting actors, crew members, and stunt performers.

[48] While some productions have moved to safer alternatives like pneumatics or digital effects, commonly used squibs, such as the D-60 and D-80 series made by De La Mare, still contain lead, contributing to ongoing health concerns in the industry.

[6] Filmmakers with limited budgets can create a similar effect without squibs by using a fishing line attached to a washer glued onto a blood pack, pulled through a precut hole.

Initially developed from garden sprayers in the early 2000s,[54] these devices have been refined,[55][56] but the resulting effect is less convincing with a jet of blood spray instead of an aerosol burst, and rigid tubing is difficult to conceal.