I recently heard an actor talking about fake blood bags that they use in movies. He said that they normally use squid for the fake blood bags because it looks like real human blood. I was totally taken aback because I had no idea that the movie industry used this kind of fake blood.
I grew really curious and did some research on the matter. Apparently, squid is the perfect alternative to synthetic red food coloring or animal-based blood. And when it’s dyed, it looks really realistic. Who knew squid could look like actual human blood?
But why squid, you might ask me. Well, aside from its realistic look, squid is lightweight and easy to pack. So it’s totally practical for actors to use in movies, which require numerous takes, and for lesser budgets that can’t afford high-end materials.
Still, I was amazed. After all, it’s kind of weird to see someone on screen bleeding river-like ink. But I guess movies often defy reality in favor of a good show and some entertainment.
Then I started to think about other ways squid is used and how versatile it is. From cuttlefish ink to calamari, which is everyone’s favorite italian dish, squid is a world-wide favorite.
I could go on all day about the practicality of using squid in movie filming. And I actually believe that fake blood bags made from squid can really help the industry, especially when you think about its realism, weight, and practicality.