First off, it’s worth getting a couple of thick, black trash bags. They unite the whole body together, giving it a fuller effect. After that, you’ve got to find yourself some loose items to fill the extra space: like sweaters, scarves, and hats. I used an old fur coat to complete the look. It added a really creepy vibe to the fake body!
Next, you need to add some ‘body’ into the mixture. This is the time to start filling those bags with sacks or clothes. It’s all about tuning the contents into a shape that looks like a real body. Try advertising some old coats as well as some thin sacks within the shape of the body, and make sure that it remains consistent and stable.
Now, start adding more ‘flesh’ to the fake body. For the face, I used a mannequin head and an old woolen turtleneck to cover up the neck. From there, I filled the mannequin with some loose items, as well as a few large pillows. I then folded it all in together and put an old shawl over the face to finish it off. You could even add a hat here too, if you want to be extra spooky!
Once you’ve got the costume and body of your fake corpse ready, use some spray paint to give it a dry, mildewed look. It definitely adds a level of realism to your creation. Have you ever seen a living corpse lying around? I sure haven’t!
To make the fake body even more realistic, put some gloves and boots on it. That way, it looks like a real person! Then comes the fog machine. You can use it to help give the area a more, well, morbid feel. Lastly, once you finish all the steps, you’ll have a fake dead body that looks as real as can be!
Now that we’ve mastered how to make a fake dead body with trash bags, let’s move on to the next step. Since you’re looking to make a good impression and add a bit of pomp and circumstance, let’s talk about how to decorate the corpse.
The goal here is to make it look like the corpse is being paid its due respect after its passing. Use candles and banners to set the mood. Hang lights, add flowers, and use other knick-knacks that evoke a sombre atmosphere, such as bells or crosses.
You can also adorn the body with satin ribbons, tissues, wreaths, ect. Once you have all the decorations set-up, make sure to tell everyone about the “passing” your dummy corpse has gone through. That way, the people you invite will get the full effect of your spooky ode to a fake death.
Now let’s look at how we can take our fake dead body set-up to the next level. Set up the scene with some props and items that lend a hand to the realism factor we’re aiming for. A few items that you could include are a flag draped across the dummy’s body, or some signs or symbols that you’d associate with a funeral procession. Just make sure whatever you use can stay safe next to the candles and lights you’ve got set up.
Finally, top off the look with some special FX makeup. This is where you get to really have some fun. Take out those eyeliners, mascaras, and lipsticks and work your zombie magic. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even make your own fake wounds with paper towels and glue – it’s easier than it sounds!
Once you’ve got everything set up, you’ll have a spooky, surreal corpse to scare your guests or wow them. And next time someone asks you how to make a fake dead body with trash bags, you’ll be able to show them exactly how it’s done.