Throat Slash Effects Test for Interview with the Vampire
Making a movie involves a million moving parts. If even one is out of synch with the rest, the whole machine can grind to a halt. That's why preparation is critical. Actors must memorize their lines, directors must plan their shots, and FX artists must be ready to deliver magic on cue. In this test footage from Interview with the Vampire, mechanical effects designer Richard Landon (standing in for Kirsten Dunst) "slashes" the throat of art department supervisor Shane Mahan (standing in for Tom Cruise). Gallons of blood later, the Stan Winston Studio crew had proven the effect would work on set. No time would be wasted; no blood would be left unspilled.
Enjoy the video,
-Matt Winston