Source
r/Filmmakers•
eric323

Looking for advice on accomplishing a practical effect on tiny budget

The opening scene of a short film I'm working on shows a mouse caught in a trap that is released and attempts to run away.

I obviously can't use a real mouse for this, and was looking for suggestions on how to shoot this believably? Anyone know of where I might find a realistic prop mouse or how this same effect might be achieved with a fake of some kind?

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks for your time!

Posted Mar 12, 2014, 11:27 PM UTC

15
itschrisreeddirector•

What kind of trap? If your using a cage/ no kill trap then why not use a real mouse? Just put an ad on craigslist and offer the owner a fee.

EDIT: I want to be clear that I'm in no way supporting harming the mouse in any way. And think you should take precautions to make sure it is as safe and happy as any other actor on set.

1
eric323OP•

Sorry, should have specified, the very next shot is the mouse getting killed via hammer. I suppose it's possible to shoot this without showing anything or harming the mouse (which I certainly don't want to do), but I think it might be simpler to use a fake.

1
StarwarsIndianajones•

If you know someone crafty or artsy you could get them to make one out of yarn and cloth. Or just come over to my attic.

I would use fishing line and be careful with the lighting.

1
caffinepowered11•

You can buy stuffed dead mice on the internet or at a taxidermy store. A lot of movies use stuffed animals (often in combination with CGI) for realism when the shot is too dangerous or cruel to use a live animal.

3
eric323OP•

Hmm, thanks for the suggestion! I was trying to look into electronic mouse toys, but there weren't many realistic looking options.

1