I’m preparing to film a sequence wherein one character has killed another and is burying their victim. I really want to have the dead character’s eyes open as dirt falls on/around their face-- I feel it enhances the creepy factor. What is the best way to achieve this effect without breaking my budget?
Thank you!
Shoot a plate with eyes open. Then reshoot with eyes closed and dirt. Replace eyes and roto a matte for the dirt. Will take a little bit of time and attention but I think it will be worth it. Think about the effect the action will have on the reflection in the eyes. This can be done either practically or in post.
Good luck!
ps. Make sure the actor stays in the same position and I would even in fact just add preroll with eyes open before action and that will ensure least amount of time passing ie consistency between plates and takes.