Today on The Slanted Lens we are taking a peek into Hollywood movie magic and showing you how to make your shots older and dustier. What’s the trick? It’s Fuller’s Earth!

Fuller’s Earth

Picture any of those old Clint Eastwood, John Wayne westerns where cowboys come walking in covered in dust. We all have moments when we, too, want to set up a scene using dirt and dust, but how do we do it without literally covering actors in dirt?

The industry’s best kept secret is Fuller’s Earth. It’s a clay based powder that used to be used to take the oil out of wool and other cloth. This is a clean, filtered dirt which is much better for actors than actual dirt. It also gives a great blast effect when combined with small rocks when filming explosions.

The Versatility of Fuller’s Earth

I love carrying this with me on set because you can use it for everything. I often will throw some Fuller’s Earth on a wall and then sweep a broom over it to make sure that it looks a little more worn and used. You can use it to sweep over concrete or asphalt that you have just painted to give it a more used look.

All you have to do is throw some of this powder on and you are good to go no matter what you want to age, including furniture! It comes in several different colors and is a great tool to have in your kit and on your truck, so check it out!

Keep those cameras rollin’ and keep on clickin’!

-Jay P.