Make a Fake Wall You Can Crash Through

If you're filming a scene where someone crashes through a wall, perhaps because they were thrown through by a superhero or mutant, then you need to know how to make a fake wall that blends in with the surroundings and can be broken through without injuring the actor. The materials used for this wall cost less than $50 USD, and while it may not be the best prop for the big screen, it's perfect for home and independent movies.

Steps

  1. Measure the doorway.
  2. Measure and cut the 1x3s to build a basic frame that fits snugly into the doorway. Use drywall screws.
  3. Trace the frame onto both sheets of foam board and cut them out. Set one aside.
  4. Use a staple gun to secure a foam board cut-out onto the frame.
  5. Glue scrap foam to the top and bottom.
  6. Trace out a jagged hole and cut it out.
  7. Add fake wooden studs. Cut the scrap wood or cardboard into short pieces. Make the edges jagged and suspend them into the opening by sticking them on with duct tape.
  8. Draw and cut a jagged hole in the other foam board cut-out similar to the hole you made previously. Don't push the piece out though. Cut all the way through the foam board in most spots; you want the piece to stay put until someone crashes through it. The cut marks will be visible on the other side, but not on camera.
    • For a more realistic effect, make many cuts within the jagged outline as well. That way, when someone crashes through, the "wall" shatters more like in real life, rather than one big jagged chunk popping out.
  9. Spray the back side (the side that you drew on) with glue and douse it with baby powder.
  10. Use glue and staples to attach the board to the other side of the frame (with the side that has glue and baby powder facing in). Put some glue on the foam board attached in the previous step; it will help hold the boards together.
  11. Bring the finished wall to the doorway and put it in. You may have to paint the fake wall so it can blend in.
  12. Have the actor run through the side with the hole, and film them crashing through on the other side.



Tips

  • Modern walls don't have horizontal studs except for at the floor and ceiling. Frayed "wires" or some PVC pipe may be more realistic.
  • If you leave the hole covered on both sides, you can film someone crashing through it from both sides at the same time. However, it'll be a little harder to add the foam chunks and broken studs. You'll have to pull out the cut-out then replace it.
  • Build it with weak materials for better effects.

Warnings

  • Be careful! Just because you can run through the wall doesn't mean it can't hurt you!

Things You'll Need

  • A doorway
  • 2 4x8' chunks of foam core board
  • 2 1x3 pieces of wood, 10' length
  • 2 small chunks of scrap wood or cardboard
  • Baby powder
  • White paper tape

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