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What it’s really like to film ice cream for a movie
Have you ever wondered if the ice cream you see your favorite movie or TV characters enjoying on screen is actually real? Well, it turns out that most of the time it’s not. A fascinating article from Mental Floss reveals the truth behind filming ice cream scenes, highlighting the tricks and techniques used to create those mouthwatering shots. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s really like to film ice cream for a movie.
Fake ice cream, real visual delight
When it comes to filming ice cream scenes, authenticity often takes a back seat to practicality. Instead of using real ice cream, filmmakers and food stylists are turning to clever substitutes that can withstand the challenges of filming. According to the Mental Floss article, the most common substitutes for ice cream are rolled meringue or sugar-coated butter. These alternatives look similar to ice cream, but don’t melt under the hot studio lights.
The importance of time and shelf life
Filming a movie or TV show can be a time-consuming process, with multiple takes and scenes requiring continuity. The use of real ice cream poses a significant challenge due to its tendency to melt quickly. To avoid constant melting and the need for frequent reshoots, food stylists use various techniques to extend the life of ice cream on set.
One such method is to prepare desserts, such as sundaes, the night before shooting and place them in the freezer overnight. This allows them to remain intact and last for several hours during the shoot. In addition, food stylists use cold spray to keep ice cream substitutes looking fresh and prevent them from melting under the hot studio lights.
Fake milkshakes and melting cones
Ice cream plays a prominent role in American culture and is often featured in television shows and movies. One example is the popular show “Riverdale,” where characters frequently visit Pop’s Diner for decadent milkshakes. In reality, however, these milkshakes aren’t made with real ice cream. Instead, they are made with Greek yogurt, according to HuffPost.
Creating the illusion of ice cream on set can be a challenging task, as author Jeff Kinney reveals in his book “The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: How Greg Heffley Went Hollywood.” In the book, Kinney recounts the difficulties of filming an ice cream scene in which the ice cream keeps melting. At the end of the scene, numerous melted cones were piled high in the set’s trash can.
Bottom Line
The next time you watch your favorite movie or TV show and see characters enjoying delicious-looking ice cream, remember that what you’re seeing may not be real. When filming ice cream scenes, clever substitutes such as rolled meringue or sugar-coated butter are used to create visually appealing and durable desserts. The goal is to capture the essence of ice cream without the challenges of melting and time constraints. So the next time you see a character on screen enjoying a scoop of ice cream, you’ll know the behind-the-scenes secrets that make it all possible. Lights, camera, ice cream!
FAQS
Is the ice shown in movies and TV shows real?
No, in most cases the ice cream you see on the screen is not real. It is often replaced with rolled meringue or sugar-coated butter for practical reasons during filming.
Why do filmmakers use substitutes for real ice cream?
Using substitutes allows filmmakers to overcome challenges such as melting under hot studio lights and the need for frequent reshoots. Substitutes such as rolled meringue or sugar-coated butter maintain their shape and appearance throughout the shoot.
How do food stylists ensure that ice cream substitutes hold up on set?
Food stylists prepare desserts, such as sundaes, the night before shooting and freeze them overnight. They also use cold spray to keep the ice cream substitutes looking fresh and prevent them from melting under the hot lights.
Are there any popular shows or movies that use fake ice?
Yes, popular shows like “Riverdale” have used fake ice cream in their scenes. For example, the milkshakes seen in “Riverdale” are actually made with Greek yogurt, not real ice cream.
What challenges do filmmakers face when shooting ice cream scenes?
One of the biggest challenges is the melting of the ice cream substitutes. It can be difficult to maintain the desired appearance throughout a scene, often resulting in several melted cones piling up in the set’s trash can.
Can viewers tell the difference between real ice cream and artificial ice cream?
In most cases, viewers cannot tell the difference between real ice cream and on-screen substitutes. Food stylists and cinematographers work together to create visually appealing shots that capture the essence of ice cream, even if it is not the real thing.