Local film features outfit by local costumer

Oct. 21—ANDERSON — After making a replica of Captain Jack Sparrow's jacket, Lapel resident Scott Blake III decided to go into the costume and prop business.

As a result, he founded Yordreem Creations.

Blake makes everything from sculptures to monster costumes, including a skinwalker costume used for the an installment of "Night Talkers," a feature-length horror anthology from local filmmaker Topher Chambers.

Each story of horrific happenings take place in Marshalltown, a fictional town in southern Indiana.

"It's my version of Stephen King's 'Derry,'" Chambers said.

The film is based on Chamber's book, "Letters from Marshalltown," a collection of horror stories written as local histories.

Jeff Pearson, the actor portraying Karl, the film's lead character, traveled from Atlanta, Georgia, to Anderson on Sept. 28 to be fitted for the monster suit. Pearson would also serve as Blake's understudy.

Blake opened a cardboard box with a piece of tape on the top inscribed with the words, "Monster Inside" and pulled out each piece of the costume.

The costume consisted of hands, feet, a silicone suit and a mask. Each part was molded and sculpted by Blake.

During the fitting, Pearson donned the costume piece by piece.

"It felt like home," Pearson said. "I've been cast as a lot of monsters, just weird non-person things like cyborgs and androids.

"Even though I didn't actually get to do it in the film, I'm happy because it's his baby, it's his creation. But it's still nice to know that I can be a backup not only for this film but other films down the line."

Blake was proud of his work, especially after seeing it on an actor. Blake said he usually delivers the suit and goes on his way. He doesn't typically get to stick around and see the finished product.

He stopped to take a picture with Pearson toward the end of the fitting.

Blake said he has no formal training, except for the "school of hard knocks." Like Nike, he encourages people to "just do it."

Blake has been "doing it" for several years and in that time has garnered the praise of several notable musicians, including John 5, former guitarist for Marilyn Manson and current guitarist for Motley Crue, and Dee Snider, lead singer of Twisted Sister.

Blake's costume will be featured in "Night Talkers," which Chambers hopes will be released around Halloween 2024.

Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter

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