Where can I buy or have MUD made? Yes I said MUD?

Question

I am shooting a student film and would like to stage a mud fight. I know sometimes night clubs stage mud fights, but where exactly do they get the mud? Is bought, made, what? The reason I ask is because I dont want the actors to get sick or anything if I use dirt from outside.

If someone knows of any stores or companies could you please let me know. Thanks

Answer 1

You want a ceramics or pottery supply place which will sell you powdered (dry) clay used for making pots, etc. The advantages of it are that is clean of sticks, stones, and ich, not to mention that clays are extremely fine particles and when wet will cling, so there will be a coating of clay all over everything. Remember that potters spend all day with their hands coated with this stuff, so it is benign on the skin.
One important point, which the dealer should be able to explain, is color, as clay comes in colors from near white to red to dark brown, etc.
To make up the mud, you will need a fairly healthy electric drill with a mixer blade, which you should also be able to get at the ceramics supply.

Answer 2

There is something other than mud that you use for movies. It is a fine powder, which allows better control. It also dry cleans right out. It is called something "earth" or "earth" something...

Edit: I found something similar online - http://www.alconeco.com/products/prosthetic/ultra_products_dermaplast