Makeup FX Tech | Special Makeup Effects News | Tutorials

Nicotero On Creating "The Walking Dead" Makeup fx

2012-02-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Special effects artist Greg Nicotero and his team at KNB ar bringing the art of the undead to the next level, and recently AMC launched a new interactive feature on their website where Greg Nicotero shares how the terror really happens. The Walking Dead returns February 12 on AMC.

http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead/walker-gallery

Resident Evil : Retribution Makeup Effects With Paul Jones

2012-02-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

Makeup effects maestro Paul Jones has a great interview at DreadCental.com. He talks about the use of practical effects and CGI in the upcoming Resident Evil film.

Click Here to check out their full interview.

Written and directed by Paul Anderson, Re5ident Evil: Retribution stars Milla Jovovich, Boris Kodjoe, Li Bingbing, Kevin Durand, Shawn Roberts, Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Johann Urb, and Colin Salmon. Look for Re5ident Evil: Retribution in theatres on September 14, 2012 from Screen Gems.

2012 Oscar Makeup Nominations

2012-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

The nominees for the 84th Academy Awards have been announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I know everyone here at MakeupFxTech is riveted by this years race (sarcasm poured on heavily). In a year with great makeup work in all types of films, we are blessed with these final three.

Albert Nobbs: Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnson, Matthew W. Mungle

Good makeup, but Academy Award winning? It seems to be a wig and nose tip. Are we missing something here?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II: Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight, Lisa Tomblin

A lot of work went into these films, especially the final installment. The army of flawless goblin makeup applications should win them the award.

The Iron Lady: Mark Coulier, J. Roy Helland

Likeness makeups are always a challenge. This one seems to be done with style. There is also subtle and extreme age prosthetic work. The Iron Lady could be the underdog winner.

What do you think?
Comment and let us know who you think deserves the little gold man.

Geisha Maiko Makeup Tutorial

2012-01-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun look at creating a traditional style Geisha makeup. Special thanks to Amy Mills for her fantastic application.

Bruise Makeup Effects Tutorial 3 (Healing)

2011-12-29T01:58:00.000-08:00

This makeup effects bruise tutorial is part 3 of our three part series on bruise progressions. It is a quick and easy "Healing" bruise. Remember to get lots of good reference to help add realism to your bruise.

If you enjoy this tutorial, please connect with us on Facebook, Blogger, and Youtube.

Mutant Zombie Makeup Fx Tutorial Part 2

2011-12-02T15:39:00.001-08:00

MakeupFxTech.com presents part 2 of our two part series on the basic application of a foam latex prosthetic. This is a great tutorial for learning the basics. It can be used as a guide for Halloween makeup applications.

For those wondering, the final character has a wig that covers the hairline / horrid blending edge.

If you enjoy this video, please subscribe to our channel.

Makeup application by Charles Wills

Dick Smith Receives Honorary Oscar

2011-11-14T12:55:00.001-08:00

http://www.oscars.org/awards/governors/2011/smith.html

Dick Smith, the greatest make-up / make-up fx artist that has ever lived, received an honorary Oscar at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Governors Awards. Click the link above to see all the Oscar's coverage of the event.

Attempts at think of a witty caption for this photo

remained fruitless, but you get the idea.

Face Off Season 3 Casting Info

2011-11-14T12:26:00.001-08:00

You've seen the heated competition on the first season of Face Off, and a scintillating Season Two is on the way, with more amazing transformations. We're so excited about it, we're getting a head start with the casting process, and now's your chance to make your mark on the movie FX world by submitting yourself for consideration as a contestant on the show! Put your artistic skills to the test in the ultimate challenge to determine the next great makeup FX star!
Click the link below to access a .pdf file of the application, then fill it out and submit it (via e-mail to FaceOffcasting@gmail.com) and any supporting materials (via Youtube link or YOUSENDIT.com). If you are unable to submit digitally, please mail to:
Pitman Casting
4111 W. Alameda Ave. #411
Burbank, CA 91505
The deadline for applications is November 22, 2011.
OPEN CALL AUDITIONS:

Open Calls are being held in the following locations on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

LOS ANGELES, CA
9am to 4pm
Courtyard Marriott
Los Angeles Burbank Airport
2100 Empire Avenue
Burbank, CA 91504
faceofflosangeles@gmail.com for details

ORLANDO, FL
1PM to 7PM
Full Sail University
Casting Lobby 3F
351 University Park Drive
Winter Park, FL 32792
faceofforlando@gmail.com for details

Go HERE

The Walking Dead Makeup Progression

2011-11-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

Designyoutrust.com has a great set of application photos from behind the scenes at The Walking Dead.
The folks at KNB are continuing to raise the "zombie makeup" bar. Click below for the jump.

http://designyoutrust.com/2011/10/17/making-a-zombie-a-step-by-step-guide-from-the-walking-dead-makeup-team/

Mutant Zombie Makeup Effects Tutorial Part 1

2011-10-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here is our latest tutorial on prosthetic application. This is part one of a two part series. Part two will show the coloring and finalization of the piece.

We hope this can be of service in the upcoming days counting down to Halloween 2011!

Special thanks to Makeup Designer Charles Wills

Halloween Horror Nights Makeup Behind The Scenes

2011-10-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

Despite the mediocre production values (voice over gets peoples names and names of mazes wrong) of this piece, there is some great footage from a press event held at Universal Studios Hollywood promoting Halloween Horror Nights 2011.

Greg Nicotero Co-Exec Producer On The Walking Dead

2011-09-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

There has been much said about the troubles behind the scenes at The Walking Dead. In what could be great news for fans (or a desperate attempt to win them over after the unceremonious exit of Frank Darabont), AMC has bumped FX maestro Greg Nicotero into a Co-Executive Produre spot.

Along with the new title, Nicotero has also signed a first-look deal with AMC.

“Greg's talent extends well beyond the word of special fx makeup,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s SVP of original programming, production and digital content. “He is also a truly talented director, and has an incredibly comprehensive understanding and appreciation for great storytelling. His knowledge and respect for the genre is unparalleled, and we are looking forward to expanding our relationship with him with an eye towards developing more great original series.”

Season two of The Walking Dead also finds Nicotero directing a mini The Walking Dead web series, as well as directing an episode of the show.

Bruise Makeup Tutorial 2 Aged Bruise!

2011-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Makeup Fx Tech brings you part 2 of our three part series on bruises. This episode covers the creation of a classic "purple" aged bruise. Bruises are a easy to do, and come up often when working on film and television projects. They are also great for moulage and disaster training. Although not mentioned in the video, you can also add a bit of yellow surrounding the bruise to really make it look angry.

Bruise Makeup Tutorial 1

2011-09-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our latest tutorial is a basic fresh bruise application. This is part 1 of a three part series showing how to create multiple stages of bruising. These bruises are easy enough to apply for Halloween makeup, but realistic enough for feature films and high end moulage.

Vancouver IMATS 2011 (Better Late Than Never)

2011-09-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to the IMATS 2011 Vancouver. We sent Chis Mills from Silver Shamrock Lab. to rep Makeupfxtech.com for us at the Frends Beauty Supply booth. He had a great time meeting everyone and helping demo some great products. Below are his neck wound, scar, injury, and close range gunshot with powder burn applications. We look forward to catching up again in 2012!

Zombie Makeup Effects Tutorial with Sloughing Skin!

2011-07-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Our latest makeup effects tutorial shows you how to do a gross zombie makeup with sloughing skin. You do not have to use a prosthetic, the system works great with 2d zombie makeup.

Special thanks to makeup artist Amy Mills for this great demonstration!

Spectral Motion Makes-A-Wish Come True!

2011-07-20T00:40:00.001-07:00

Mike Elizalde and the team at Spectral Motion helped Matthew Yarber of Greenwood Village, Colo. realize his dream of becoming The Joker. Matthew, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was given a tour of the facility before meeting suit performers Derek Mears and Brian Steele. He then received the star treatment, gradually transforming into The Joker, green wig and all.

Check out the full story at THE DAILY NEWS

IMATS L.A. 2011

2011-07-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

The MakeupFxTech.com crew spent the IMATS weekend at the Frends Beauty supply booth. It was great meeting everyone. Chris Mills, Charles Wills, Amy Mills and Jenny Osborne presented some great makeup fx demos. Charles started off Saturday day with a Pros-aide transfer / Illustrator zombie application. Chris and Amy Mills applied a "Vengeance Demon" prosthetic to close out the Sat. demos. Jenny Osborne journeyed all the way from the east coast to apply a Pros-aide transfer bite on Sunday. We ended the weekend by giving out custom tattoo transfers. Makeup legend Dick Smith cracked a smile seeing our tribute tattoo on the arm of a devoted fan.

We look forward to meeting more of you at the upcoming Vancouver IMATS.

Pros-Aide Transfer Application Tutorial

2011-06-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here is our new Pros-aide transfer tutorial video. There is a lot of great Makeup FX info floating about on the interwebs, but one thing we noticed is the lack of info on Pros-aide transfers. This is a very basic walk through on the application and painting of a purchased transfer. We will show the process for making the transfers in a future video.

This video is the first in a long line of makeup FX tutorial that are currently backing up on our editing bay. We cant wait to show you all the fun things we have in store! If you have any questions or comments please tell us below.

- Makeup Fx Tech Team

RIP Ryan Dunn

2011-06-21T01:19:00.000-07:00

Although not directly related to makeup effects, the passing of Ryan Dunn has shocked and saddened many of his fans and friends. The good folks at Alterian inc. have posted some great age makeup photos of Dunn from the first Jackass film. For more pics, check out Alterian's website and Facebook page.

X-Men First Class Makeup

2011-06-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

X-Men First Class is finishing off its box office run in U.S. theaters. At the time of this posting, it has taken in a respectable $100,750,138 domestic. The films origin story has a lot going for it with believable acting (mostly) and a moving plot, but the one thing not recognized by the general media is the fine makeup work.

Here is the IMDB list of the talented artists involved.

Makeup Department
Sally Alcott	....	special makeup effects artist
Sarita Allison	....	special makeup effects artist
Brent Baker	....	mold department and life-casting supervisor: Spectral Motion
Deborah Ball	....	background coordinator
Fiona Barty	....	creature fabricator
Roland Blancaflor	....	prosthetic department supervisor: Spectal Motion Inc.
Liz Briseno	....	special makeup effects artist
Jessica Brooks	....	special makeup effects artist
Michael Broom	....	creature designer: Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc.
Sophia Burnage	....	makeup artist: dailies
Valter Casotto	....	prosthetic make up artist
Mark Coulier	....	prosthetic makeup artist
Justin Ditter	....	key hair stylist
Mike Elizalde	....	special makeup designer
Dave Elsey	....	makeup supervisor: Beast
Nana Fischer	....	key hair stylist
Nana Fischer	....	key makeup artist
Thomas Floutz	....	special makeup effects artist
André Freitas	....	special makeup effects artist
Vincent Gideon	....	hair stylist
Alec Gillis	....	makeup designer
Connie Grayson	....	contact lens technician
Connie Grayson	....	hair technician
Nikkie Grimshaw	....	special makeup effects artist
Jo Grover	....	special makeup effects artist
Frances Hannon	....	makeup department head
Michael Heintzelman	....	project coordinator: Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc
Kati Hood	....	special makeup effects artist
Sue Ignatius	....	makeup artist
Lucinda Jelley	....	prosthetic makeup trainee
Beth John	....	contact lens technician
Nóra Kapás	....	prosthetics makeup artist
Matthew Killen	....	makeup effects: "Beast"
Nicky Knowles	....	hair stylist
Nicky Knowles	....	makeup artist
Davina Lamont	....	special makeup effects: hair technician
Steve LaPorte	....	prosthetic makeup artist
Riki LeCotey	....	special makeup effects technician
Amy Lederman	....	makeup artist
Göran Lundström	....	makeup effects sculptor: Coulier Creatures
Emma Mash	....	makeup effects coordinator
Patricia McAlhany Glasser	....	hair stylist
Ann McLaren	....	special makeup effects artist
Annabelle Miller	....	creature effects trainee
Fran Needham	....	makeup artist: second unit
Fran Needham	....	makeup supervisor
Conor O'Sullivan	....	makeup supervisor
Nina Pratley	....	prosthetic makeup trainee
Robin Pritchard	....	prosthetic make up artist
Lufeng Qu	....	mystique head makeup
Jennifer M. Quinteros	....	makeup production assistant: Mystique
Gemma Richards	....	hair stylist
Gemma Richards	....	makeup artist
Jemma Scott-Knox-Gore	....	contact lens technician
Jessica Seen	....	makeup assistant: daily
Jan Sewell	....	hair stylist
Jan Sewell	....	makeup artist
Leon Smikle	....	prosthetic makeup artist
Kristie Southcott	....	prosthetic makeup trainee
Randa Squillacote	....	hair stylist
Daniele Tirinnanzi	....	prosthetic makeup artist
Valentina Visintin	....	prosthetic makeup artist
Brian Walsh	....	production supervisor: Spectral Motion, Inc
Jill Warner	....	purchaser & shipping assistant: Spectral Motion Inc
Christine Whitney	....	makeup supervisor: crowd
Steve Winsett	....	special makeup effects artist
Tom Woodruff Jr.	....	makeup designer: "Beast"
Bill Myer	....	special makeup effects artist (uncredited)

The Walking Dead Season 2 Set Pics

2011-06-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice look at some zombie makeups from the second season of The Walking Dead, that just began filming in and around Atlanta. Hopes are high, as this looks to be a full 13 episode season to premiere in the fall.

Producer/Director/Writer/Badass Frank Darabont had this to say.........

"At this moment, I'm standing on a stretch of post-apocalypse interstate in Georgia, littered with abandoned cars and blessing my good luck to be reunited with our amazing cast, and our fantastic directors and crew. Across the board, there are none better. It's great to be shooting again. I think we've embarked on a great season."

Oh... and cool contacts!!

Ghostbusters 2 Special Effects Behind The Scenes Videos

2011-06-07T00:14:00.000-07:00

R.I.P Michael J. McCracken

2011-06-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

The world has lost a very talented artist, Mike McCracken.
Check out his facebook fan page here! (might have to be logged in to view)

"I am Legend" Makeup Test Video

2011-06-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

An exciting look at Steve Johnson's makeup fx test for "I am Legend."

The video says more than typed words can express. It is unfortunate the finished film ended up having such horrible rubbery "mummy jawed" CG creatures. This is another example of the bad choices that producers make when constructing a film.

Rob Zombie's "Lords of Salem" Fx Photos

2011-06-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Shock rock maestro / controversial horror director Rob Zombie is leaking process pics from makeup fx artist Wayne Toth's shop. The pictures seem to show a disturbing multi nippled witch chest. Here is what Rob had to say.

"What the fuck is Wayne Toth working on now? More nasty business for Lords. And to answer your questions... YES! There will be a lot of tits in the film as seen in the pics below."

New and Improved site in the works!

2011-05-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

The folks at MakeupFxTech.com are working hard to bring you an updated experience. We will return to updating you on the latest in makeup, monsters, and their mad creators! The future is bright so stay tuned!

Skull Makeup Halloween Tutorial

2011-05-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is a simple step by step tutorial showing an easy method for painting a skull / skeleton face. No specific supplies are needed besides grey, black, and white makeup, and a brush for application. You can use creme, oil based makeups, or cheap Halloween store colors. This makeup took approximately ten minutes to apply. Be creative. Once you have mastered the basic design, experiment! The base color of the skull can change to create a different feel and all the lines and shapes can be angular, to create an even more terrifying look. Use a skeleton face to “scare” up any costume.

Begin by covering the face with a solid coat of grey. Leave the areas around the eyes and mouth clean.Later, these clean areas will be painted. It is best to leave them open so that the different color makeups do not blend together.

With black makeup, draw the large forms around the eye. This creates the illusion of deep skull eye sockets. You can use your models actual anatomy to gauge where to place the shapes. Try to not have the top of the eyes much higher than the eyebrows or the bottom any lower than the middle of the nose. An “A” shape is painted on the top of the nose. Once the shape is complete, fill it in leaving a “V” at the top. This is the sunken in skull nose. Draw vertical lines from the inner corner of the eyes. This is the beginning of an angry brow.

With black makeup, draw “L” shaped brackets around the upper corners of the skeleton eye sockets. Comma shaped vertical lines are drawn from the top of the “L” brackets to the upper peaks of the forehead. This shape defines the forehead anatomy of the skull.

Ovals on the cheek create the dark space inside the jaw bone.

With black makeup, draw “V” shaped checks above the cheek ovals. The inner corners of the checks towards the nose should end in a slight curl. This curl should end pointing toward the lips.

With black makeup, draw around the outline of the jaw. This is creating the illusion of a jawbone. Accentuate the front of the chin with two half circles. This visually pushes the jaw forward.

Half circles are drawn between the cheek ovals and ears. They should be placed just underneath the cheek checks or “V”s.

Use black makeup to draw the teeth. Make small upside down “V” shapes. Start from the center and work your way out to the corners of the lips. Remember top teeth are larger than the bottom teeth. This is a simple detail that really adds to the final design.

With a clean brush or finger, begin to blend the black into the grey to create soft edges and gradations.

Start with the forehead lines, blending towards the ears. Blend the bottom of the cheek checks towards the lips. You can also blend the chin and under the cheek “V”s on the sides of the face.

White makeup is used to carefully paint in the teeth.White may also be placed along the upper and lower corners of forms. This helps create the look of light hitting the skull.

The skull makeup is complete!

Watchmen Makeup Fx

2009-03-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

This post will hopefully end our “Watchmen-palooza.” Make-up Artist Magazine’s latest issue has a bunch of stuff on Watchmen’s Makeup. Check it out.

From MakeupMag.com : Check out Issue 77 of Make-Up Artist magazine for exclusive coverage of the make-up team behind Watchmen. Joe Nazzaro talked to artists Rosalina Da Silva, Anji Bemben, Todd Tucker, Will Huff and Miles Teves about their work on the highly anticipated, and challenging, new movie.

Issue 77 will arrive on newsstands beginning March 9

Watchmen Review

2009-03-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

It is finally here. After over 20 years of false starts and production problems, Alan Moore’s Watchmen has come to the local megaplex. Has the acclaimed graphic novel (often quoted as “unfilmable” ) been fully realized in this movie adaption? The answer is as complex as Watchmen itself.

Watchmen is basically an unconventional superhero story set in an alternate 1980’s where Richard Nixon is still president and masked crime fighting has been outlawed. The story begins with the death of The Comedian, a Captain America type superhero. Rorschach, (an outlaw crime fighter) investigates, learning that there is a murderer bumping off costumed heroes. He sets out to warn his fellow “Watchmen” and together, they piece together the clues to a terrifying puzzle that reveals the “rabbit hole” is deeper and darker than any of them could have imagined.

The Good: The greatest moments of the film are stolen by Rorschach and The Comedian. Jackie Earle Haley is mesmerizing as Rorschach. His ( better than Bale’s ) voice grovel and unflinching characterization leave you wanting more. Jeffrey Dean Morgan chews scenery as The Comedian, approaching the sick and depraved character with a slickness and likability that creates conflict within the viewer.

Director Zack Snyder steers the Watchmen ship in the right direction (for the first two thirds anyway), competently telling the tale - even occasionally improving upon the original's narrative. The action is intense, with the gore and violence turned up to 10. Many scenes are strikingly more visceral than their graphic novel counterparts.

The overall art direction is breathtaking, and should be nominated for awards. The film's interpretation of the Watchmen characters and sets really bring the book to life, adding an extra layer of detail to the story.

THE BAD: The final quarter of the film is a mess. Snyder has turned up the violence in every aspect of the film except where its most important.... the ending. By effectively removing the teeth from the finale, we watch the film eat steak with razor sharp incisors for two and a half hours to ultimately have it “gum to death” the ending. The film NEEDS an ending so viscerally horrid and strong that everything seen before it pales in comparison. The book accomplished this in an unimaginable way, leaving the reader in shock (supposedly “not appropriate, in a post 9/11 world” WTF) - Snyder's film does not. Because of this flaw, the film misses the mark of a true classic. (He came so freaking close.... what a shame).

THE UGLY: The characters in the film age decades - a monumental task to accomplish with a convincing flair. Unfortunately, after the masterful work on “Benjamin Button”, Greg Cannom and Drac studios' Watchmen age makeups seem to be missing something. There is just an implacable lack of realism that often distracts from the story.

Malin Akerman as Laurie Jupiter is definitely the weakest “casting” link. She has the right look for the character (filling out the latex suit rather nicely), but when the drama heats up, she continues to deliver lines like a “school girl” Drew Barrymore. It's not enough to distract from the overall film, but noticeable when placed in juxtaposition to such a strong cast.

Watchmen is an enjoyable film - more so if you have waited since the inception of the book. Warner Brothers is to be applauded for allowing such a commercially troublesome project to be made, and for hiring a director that insisted on using the source material (except for the ending... WTF) as “biblical text.” It is a journey darker and denser than most superhero fare. In the shadow of “The Dark Night,” it lacks a psychological and emotional connectivity that would have left the viewer contemplating much deeper issues (besides where they parked their car). This small “David” slays the Watchmen “Goliath,” keeping a good film from becoming GREAT.