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Introduction to Special Effects Makeup

Course Description

Provides students with entry-level skills and industry-standard knowledge of practical Special Effects (SFX) Makeup for major film and television productions. Students participate in hands-on class projects, including the professional use of casting materials, makeup, sculpting, airbrushing, and safe practices.

Athena Title

Special Effects Makeup

Prerequisite

FILM 2000

Semester Course Offered

Offered fall, spring and summer

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student learning Outcomes

  • Students will learn to identify and understand SFX materials used for trauma, character, aging, dental alterations, burns, and wounds.
  • Students will understand the practical aspects of makeup shops and vendors in the film industry.
  • Students will design and create state-of-the-art SFX moldings, sculptures, and characters.
  • Students will demonstrate proper practical SFX techniques and applications via foam latex, silicone, gelatin, waxes, and urethanes.

Topical Outline

  • 1. Introduction to Practical Makeup Effects (FX). a. Introduction to materials, including rubbers, silicone, and vintage techniques. b. Working with artificial bloods and creating skin effects from aging to burns.
  • 2. Out of the Kit: Materials and Techniques. a. Simulating various skin textures and wounds. b. Work with artificial teeth and nails. c. Working safely with materials.
  • 3. Lifecasting. a. Working with plaster bandages and body doubles. b. Casting body parts and options for filling materials. c. Safety guidelines for makeup artists and performers.
  • 4. Introduction to Sculpture. a. Working with oil-based clays. b. Sculpting head armatures, body parts, and eyes. c. Techniques for modeling human skin.
  • 5. Visit to Professional Makeup Sites. a. Students will meet with personnel at local makeup supply houses. b. Students will meet with regional makeup artists and studios.
  • 6. Introduction to Silicones and Flat Molds. a. Working with tin and platinum silicones. b. Preparation of mold, pigment, and mold release techniques.
  • 7. Introduction to Mold Making (and Ultracal 30). a. Working with Ultracal 30; techniques and safety procedures. b. Mold preparation, layering, and mold release techniques.
  • 8. Working with Hair: Laying and Punching. a. Introduction to materials and practices for hair laying options. b. Techniques for hair ventilation.
  • 9. Techniques for Simulating Aging. a. Techniques and aesthetic choices for aging, including bald caps and skin tones. b. Aging via highlights and shading as well as hand and teeth makeup.
  • 10. Encapsulated Transfers. a. Materials and techniques for creating high-quality transfers for movies. b. Working with silicone and cap plastic. c. Skinning your mold and working with Platsil 25 and deadener.
  • 11. Characters and Teeth. a. Working with actors, casting for sculptures of their artificial teeth. b. Casting characters’ teeth with dental acrylics and applying color effects.
  • 12. Airbrushing. a. Introduction to airbrushing, including needle gauges, pressure and airbrush guns. b. Materials and techniques for safe skin makeup application and removal.
  • 13. Zombie Class. a. Materials and techniques for creating zombies, including working with latex and cotton. b. Use of three-dimensional transfers, blood stains, exposed bones, and decaying clothing effects.
  • 14. Face and Body Paint. a. Materials and techniques for creating clowns and kumadori effects. b. Face and body paint for stage vs. studio lighting and camera distance.
  • 15. Working on the Set. a. Studio set etiquette, plus working with other crafts and unions. b. Setting up on set and loading out.
  • 16. Final Demonstrations and Final Exam.
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