Special Effects Make-Up Education
Although CGI special effects have come a long way in recent years, it is still difficult to match the realism of high-quality, professional special-effects makeup. Effects makeup provides a more visceral experience for the actors and the audience. With a few tips, tricks and simple recipes, you can create fantastic special-effects makeup for your next video shoot or theater production.
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Blood
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One of the most common special effects required for film or theater productions is fake blood. Contrary to popular belief, more realistic methods of creating fake blood than simply smearing an actor with ketchup are available. To make believable fake blood, create a solution of 98 percent sorbitol liquid and 2 percent red food coloring. Powder food coloring will be less likely to stain than liquid food coloring. For gelled blood, try adding a thickening agent, such as Aerosil or Cab-O-Sil. Wash bloodied clothes in cold water to remove stains.
Gelatin
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Gelatin can be used to create prosthetic makeup or fake body parts. To make gelatin, you will need 450 g glycerine, 450 g sorbitol, 200 g gelatin powder, 1 tbsp. water and a microwave. Stir the liquid ingredients together, and microwave on high for four minutes. Slowly add the gelatin powder while vigorously stirring. Let the mixture sit for five minutes, then microwave for another two. Make sure the gelatin does not boil. Allow the mixture to cool, and apply to your subject.
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Hair Punching
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If you want to create the appearance of hair growing out of something, such as a prosthetic, you will need punch needles and real or fake hair. You can make your own punch needle by cutting off the eye of a sewing needle, or you can purchase a crown punch needle. These come in a variety of sizes, depending on the gauge of the hair you will use. The technique used to punch hair into a prosthetic is simple, although rather tedious. Hold a lock of hair in your left hand, with around 2 inches of hair protruding outward, pinched between your index finger and thumb. Rapidly push the punch needle through the hair into the prosthetic, moving the needle around in a random fashion. This will seat each hair in the prosthetic, one by one.
Nondrying Clay
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Purchase nondrying clay, known as Wed-Clay, or make it yourself. You will need a strong mixer that includes a dough-kneader attachment, 800 g clay powder, 400 g glycerine and talcum powder. Mix about half the clay powder and all the glycerine together in your mixer. Add the remaining clay powder gradually. Remove the mixture from the mixing bowl, and knead in the talcum powder. This clay can be used for prosthetics, facial sculpting and more.
Makeup Schools
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Many fine schools in the United States can help you hone your makeup skills and land that elusive film job. One such school is the Cinema Makeup School based in Los Angeles, California. The tuition for its master course on special-effects makeup (everything involved in the field) is currently set at $11,000. However, you can take smaller courses or packages over time to work up to this course. Although not required, it is helpful to also earn a degree in digital cinema or film studies to supplement your education.
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