Creature FX: Keeping a clear head and other tales by Joe Nazzaro
Cliff Wallace and Alan Hedgecock have quietly made Creature Effects into one of the most reliable UK-based companies for everything from photo-realistic body parts to full-size prehistoric creatures. Their recent credits include 28Days Later, Kingdom of Heaven, The Seed of Chucky, King Arthur and Doom. Read how they got their start, their approach to work, and take a look at photos of some incredible pieces. Warning: Some may disturb you.
Movies are loading up on computer generated imagery. Are you tired of it, or do you embrace it? Some CG characters are not convincing (remember Jar Jar Binks), but others are quite good. And digital houses are taking care of more and more effects that were once the domain of the make-up artist. In this article, writer Ron Magid stands at the intersection of make-up and CGI and takes a careful look around. Rick Baker, Richard Taylor, Ve Neill and Keith VanderLaan share how they're staying at the top of their craft and evolving. Movie critic Leonard Maltin gives us the moviegoer's perspective on it all.
Fashion make-up artist Lee Pycroft once worked under Mary Greenwell, and had her big break with a Vogue cover of Kate Moss. She is establishing herself as an in-demand artist, and someone to learn from. "I don't really like to add artificial lines and restructure the face with make-up," she says. The Brit tells us what she does to create a classical yet edgy feel -- and it's not what you'd think. Pycroft also shares her favorite products, colors and tricks. Look at gorgeous photos from her portfolio.
This year's European show was a rich collage of fresh faces, industry legends and remarkable make-ups. Thousands braved the chilly streets of London in January to be there. The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show introduced its first-ever European student competition, which caused a stir. Top speakers included Michael Westmore, Daniel Sandler, Trefor Proud and Walter Schneiderman. Dig into photos and a fun recap of the show.
