Mike Elizalde, whose credits include “X-Men: The Last Stand”, both of the “Fantastic Four” films, both of the “Hellboy” films and most recently “The Land of the Lost” film, has been in the special effects business for over 20 years. Mr. Elizalde was nominated for a “Best Makeup” Oscar for his work on Hellboy II (2008). He is the owner of Spectral Motion an all purpose special effects shop offering Creatures, Props, Special Makeup Effects. His shop specializes in the design and creation of astonishing cinematic creature effects, special makeup effects, animatronics and action props. Mr. Elizalde shares his journey into the world of filmmaking and special effects with GoreMaster.
Alan Groves is an amazing sculptor and dinosaur/creature creator. His began his career in film during the 1980s with the Jim Henson Co. His journey has taken him on a different path now creating impressive life size dinosaur sculptures for displays and National Geograpic pictorials.
Here are some excerpts from GoreMaster.com’s interview with Alan Groves:
GM: How have you gotten work in the industry?
Alan: ”To get work in the film or television industry you have to keep at it. It’s a full time job, which takes constant long hours and hard work. Never give up. It’s a tough career, but nevertheless a very rewarding one.”
GoreMaster: How did you get started working in the Special Effects industry?
Alan: ”I got a job on Labyrinth (1986) with Jim Henson. I was in the right place at the right time.”
Alan Groves: ….”Try not to stick to one area of expertise. Most people just want to sculpt and apply make up. Find out about animatronics, robotics, pyrotechnics and physical effects. Learn how to make plaster and silicone moulds. The more you know, the more you have to offer”
Alan talks about working with earthenware clays, sulphur free plasteline (Chavant NSP medium), silicone rubbers (Wacker and Dow Corning) and isophthalic resins with fiberglass and more!
GoreMaster.com http://www.goremaster.com is a site dedicated to special effects artists, creature creators, makeup gurus and the films, television shows, and theater productions they enhance and make fun!
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has arranged a special evening celebrating the career of master makeup artist, Dick Smith on Wednesday June 17, 2009 at 7:30PM at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Artist and honoree Dick Smith will be joined by Master of Ceremonies Rick Baker and special speakers and top makeup artists Greg Cannom, Kazuhiro Tsuji, Kevin Haney and Mike Elizalde, along with other guests.
Academy Governor Leonard Engelman says that ”many of the applications and materials, common today, were introduced by Dick Smith. Always at the forefront of the art of makeup, Dick pioneered the artistry of special makeup effects; was one of the first to incorporate overlapping appliances for greater mobility and therefore greater believability; researched and brought to the forefront medical adhesives such as the original ’355 Adhesive’ and Pros Aide; and created the coloring and sealing material PAX which changed the look and longevity of appliances. You have these processes and materials today because Dick was generous and always ready to share with other makeup artists.”
If you are in Los Angeles and are a fellow local 706 makeup and hairstylist union member, IATSE craftsperson or just a film buff or aspiring makeup artist, go here www.Oscars.com to reserve a spot for “The Dick Smith Tribute”.
Enjoy this 20/20 Special on Rick Baker Dick Smith and Special Effects Make-Up and the Academy Awards
Once a pre-med student at Yale, Smith’s work included films as “The Godfather I & II”, “The Exorcist,” “Taxi Driver”, “The Stepford Wives” and “Scanners.” He won an Academy Award in 1984 for Makeup for his work on “Amadeus.” His professional career began in the late forties, on a film “Call Northside 777.”
Smith worked in smallscreen on the Kraft Television Theatre in the fifties, and later on Goth potboiler, “Dark Shadows,” in the sixties.
Smith revolutionized the manufacturing and usage of foam latex pieces for prosthetic makeup versus the standards of the time.
