Friday, November 26, 2010

Prosthetic Application Day

Congratulations to all the students. You all produced some wonderful work.



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Weird Science

All systems were go as we near our final weeks and lead up to major exams. We are learning new skills everyday - the measuring and making of a bald cap using a Redhead block and liquid latex.

We also worked on continuity and breakdown of a script for TV and film work. This is a very involved process and extremely important for work practices. We did a mock script breakdown and then each chose a character from our script to make up. We made notes and makeup charts, took photos, and then we each had to recreate another persons work using these notes. We had a hair lesson with the lovely Tanya, revising our skills and practicing for our practical hair exam. Our major art works were also due and we were all very amazed at the skills we each displayed, thanks to Jane’s careful tutoring in the elements of Art.

We also spent some time in the studio with Nick and Paul over these weeks doing the airbrushing of our prosthetics using various techniques with the airbrush, such as noodling. splattering and misting of the paint. We layered our colours using acrylic paints and saw our pieces come to life. Prior to air-brushing, the boys showed us how to patch any holes in our pieces using a Pros Aide and Cabosil mix, called "Bondo". There is a real science to this prosthetic business! Our pieces are now ready for the big day - the application of our foam latex pieces onto our Actors so they can come to life.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Special Effects

Moving right along from high fashion, we plunged straight into the gory, grotesque and very fun special effects component. Starting off with burns, bruises, cuts, grazes and scars, we moved into the more in-depth and detailed work of open wounds, bullet holes, decomposed flesh, sunburn, blisters, dead bodies and accident simulation.

We went through extensive product knowledge, experimenting and playing with new products - in order to know what products worked well with each other and what products worked the best to achieve certain effects. The fun has only just begun…

Mariel McClorey -Student

We’re Baaack!

The two week production break flew by and we were all really excited to be back. Professional makeup artist Garry Sutiz inspired us with high fashion looks and new products and techniques to try. With this motivation and creativity we felt confident about our professional photo shoot with Gavin Douchkov.

It was a long and potentially stress filled day due to the tight schedule we needed to stick to, but with Louise’s guidance, Gavin’s photographic direction, and of course the lovely models who gave us their time, it ran really smoothly. We were all extremely proud of the quality of the work that we managed to produce… the photos speak for themselves! A great addition to our professional portfolios.

During this last fortnight we also completed our wig knotting assignment with wig maker Penny Clements. She taught us the correct way to apply and maintain the moustaches we had made, as well as the techniques used to apply stubble. Candy looked great as a man!

Crystal Davies – Student

Exams & IMATS

The last week of term came around all too fast as we prepared for our exams. We spent time researching, practicing and dressing any wigs that we may require and going over our notes for the written component.

Tanya came in to show us GHD (hair straightener) work, as well as lots of clever styling "tricks" with the GHD.

The exam day was great fun and a welcome respite from the nerves leading up to it! Crystal even managed to apply her new GHD skills in her exam piece for film character "Elizabeth Bennet" from the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.

We were invited to help on the MEG stand at the International Make-up Artists Trade Show (IMATS). This was the most wonderful experience as we were able to listen to some amazing speakers, acquire some great show make-up specials and cheer on some past students to victory in the student prosthetic competition. A great finish to a hectic and fascinating ten weeks.

Candy Burgess – Student

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

MEG wins British Horror Film Festival

We were just informed that MEG won the "Best Special Effects" award at the British Horror Film Festival for our work on the film Needle.

Needle also won awards for “Best Cinematography” - Stephen Windon and “Best Supporting Actress” - Jessica Marais.

More to Come...

www.thefilmfestivalguild.com