interviews

interview 4

http://www.makeupart.i8.com/index.html

E-Mail to: jim@makeupart.i8.com

These are some projects he has worked as a makeup artist: MORTAL KOMBAT: KONQUEST, NEW YEARS GRIEVE, SEAQUEST DSV.

Interview reply May 12 2005 by Jim Udenberg

 

Hi Maria,
I am sorry for the delay. Thank you for you interest and kind words about my work. I will try to answer as best as I can...

Q. What type of special make-up effect do you consider to be the most popular today in films, commercials, or music video clips?

JIM: Well, not a whole lot has changed over the many years of the art. However I would say that more recent developments in Silicone materials has been the biggest change recently. The challenge is to re-create human flesh as accurately as possible. Silicones are a very good material to achieve this. CGI has taken over many of he jobs that used to be in the hands of the makeup effects people, but there is still a great need for our talents when it comes to the actors. For them to be able to look into the mirror and see themselves transformed, it greatly enhances their performance.

Q. What is the typical process for the creation of a character or creature? How do you approach it (are there any tricks)?

JIM: I start with analysing the script and talking wiht the director about how he wants those words translated into reality. Also with the actor if it will be a makeup. I use Adobe Photoshop to design all my makeups right over a photograph of the actor. Sometimes I will also sculpt a small version of the makeup or creature. This is called a maquette and is a good 3 dimensional design tool so the director cans see the thing from all sides.

Q. What types of materials do you use a lot? What are some interesting or innovative techniques?

JIM: Well, I mentioned the silicone above. That is a big thing now. We used hundreds of different materials and chemicals. The basics being Clay, Plaster, Foam Latx, Gelatin, Silicone, Epoxy, Latex, the list could go on forever. :)

Q. What famous movies, commercials, music video clips, have you contributed in and what was your favourite in creating the make-up effects for it and why?

JIM: I have worked on a view small films and TV shows. Sea Quest was one of the biggest. Also the Mortal Kombat TV show. I worked closely with N*Sync on one of their tours. But my main job was I worked at Universal Studios in Florida for nearly 10 years. I had the chance to do many different charactes and it is very difficult to pick a favorite. I did a pilot for a TV show directed by John Landis. That was a lot of fun. We built two large creatures for that. Unfortuneatly the show never got made.

Q. Has anyone freaked out on you on a particular effect that you created on them before the filming?

JIM: No, not really. however I did an evil clown makeup one year at Universal. The actore was on a break and went to the cafeteria to get some food. The girl working the counter looked up and saw this evil clown and COMPLETELY freaked out. She fell on the floor and ran away on her hands and knees. Turned out she has a severe fear of clowns. :) It made me feel good about the makeup though.

Q. Have you ever done any casualty effects such as, cut throats, stitched wounds, slit wrists, bruises, scratches, etc? If so, what kind of materials do u use and what tips or techniques could you give for these kind of make-up effects?

JIM: I have done many but mostly for demonstratiion purposes. Wax, latex, cotton, gelatin are all usefull materials. As far as techniques, it is too big a subject to really get into here. Come on over to Norway and take my course. :)

Q. Do you believe that casualty effects is the most common effect used in our society today in films, TV, commercials, theatre, and video clips?

JIM: most common? Hard to say. A good makeup artist will be able to makeup the lead actress, do all the cuts, bruises and scrapes, build the monster, and blow up the head. What is the most common effect? Hard to say.

Q. How do you believe make-up FX affects society in the past and today?

JIM: we offer an art which is a tool for the storyteller of our time to help them tell their story. We contribute to entertaining the masses. how we affect society is had to say. I personally hope that I can at least ispire young artists to continue the art and make it even better.

Q. Why do you believe make-up FX should be used?

JIM: Again, it is just one tool in the story tellers tool box. There is real world feel the a good makeup effect. Too many CGI effects take the viewer OUT of the story. A good makeup blends and anhances the story. But they are both valid important tools that can work together beautifully.

Q. How has CGI affected you and the special make-up industry in
general?

JIM: See many of the above answers. :) I embrace CGI. I think it is important to filmakers. But so is makeup. The two must blend together.

Q. Where do you see special make-up effects ten years from now?

JIM: hopefully right where it is now. Co-existing side by side with CGI. Some recent films have proven that the two can work together VERY well. Hellboy. Planet of the Apes, The Grinch. Nutty Professor. and Many others. One good thing is that theater will alsways need makeup effects. Until they come up with the perfect holographic actors. :)

I hope this helps.

All my best.

Jim