interviews

interview 5

http://www.deathstudios.com/steve_wang_resume.htm

E-Mail to: biomorphs@comcast.net

These are some projects he has worked as a makeup artist: UNDER WORLD, 2000 BEDAZZLED, BICENTENNIAL MAN, GODZILLA

Interview reply May 9 2005 by Steve Wang

 

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

A. I think with CGI nowadays dominating the lion's share of the effects world. More and more practical creature effects are being done in CGI. The character makeup seems to have become the main focus of the makeup effects world. Movies such as Hellboy, The grinch and cat in the hat still heavily rely on the actor's performance to bring the character to life, thereby the need to transform the actor via prosthetics.

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

A. Depending on the design and what the character has to do in the film, the process can be quite different. What is not different is the need to lifecast the actor, whether it's the face, head or the whole body. In order for what is created for the actor to wear to fit exactly, we always start with a lifecast. We then sculpt the character in clay and make molds of the sculpture. After that we can cast the pieces up in any number of latex rubber materials as well as resins or urethanes. After that we clean up the pieces, called seaming, and then paint the pieces. Once all the cosmetics are done, the actor can wear it.

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

A. One of the most typical material that we use is foam latex. it's a multi part component rubber that is measured and whipped in a mixer, thereby creating a foamed up version of tthe latex rubber. it is injected into the molds and baked for around 5 hours.

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?

A. Some of the most famous characters that I have designed and/or build and/or contributed to are: Predator (the original) batman returns suit, Abe sapien (hellboy), the newborn ( alien resurrection ), Limbo (planet of the apes) etc... I enjoyed all of the projects I work on. They are always a challenge.

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

A. No.

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?

A. Yes. I have done that a lot when I was starting out. I don't do them anymore. I am primarily known as a creature designer and I get hired to build creatures mostly now. The cuts and bruises makeups are pretty rudimentary and any decent makeup artist can do them well. One can use anything from presculpted foam rubber appliances to wax to cotton and latex to build these wounds. My tips on this is to use forensic pathology books for reference. If you know what the real thing looks like, you will be able to duplicate it easier.

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?

A. I don't know for sure, But it probably is.

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

A. Makeup effects are designed to fool the audience into believing what they are seeing is real. It's only smoke and mirrors and used for entertainment purposes. I do not believe it has a profound effect on society in any other ways.

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

A. I am assuming that you are speaking in terms of filmmaking. Makeup effects are used for the same reason actors are used. It's a necessity when it is required.

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

A. CGI has taken over a majority of the creature aspect of makeup effects. In most cases it is not done well, but the audiences don't seem to mind. Practical creatures has its limitations as well. I think the perfect blend of practical and CG effects is the way to make better and more convincing effects. Look at Abe sapien (hellboy) he's a practical makeup with CGI eye blinks. That little augementation pushed the believability of the character into another realm. They can compliment each other if done correctly.

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

A. I can only guess, but I believe the prosthetic makeup will stay strong as computers will not be able to replace a great actor. as for creatures, that is a big mystery...