Lesson 1Makeup-safe pigments and sealers: alcohol-activated paints, cream makeup, greasepaint, and setting spraysLearn about safe pigments, sealers, and finishes for film makeup. Compare alcohol-activated paints, creams, greasepaint, and how to set colours with sprays that handle sweat, heat, and long shoots.
Alcohol-activated palettes and reactivationCream foundations and character basesGreasepaint for theatrical SFX looksTranslucent powders and mattifiersFixing sprays and sealing techniquesPreventing transfer on costumesLesson 2Adhesives and removers: spirit gum, medical adhesive, pros-aide, silicone adhesives, and solvent removersStudy key adhesives and removers for film, checking bond strength, flexibility, and skin safety. Master application, drying times, layering, and safe removal to protect actors and prosthetics on busy shoot days.
Comparing spirit gum and medical adhesivesPros-aide and acrylic adhesive systemsSilicone adhesives for long wearPatch tests and allergy precautionsLayering, sealing, and re-tacking bondsSolvent removers and gentle cleanupLesson 3Bloods and fluids: types, viscosity, colour matching, and camera behaviourExamine bloods and special fluids, their tone, opacity, and flow. See how thickness and colour give realism on various skin tones and cameras, and rig, apply, clean them safely without spoiling costumes or harming actors.
Types of stage and film bloodsAdjusting viscosity for drips and splatterColor matching for varied skin tonesTesting bloods under different camerasMouth-safe and eye-safe formulationsWardrobe protection and stain controlLesson 4Texturing media: stipples, clays, gels, faux moss, crepe hair, and fibre placementDiscover texturing materials that add depth and realism to characters and sets. Blend stipples, clays, gels, faux moss, crepe hair, and fibres for lifelike skin, ageing, dirt, and creature effects in films.
Aging and damage with stipple productsClays and waxes for raised texturesGels for burns, blisters, and wet looksFaux moss, dirt, and environmental grimeCrepe hair beards and hair punchingFiber placement for fur and creature workLesson 5Hygiene and contamination control: sanitising tools, disposables, and prosthetic careFollow pro hygiene rules for film sets, from cleaning brushes to handling bloods and prosthetics safely. Build habits to protect actors, prolong kit life, and meet production and union guidelines.
Brush and tool disinfection routinesUsing disposables and single-use itemsDecanting creams, gels, and liquidsSanitizing palettes, bottles, and kitsHygiene for bloods and bodily effectsCleaning and storing prosthetic piecesLesson 6Overview of film makeup categories: beauty, character, and special effectsGet a clear view of beauty, character, and SFX makeup in films. Learn how each type aids the story, continuity, and genre, and pick products, textures, techniques that look right on various cameras.
Screen beauty vs social media glamDesigning believable character agingInjuries, wounds, and trauma makeupStylized vs hyperreal SFX approachesReading scripts and breaking down looksContinuity planning across shooting daysLesson 7Properties and uses of latex, silicone, gelatin, foam latex, and prosthetic appliancesExamine latex, silicone, gelatin, foam latex properties, and how they act on skin and camera. Know when to use appliances instead of direct sculpting, and store, fix, remove prosthetics safely.
Pros and cons of liquid latexSilicone encapsulation and edgesGelatin for quick, low-budget effectsFoam latex performance and comfortPre-made vs custom prosthetic piecesStorage, repairs, and safe removalLesson 8Tools and application implements: brushes, sponges, stipple pads, sculpting tools, heat guns, and alcohol burnersCheck essential tools for film makeup and SFX. Learn to choose, maintain, use safely brushes, sponges, sculpting tools, heat guns, alcohol burners for precise, consistent camera results.
Brush shapes and hair typesSponges, stipple sponges, and puffsSculpting tools for clay and waxUsing heat guns on prostheticsSafe operation of alcohol burnersKit organization for fast changes
