Lesson 1Makeup-safe pigments and sealers: alcohol-activated paints, cream makeup, greasepaint, and setting spraysGet to know the safe pigments, sealers, and finishes used in film makeup. Compare alcohol-activated colours, creams, and greasepaint, and discover how to fix colours in place with sealers and sprays that can handle sweat, heat, and long shooting days without fading.
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 removersDive into the main adhesives and removers for film, comparing their sticking power, flexibility, and safety on skin. Learn the right way to apply them, drying times, layering, and safe removal steps to keep performers safe and protect prosthetics during tough 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, color matching, and camera behaviorLook closely at fake blood and special fluids, including their shades, thickness, and flow. Learn how thickness and colour affect how real they look on different skin tones and cameras, and how to set them up, apply, and clean up while safeguarding clothes and performers.
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 fiber placementExplore texturing materials that bring depth and realism to characters and settings. Learn to blend stipples, clays, gels, fake moss, crepe hair, and fibres to make convincing skin, ageing effects, dirt, and creature surfaces for 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: sanitizing tools, disposables, and prosthetic careLearn professional hygiene rules for film sets, from cleaning brushes to handling blood and prosthetics safely. Build habits to control contamination that protect performers, make your kit last longer, 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 overview of beauty, character, and SFX makeup for films. Understand how each type supports the story, keeps things consistent, and fits the genre, plus how to pick products, textures, and methods that look right under various camera setups.
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 appliancesStudy the features of latex, silicone, gelatin, and foam latex, and how each acts on skin and camera. Learn when to use ready-made appliances instead of sculpting directly, and how to store, fix, and remove each type of prosthetic 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 out the key tools and items for film makeup and SFX jobs. Learn how to choose, care for, and use brushes, sponges, sculpting tools, heat guns, and alcohol burners safely to get precise, consistent results on camera.
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
