Lesson 1Makeup-safe pigments and sealers: alcohol-activated paints, cream makeup, greasepaint, and setting spraysUnderstand makeup-safe pigments, sealers, and finishes used in film. Compare alcohol-activated palettes, creams, and greasepaint, and learn how to lock in colour with sealers and sprays that withstand sweat, heat, and long shooting schedules, keeping looks intact under demanding conditions.
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 removersExplore key film adhesives and removers, comparing bond strength, flexibility, and skin safety. Learn correct application, drying times, layering, and safe removal workflows to protect performers and preserve prosthetics on demanding shoot days, ensuring smooth operations.
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 behaviourInvestigate bloods and specialty fluids, including tone, opacity, and flow. Learn how viscosity and colour affect realism on different skin tones and cameras, and how to rig, apply, and clean them while protecting wardrobe and performers, maintaining set efficiency.
Types of stage and film bloodsAdjusting viscosity for drips and splatterColour 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 placementExplore texturing media that add depth and realism to characters and environments. Learn to integrate stipples, clays, gels, faux moss, crepe hair, and fibres to create believable skin, ageing, dirt, and creature surfaces for film, enhancing visual storytelling.
Ageing 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 punchingFibre placement for fur and creature workLesson 5Hygiene and contamination control: sanitising tools, disposables, and prosthetic careLearn professional hygiene standards for film sets, from brush sanitation to safe handling of bloods and prosthetics. Develop contamination control habits that protect performers, extend kit life, and comply with production and union expectations, prioritising safety.
Brush and tool disinfection routinesUsing disposables and single-use itemsDecanting creams, gels, and liquidsSanitising palettes, bottles, and kitsHygiene for bloods and bodily effectsCleaning and storing prosthetic piecesLesson 6Overview of film makeup categories: beauty, character, and special effectsGain a structured overview of beauty, character, and SFX makeup for film. Understand how each category supports story, continuity, and genre, and how to choose products, textures, and techniques that read correctly under different camera setups, ensuring professional results.
Screen beauty vs social media glamDesigning believable character ageingInjuries, wounds, and trauma makeupStylised 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 properties of latex, silicone, gelatin, and foam latex, and how each material behaves on skin and camera. Learn when to choose appliances over direct sculpting, and how to store, repair, and safely remove each type of prosthetic, optimising for set use.
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 burnersExamine essential tools and implements for film makeup and SFX work. Learn how to select, maintain, and safely use brushes, sponges, sculpting tools, heat guns, and alcohol burners to achieve precise, repeatable on-camera results, streamlining your workflow.
Brush shapes and hair typesSponges, stipple sponges, and puffsSculpting tools for clay and waxUsing heat guns on prostheticsSafe operation of alcohol burnersKit organisation for fast changes
