Lesson 1Makeup-safe pigments and sealers: alcohol-activated paints, cream makeup, greasepaint, and setting spraysGrasp the essentials of makeup-safe pigments, sealers, and finishes for film production. Compare alcohol-activated palettes, creams, and greasepaint, plus techniques to secure colours using sealers and sprays that endure sweat, heat, and extended filming sessions.
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 removersDelve into vital film adhesives and removers, evaluating bond strength, flexibility, and skin safety. Master proper application, drying periods, layering, and safe removal processes to safeguard performers and maintain prosthetics during intense shooting 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 behaviourExamine bloods and specialty fluids, covering tone, opacity, and flow characteristics. Understand how viscosity and colour impact realism across various skin tones and camera types, including rigging, application, and cleanup while protecting costumes 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 fibre placementInvestigate texturing media that enhance depth and realism for characters and settings. Learn to blend stipples, clays, gels, faux moss, crepe hair, and fibres to craft convincing skin, ageing effects, dirt, and creature surfaces suitable for film.
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 careAcquire professional hygiene practices for film sets, from sanitising brushes to handling bloods and prosthetics safely. Cultivate contamination control routines that shield performers, prolong kit usability, and align with 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 effectsObtain a systematic overview of beauty, character, and SFX makeup in film. Comprehend how each category aids storytelling, continuity, and genre demands, plus selecting products, textures, and methods that perform well under various camera configurations.
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 appliancesAnalyse the attributes of latex, silicone, gelatin, and foam latex, and their performance on skin and camera. Determine when to opt for appliances instead of direct sculpting, and methods for storing, repairing, and safely removing each prosthetic type.
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 burnersReview crucial tools and implements for film makeup and SFX tasks. Learn selection, maintenance, and safe usage of brushes, sponges, sculpting tools, heat guns, and alcohol burners to deliver 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
