The only T.V. series that has sparked attention towards special effect makeup is one of Syfy's popular reality shows called "Face Off." I first came across the show by watching Season 2 and was intrigued ever since by catching up with Season 1. As contestants compete for $100,000, they are given 3 days to complete each task given and when a contestant fails to impress the judges, the person is eliminated from the competition.
An episode I favored from Season 2 was the Tim Burton challenge. The contestants were told to create an original Burton character from the choices provided for them, like a toy maker, ice cream man, cellist, etc.
The process of first creating a character is to sketch out a drawing and to complete a clay sculpture of that design on the first day. On the second day, the contestants should start the molding process as well as making props. As the third day arrives, they have four hours to apply they're creations on their models, as well as, finishing touches with the makeup.
Two of the popular looks and my favorite were Matt Valentine and R.J. Haddy's creations. The ice-cream man had an upside down ice-cream cone hat, both of his shoulders were hit with cones, and sprinkles and syrup all over his outfit. Almost as if his ice-cream truck blew up. The hotel bellhop was also a wonderful idea as the character had a chest made of drawers. The hotel bellhop appeared creepy, yet you could tell he meant no harm (like Burton's, "Edward Scissorhands"). Giving a description towards the Burton movie characters, Valentine said, "That child-like, sweet center, wrapped in a twisted barb wire concoction of black and white...its a crazy position that really works."
The judges of the Season 2 competition included award winning makeup artists Glenn Hetrick, Patrick Tatopoulos, and Ve Neil who has done most of the makeup for the Tim Burton films.
As "Face Off" will be continuing with Season 4 premiering on January 15, its packed with more fun and challenging themes of projects. Will you be watching?
