Dick Smith

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A Master and his Craft

The one thing that did kinda bother me about class on Monday was that I was the only person to know who Dick Smith was. Perhaps I'm more of a movie buff or a horror junkie than I like to admit, but I couldn't believe no one else knew about one of the originators of some of the best effects that laid the groundwork for future of the movie industry that always seeks to push the envelope. I spoke up and said that without Dick Smith they're wouldn't be any Rick Baker or Tom Savini. Carl, our instructor, started to rattle off some of Dick's more impressive credits and then the class began to remember the striking visuals that his work help create.

This aging make-up was recognized with an Oscar in 1984 for AMADEUS.

Here's a very short laundry list of Dick Smith's accomplishments:
Make-Up and Effects - THE EXORCIST

Aging Make-Up for Marlon Brando - THE GODFATHER

The Finale Sequence - SCANNERS

Effects & Make-Up - THE HUNGER

The Old Age Make-Up - AMADEUS

Consultant - DEATH BECOMES HER

Dick is always remembered as the one make-up artist in Hollywood who was not only approachable, but would willing share industry secrets. This open exchange of information led to a passing of the torch to younger artists eager to make it in show biz. This is truly heartwarming to realize that this is all pre-Internet where there were no sites to google "how to's" or even much available literature to research the methods of working with the materials. I guess that's one thing that rings true with me, is that despite my hours of toiling, convinced that I can teach myself through trial and error, that there are still good hearted people looking to help others for the sake of their passion.

You can click here to go to Dick Smith's website, which offers a course in Special Effects Make-up and other effects.

Watch this 20/20 segment to see how deep of an influence Dick's work has invoked and also to see how far the craft has journeyed since then.

3rd Degree Burns - Session #1

So October 5th was my very first class at SVA. From our 3 hour block we spent the first half covering materials and techniques. This included a lot of rules with safety regarding allergens to certain chemicals and compounds, especially latex. We each performed a "patch test" on ourselves, applying a small amount of the materials we were to work with onto our forearms. This would indicate if we would have any adverse reactions to materials, i.e. redness, rash, bumps, etc. Better on your arm than on your face!

We discussed various molds and touched on some of the methods of achieving certain effects that we will cover throughout the course. My instructor Carl is a charismatic gent that was able to quickly put the small class of us (there's only 9 of us, including myself) at ease and then show us a simple yet highly effective "construction". A construction is something that is built up, on the spot, versus say a "paint up" which is largely cosmetics. Another is a prosthetic appliance, which is made at another time, usually for a more complex effect.

Here is my very first attempt at a 3rd Degree Burn.

Using my right hand, I applied all materials to my left hand. This made for some interesting self portraits to document the proceedings. Here you can see the first steps of the build up. First I applied a thin coat of ProsAid, which acts as a layer of adhesive. Next I took several Special K cornflakes and pressed them into my skin in a circle. They stuck perfectly in place.

By slightly crushing the cornflakes I was able to add a varied pattern of texture that in turn adds depth. I made sure to add a few crushed crumbs to the center as well. Following this, I gently applied torn strips of Kleenex in a circle, halfway overlapping the cereal circle. These pieces are held in place by "stippling", or repeatedly dabbing, liquid latex until they adhere. This builds a base around the effect and helps blend it into the rest of your hand.

After the liquid latex had dried, I began applying a stage grease paint that is able to paint on top of the rubber. This covers all of the latex and tissue up until the center. The middle part gets a separate treatment. I tried to match my skin tone by stippling a lighter tone first and then applying a darker tone on top of that to blend shadow.

After blending the skin tone I took to adding a dark bloody red to the center to create a sense of deep trauma. I then pigmented a brighter red around the edges for a less coagulated look. By applying small dots of red and blue to the outside of the wound I was able to blend a deep bluish purple to illustrate a sense of bruising. I applied this between the cracks of the cornflakes that lay rested under the latex bonded pieces of tissue.

When I was satisfied with the color of the bruising and the wound I applied a dusting of powder to the entire construction. This helps prevent the makeup from smudging and wiping off. Here I learned just how much powder one little brush can hold! It looks like I punched a crop duster. I learned that a little bit goes a long way.

To complete the look I added a small drizzle of stage blood to the center and some charcoal dust to the perimeter of the wound to add that singed, Bar-B-Que gone wrong look. I think that with the shape of a few of the cornflakes popping through it creates a look of blisters gone wrong. Also a happy accident from this attempt is that by applying the bruising to the inside cracks instead of the outside cracks, it makes the burn seem as if it originated from inside my hand and carried outwards until a point of violent eruption. I also learned that shading is the same as powder when it comes to bruising. I will have to work on doing more with less.

Ultimately for a first attempt I am very very pleased. I am even more eager to get my hands dirty and try this effect again and again. I really enjoyed how simple it is to achieve (who doesn't have cornflakes and toilet paper?) and how realistic it can become. By varying the size and colors, this is a classic effect I will definitely revisit.

With next Monday being Columbus Day, we will not have class. The following week the class will be issued our own make-up kits and we will learn to experiment with latex as we work with sun burns and paint up scars. I feel the excitment of learning again, of actually putting something into my brain that isn't something I need to worry about. It's a great feeling to do something you've always dreamed of and see that you may actually have potential at it.

First Day of School

Tom Savini - The Original Sex Machine

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*REUNITED* Fangoria Weekend of Horror - 2009 - NYC

Tom Savini is a household name in horror. His effects and acting have graced the original DAWN OF THE DEAD, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, CREEPSHOW, THE BURNING, the original FRIDAY THE 13TH, and many other cult classics of horror.

Many identify him as the Godfather of Gore, helping visualize and conceptualize many of the 70s horror films that scared, scarred, and inspired a generation through their ingenuity and practicality. To work under budget and endure grueling time constraints is a staple of any film set, but to do so and deliver a superior product that can stand the test of time is a benchmark of a true craftsman.

You can find out more about Tom Savini's School of Make-Up Effects here and see a bit of what they have to offer here.

Here are a few memorable performances of Tom's, as the production of his latest endeavor MACHETE nears completion with Robert Rodriguez.

Sex Machine - FROM DUSK TIL DAWN


Deputy Tolo - PLANET TERROR



I had the distinct pleasure of working with Tom Savini in the indie horror film SEA OF DUST, alongside veteran Scream Queen Ingrid Pitt, and Stuart "Multiple Miggs" Rudin. This was just as LAND OF THE DEAD was in post production. A constant professional, he was a joy to work with. Special Effects Artist Josh Turi did an amazing job, especially with the long hours and limited resources of shooting in such secluded locations. You can find more information at the film's website here.

Prestor John - SEA OF DUST

In the words of Jay-Z "Allow me to re-introduce myself"