About the Book:

Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics has been hailed as the "bible" for special effects makeup artists.

Transforming an actor into a character for film or theatre takes a great deal of skill, prowess, and creativity, and in Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen, special makeup effects artist Todd Debreceni empowers you with just those qualities. From his years of film, TV, and theatrical experience, he shows you tips and techniques that will have you applying your own makeup effects like a pro in no time. Along with walking you through genre-specific considerations (horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and so on) Todd Debreceni also teaches you about the gear you will need, how to maintain your kit, how to take care of the actor's skin, how to airbrush properly when HD is involved, and so much more.

Learn how to sculpt and mold your own makeup prosthetics, with a focus on how human anatomy relates to sculpture, to create the most realistic effects. Recipes scattered throughout the book show you exactly what you need and how to use it, helping you to create the best SFX makeup applications. Case studies feature some of the world's top makeup effects artists including Steve Wang, Thom Flouts, Ve Neill, Neill Gorton, Greg Nicotero, Kazuhiro Tsuji, Jordu Schell, Howard Berger, Matthew Mungle, Christien Tinsely, Vittorio Sodano, and Tami Lane.

What people say:

"Todd has worked as a professional makeup artist and as a professional teacher, and it really shows in this book's detailed, clear, concise and no-nonsense approach to the art and craft of special makeup effects. I'm now insanely jealous of all the people who will learn from this book because this is the book I would have killed to have had when I was starting out." — Neill Gorton, multi-award winning screen prosthetics designer

"Among the most exhaustive and thorough tomes on the subject of special effects makeup there is, written with a likable and easy-to-understand style that is accessible to all ages." — Jordu Schell, renowned character designer and sculptor

"The artistry of make-up has been a lifelong passion of mine and hope it will be to everyone who purchases this book. This book will inspire future make-up artists and novices to continue the art and discover newer, more innovative materials and procedures to work with. The techniques and education in this book are inspiring. To create believable character make-ups on human faces is a challenging, rewarding art form which will continue to evolve and inspire those who study this book." — Matthew W. Mungle, Academy Award winning make-up special effects artist

"I highly recommend Todd's Book as A MUST for everyone involved and interested in special prosthetic make-up effects. Crammed with cutting edge information on materials and techniques, formulas, suppliers, how-to's, and more, this is a book I wish I had when I first started! Every student, beginner, and make-up artist for film, TV, theater, video, and commercials should not hesitate to pick up a copy of this book—don't leave home without it! Make sure it's part of your kit." — Christopher Tucker, BAFTA and Academy Award winning make-up special effects artist

About the Author:

Todd Debreceni is a special makeup effects artist who has worked in film, television, and theatre around the world for more than 30 years, and his background in orthopedics and reconstructive plastic surgery have made his transition into prosthetic makeup creation a natural evolution. Before starting his own small effects shop in Colorado, he did work for TBS, 20th Century-Fox Television, Warner Bros., Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Television Animation. He specializes in prosthetic makeup design, fabrication, and application, and he continues to teach college courses in cinematography, acting, and visual effects.