Prosthetics

Prosthetic makeup is a type of special effects makeup used in TV, theatre and films. It is the process of using prosthetic sculpting, moulding and casting techniques to build character. It was first introduced by artist Dick Smith in films such as ‘Little Big Man’.

Prosthetic is a form of art. Often latex and foam shapes are used to create new looks and can look very subtle or dramatic. This type of makeup can be very effective for a variety of films and events. Regardless of the shape/size of the prosthetic, when applied professionally it will instantly show an effect. Effects can include ageing, growth, change of shape or the creation of a whole new specie, all through the skill of the makeup artist.

Prosthetic work was seen in the film ‘Frankenstein’ in 1931 and the ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ in 1954. Artist, Jack Kevan who created prosthetics during World War II, was the artist of this film. Other films include ‘Edward Scissorhands’ played by Johnny Depp in 1990 and ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ in 2006.

Prosthetics can take hours to do, depending on the mask/body part being worked on, and the amount of blending required making the final piece fit with the actor’s body. Blending is often achieved through airbrushing or traditional makeup techniques in order to make sure the edges of the prosthetic match the natural skin tone of the actor. As prosthetics has now become a common form of makeup in movies, actors may have conditions in their work contract concerning how much time they can spend to be worked on each day. CGI (computer generated images) also becomes handy when it gets to prosthetics, leaving the artist less work to do. The film ‘Harry Potter’ for example included many computer effects e.g. flattened nose. By putting together the abilities of prosthetic makeup artists and special effects designers, films are able to create characters out of this world.

Example of Prosthetic makeup

Tops among prosthetic makeup schools (no date) Available at: http://www.cinemamakeup.com/programs/classes/prosthetic-makeup-class/#&panel1-1 (Accessed: 18 February 2016).

‘By sculpting enhanced body parts that are based on the wearer's actual body, makeup artists are able to achieve very real, believable results. Most prosthetic makeup begins with making moulds and casts of the actor's body. Using traditional sculpting techniques, the makeup artist or sculpture will create a lifelike model of the actor, giving them a base on which to work. This process, called lifecasting, typically is done during pre-production, long before the movie even starts to shoot.

With the lifecast, the makeup artist can then begin to alter and change the form to fit the design needed. Depending on the needs of the production, they can add scarring, wrinkles, veins, or skin discoloration to create age or injuries. The prosthetic makeup process can also give alien features to a familiar form, such as pointed ears, extra teeth, or even additional appendages.

The materials used in prosthetic makeup can pose some difficulty, as the finished product must be worn against an actor’s skin. Moreover, if the completed prosthesis is to appear real, it must move and look like skin. The most common materials used in final prosthetic masks and body parts are compounds composed of foam latex and gelatine. Good makeup artists must always have a backup plan, as some actors may have allergic reactions to one material and need a different choice.’

2016 (2016) What is Prosthetic makeup? (with pictures). Available at: 

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-prosthetic-makeup.htm (Accessed: 18 February 2016).

‘To apply facial prosthetics, Pros-Aide, Beta Bond, Medical Adhesive or Liquid Latex is generally used. Pros-Aide is a water-based adhesive that has been the "industry standard" for over 30 years. It's completely waterproof and is formulated for use with sensitive skin. It is easily removed with Pros-Aide Remover. BetaBond is growing in popularity among Hollywood artists who say it's easier to remove. Medical Adhesive has the advantage that it's specifically designed not to cause allergies or skin irritation. Liquid Latex can only be used for a few hours, but can be used to create realistic blends from skin to prosthetics.’

Facial prosthetic (2015) in Wikipedia. Available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial_prosthetic (Accessed: 18 February 2016).