News

Monday 4th, March, 2013

Ever wonder how they did that? Making Aliens, Hobbits and more for Film & TV

Fiona Walsh Interview

I see you have graduated from IADT , Dun Laoghaire, can you tell me who or what inspired you to concentrate on FX Prosthetics Make up for Film and TV?

"I was always interested in art, mostly portraits and faces and characters. I loved the idea of being able to transform someones face, whether to age them, disguise them or to turn them into a creature. It was in Dun Laoghaire where I began to realise what could be done with Prosthetics, we did a sculpting course there and made small prosthetic appliances. I started working with Neill Gorton, and luckily he hired me for many productions, so a lot of my success is down to him giving me a chance."

I also read that you came third at the prestigious International Make-up Artists Trade Show (IMATS/Europe) previously, how did that make you feel?What was it like competing with other talented artists?

"It felt fantastic, the trade show is great, and every year established artists from all over the world speak and demo there. So, to be in that kind of environment was inspiring. It felt like it would actually be possible to make a career out of it."

It didn’t take long for you to start working with top producers and directors, can you tell me do you have a favourite movie or programme that you have worked on, do you have a favourite character?

"I like applying the Silurian characters on Dr.Who, which were designed and created by Millennium FX. And of course everything that was made for The Hobbit in Weta Workshop".

I want to be a special effects make up artist!, can you tell me is there much demand for this work in the film industry? What sort of positions are available out there?

"The demand can go up and down, it can be hard when the industry is quiet. I have found that I had to travel a lot to be available for work. Prosthetics technicians can work onset or in the workshop, doing anything from sculpting, moulding, painting, fabrication, seaming and application".

What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?
"It's good to have a good work attitude and get on well with people, specially because a lot of work you get as a prosthetics technician is with people you have worked with before."