Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics

I'm not a professional special effects makeup artist. I'm not even an aspiring professional in that field. I do, however, possess a reasonable amount of background information in theatrical effects generally and I bought this book as a result of my interest in expanding that knowledge while preparing for some upcoming projects I've been beginning to work on. I found this book to be perfect for someone at my level of skill and expertise.One of the challenges in these kinds of effects is that it's not enough for practitioners to be good artists (though they do need to be that). They also need expertise in a wide range of fields from computer design (if they're doing any 3D printing), mechanical and electrical engineering (if they're doing any animatronics), human (and possibly non-human) anatomy (and to a lesser extent, physiology), chemistry and materials science, and the list goes on. After all, it's insufficient to merely make a sculpture that looks good. It needs to look good while remaining functional on stage or screen while being worn by an actor who furthermore needs to be assured of reasonable mobility and a lack of any allergic reaction to the supplies used. This isn't easy stuff.This book is rather encyclopedic in its scope, yet remains accessible to the relative beginner. I'm particularly thankful that the author begins with an early chapter covering some basics of anatomy and includes sidebars throughout explaining some of the chemistry of the materials being described. Though I recommend reading the book straight through first to get a "big picture" view of the various techniques, the book will remain a useful reference for years to come, whenever you need a reminder of, for instance, which adhesive remover adversely interacts with alcohol present in human perspiration.Will this book turn you into a world class expert in the field? Certainly not. To reach that level, you'll need to read a lot of books dedicated to more in-depth discussions of the topics covered (the author provides recommended reading in the appendix to set you on the right path), and you'll need to practice for years. This book will, however, if you practice and master the various techniques described within its pages, give you all the information you need to get yourself started on that road to mastery.On the other hand, will this book be accessible to the complete beginner who has never even sculpted before? Yes and no. The author's explanations are clear enough that anyone--regardless of background--will be able to read and understand the instructions for each technique. If you can follow instructions, you can sculpt, mold, cast, and apply a prosthetic following only instructions in this book. But it probably won't look very good, because the author assumes an underlying level of artistic mastery as a prerequisite to these projects. There are two ways to obtain that mastery. You could, following this book as your guide, use the trial and error method and simply learn from experience. Alternatively, you could additionally purchase another book (or take a course) in basic sculpting techniques to accelerate your learning.Ultimately, this book is highly recommended for anyone with a bit of special effects or theatrical background looking to learn more about the art and science of special effects makeup, and provisionally recommended for the complete novice willing to embark upon a longer educational journey.

Teeth and face prosthetics walk thrus are 100% worth the money. The bonus is the list of companies in the back that you can get all the products from - 10/10

The only drawback of this book is that it will fly over the head of a beginner. That said, you STILL need this book, if you plan to pursue FX makeup; you just need to learn the basics from other books, and graduate to this one. This is the Bible of FX! All the advanced techniques, molds, materials. It's all here in 500 PACKED pages. It is so good, I'm going to order a second copy in hardcover. Yes, it is worth that kind of investment!

Todd's book is the Bible of special effects makeup no matter what environment you work in. Theater, Movies, Medicine, Cosplay, Etc... it is all here. Equally as valuable as the content of the book is the online resources that are included with the purchase and are written by experts in the field.

This book has a very good layout is an instructional booklet just like any other book you would purchase for a college course. It gives you a lot of information and teaches you the step-by-step process to making a lot of different prosthetics even gets into anamatronics. Love it!

I have all three of Todd Debreceni's books and love them all. They are very informative and full of great tips! Definitely recommend for new or seasoned FX artists. I think beauty artists that are interested in special effects would benefit as well since the instructions are so informative with good quality photos.

This is my favorite FX book. It has everything in it you could need to know. Especially loved that it’s the latest version of this book and had recently produced films referenced within.

If you love SFX make up than you need this book. It has alot of great photos, product recipes, ideas, tips and tricks.

It has all the information for special effects

Derzeit das einzige Buch auf dem Markt, daß weiterreichende Informationen für den interssierten SFX-Make up -Artist vermittelt .

Livre parfait pour apprendre les bases des effets spéciaux, avec des tutoriels et des photos.Par contre il est entièrement en Anglais, mais il n'est pas compliqué à comprendre. Un dictionnaire ou internet fera l'affaire pour les quelques mots spécifiques aux effets spéciaux.

One of the best resource books on the current art & science of special effects makeup. The information is thorough and well presented with good illustrative pictures.

Soy maquilladora profesional y este libro es perfecto para aprender lo que ya sabía pero de mejor manera y lo que no sabía, aprenderlo de los mejores. Un Must si eres maquilladora protesica