Using special effects make-up (SFX) to enhance features for performances in film, television and theatre is not uncommon and many methods are used throughout these productions in order to add something special to performances. Prosthetic make-up and body paint are often used to create advanced cosmetic effects that add something special to projects.The use of these techniques are frequently and prominently seen in horror and action films and television such as Planet of the Apes (1968), Dawn of the Dead (2004), The Exorcist (1973) and many more. However, this is not the only place in film that prosthetic makeup is used as it can be seen in comedy and family films as well, most notably How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Along with this prosthetic makeup can be used in theatrical performances frequently and especially in Halloween themed immersive horror mazes and immersive shows in which an audience member is able to get up close and personal to an actor, although SFX and prosthetics can also be used in other theatre pieces. Other than performances, special effects makeup is also seen in real life situations and can be used to successfully train medical professionals and soldiers so they have more of an idea of what kind of injuries they will witness during their work.

 

As we progress further into the future it is important to appreciate that CGI becomes more advanced and prominent within the film industry and is often replaces SFX make-up as a CGI artist can simply do things that would not be possible with prosthetics alone. It is often debated whether or not CGI will one day completely erase SFX from the industry, although with the realism that can be provided with SFX and with its continued prominence throughout the performance industry despite the growth of advanced technologies many debate that this argument is not true, however it is up to a special-effects artist on how they utilise the tools they have to say whether or not this is, in fact, true.

 

One of the most prominent names in SFX makeup artistry in the past few years has been Rick Baker, although now retired from prosthetic make-up artistry, his most prominent work can be seen in many            A-lister movies, music videos, and cult classics including, but not limited to: The Exorcist (1973), King Kong (1976), Star Wars (1977), Michael Jackson’s: Thriller (1983), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), The Ring (2002), Maleficent (2014) and many, many more. Along with an amazing portfolio within make-up artistry Baker has been nominated for “The Academy Award for Best Makeup” a record breaking eleven times, winning seven of those beginning with his work on An American Werewolf in London (1981). Baker has also won three BAFTAs and seven Saturn awards for his work in SFX along with an Emmy for outstanding make-up. He has also been included into The Monster Kid Hall of Fame at the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, has a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chiller-Eygore Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

During an interview, when speaking to Baker on his retirement and his opinion on the rise of CGI within the industry he said, “The whole business has changed...there aren’t those big jobs anymore...I love doing digital models and digital paintings, and playing with digital compositing. But I don't think it's the answer to everything. I think you're going to lose something.” It's difficult to adequately see the future of SFX makeup however with the years and years it has behind it it is equally just as difficult to see it disappearing anytime soon.