The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook (Paperback)

From School Library Journal
YA-- Well illustrated and clearly written, this handbook offers invaluable information for those getting started in this venerated art form. James gives a brief contextual history of masks, and then organizes the informational sections by type. The last and longest section describes masks made in the tradition of the commedia dell'arte. Ample black-and-white photographs accompany step-by-step directions, written in a nontechnical and informal style. The appendix contains a list of sources for supplies.
- Sheri Maeda, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Sound but slightly dated, July 13, 2005
Reviewer: L. Rubin "Historical Costumer" (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book as a text for a maskmaking class for my theater degree. I'll repeat the instructor's gist, if not her words: This is a great book on the basic technical aspects of maskmaking. However, there are a lot of other materials that are now available if you have the budget that aren't covered in this book. The photos are good but not always clear, and I agree with some other reviewers that there is a definite lack of practical information such as where to buy maskmaking supplies.
Worth a read, particularly if you're into Commedia masks or working in community theater on a small budget.

Review: a good idea
I am confused...I look at the star ratings and read the reviews...but they don't even come close to my thoughts. This book was an interesting read. They do show a huge variety of techniques that are used for the stage... but they only give you a small taste of the process...Vacuum forming for example, a wonderful process, but zippo info on whereto/howto/whoto contact to buy or to make one. Read this book to get an overview of some ideas...but know that the technology shown is old and past its prime. I know stagework is seen at a distance..but you will not be impressed with the craftsmanship of the projects. Heads up on some safety issues..they skip right over that. oh my.

Review: Comprehensive and user friendly!
This is a great book about making masks. It covers the making of molds, including using alginate for a life-casting. He talks about making masks of different materials -- from hex-a-cel to paper mache to neoprene to leather! There's a really *nice* section on leather masks, and he also talks a little bit about the history of the leather masks and how they were used in Renaissance Italy by the Commedia. This book is filled with plenty of black and white photos illustrating the various steps in each mask-making or mold-making process, and the instructions are very clear. Highly recommended for those with an interest in making their own masks.

Special Effects Make-Up

Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A severed hand reaches across the red cover of this paperback, and the images in Vinther's book get progressively more gruesome from there. A European special effects expert, Vinther clearly specializes in the fare of horror and science fiction films-his how-to book is devoted to explaining the tricks behind making life-like imitations of body parts, monsters and bloody wounds. For those readers who wonder how to portray a mangled face or a chopped-off finger, Vinther's is a work without peer-but they must be ready to stomach the book's more than 300 gory color images. The author certainly knows his business, running his private company SPFX, which handles these unique demands for film producers. Each sub-genre ("gouged eye," "blown-off limbs," etc.) requires a certain recipe of materials, which Vinther enthusiastically share. The latter third of the book branches off from generic wounds, and touches on the makeup required for classic monsters, including Dracula, Freddie Kruger and the Terminator. The illustrations are rather gruesome, but for the Halloween amateur or the Hollywood professional, this book is a veritable King James Bible of the macabre.

Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
From bullet holes to severed fingers, from slashed throats to wounds and burns, Special Effects is a complete easy-to-use guide to creating horrifying make-up. As storylines become more sensational and technology more sophisticated, special effects have become an increasingly important element of both film and theater production. Janus Vinther provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instruction for creating grotesque and horrifying effects. There is also a chapter on specialized character make-up, covering familiar figures such as Dracula and the Terminator. Illustrated throughout in gory full color, Special Effects for Film and Theatre describes both techniques and materials. It will be an essential tool for those involved in film and theater make-up or design, and for anyone out to make Halloween a very special evening.

About the Author
Janus Vinther teaches special effect design. He lives in Denmark.

Special Make-Up Effects

Book Description
Special Make-Up Effects concentrates on the genre of horror characters and other special creations (fantasy, sci-fi, etc), giving tips about the materials, techniques, and 'tricks of the trade' necessary to create unique make-up effects.

This focused volume is a scaled-down version of Vincent Kehoe's encyclopedic reference for professional make-up artists. It contains new segments and photographs. This book shows how many of cinema's most famous characters and effects were developed. It gives students and make-up artists the techniques they need to perform their own magic.

A volume dedicated solely to special make-up effects.
Contains new material from several Academy Award winning make-up artists.
Written by a make-up artist who has worked on more than 300 films.

From the Publisher
Concentrates on the genre of horror characters and other special creations (fantasy, sci-fi, etc), giving tips about materials, techniques, and 'tricks of the trade' for Special Make-Up Effects. This focused volume is a scaled-down version of Vincent Kehoe's encyclopedic reference for professional make-up artists. It contains new segments and photographs. This book shows how many of cinema's most famous characters and effects were developed. It gives students and make-up artists the techniques they need to perform their own magic.

Other Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween Ideas and Tips
Halloween Party Ideas
Halloween Costume Ideas
Halloween Decorating Ideas
Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween Makeup and Special Effects Ideas
Halloween Haunted House Ideas
Halloween Ideas
Halloween Recipes
Halloween Movies
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Plus Size Costumes
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Batman Costume
Lady Bug Costume
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Fairy Costume
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Power Ranger Costume
Spider Man Costume
Darth Vader Costume
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Clown Costume
Halloween Child Costume
Halloween Kids Costume
Toddler Halloween Costume
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Couple Halloween Costume
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Infant Halloween Costume
Hollywood Costume
Teen Halloween Costume
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Halloween Masks
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Tinkerbell Costume
Super Hero Costume
Halloween Prop
Halloween Costume Store
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Adults take over Halloween
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Halloween History
Monster Costume
Naughty Nurse Costume
Devil Costume
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Goblin Costume
Angel Costume
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Costume
Ninja Costume
Ghost Costume
Sponge Bob Square Pants Costume
Sexy Cheerleader Costume
Hilarious costumes
Barbie Costume
Sexy Bunny Costume
French Maid Costume
Big Kahuna Costume
Go Go Costume
Sexy Cop Costume
Hippie Costume
barbie costumes
superman costumes
batman costumes
pirate costumes
incredibles costumes
fairy costumes
sexy costumes
couple costumes
kids halloween costumes
girls halloween costumes
boys halloween costumes
mens halloween costumes
teens halloween costumes
baby halloween costumes
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