Rick Baker: Special Effects Makeup Artist

Since it's Halloweekend, I thought I'd take the time and make an appreciation post for possibly one of the greatest special effects makeup artist Hollywood has: Rick Baker. 

He's done a lot of makeup effects for some pretty famous films like:

- The Incredible Melting Man (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
- An American Werewolf in London (1981)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- The Nutty Professor (1996)
- Men in Black (1997)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- Planet of the Apes (2001)
- The Ring (2002)
- Click (2006)
- The Wolfman (2010)
- TRON: Legacy (2010)
- Men in Black 3 (2012)
- Maleficent (2014)

He's well known for his amazingly realistic creature effects, especially when it comes down to werewolves and apes. Not only has he worked on such highly acclaimed films, but he also is the first recipient of the Oscar for Best Make-Up for American Werewolf in London in 1981, which was when the category was first introduced. And to add on to that list, he holds the most Academy Award wins and nominations among every other makeup artists, with 12 nominations and 7 wins. Because this is an appreciation post, I shall leave you with some pictures of his awesome work, and let you soak in just how realistic his magic with makeup is.

Makeup: Another Essential Part of the Story

So we all know that in order to make an awesome video (film/show/etc.) you need a camera, a tripod, an audio person, lights, a script, costumes, actors, and so much more. One aspect that I personally forget about is makeup. Makeup can really help set the mood of the video and can actually make or break it too. For example, think of "The Walking Dead" series; imagine if they used no makeup. They would look horrible and the show would be nonexistent. Luckily for "The Walking Dead" they have amazing makeup artists who create amazing works of zombies, or should I say art. I have watched a couple behind the scenes videos of the makeup artist creating these zombies. It is crazy what they use and how they use it to create these creatures. Here is a tutorial that "The Walking Dead" crew put up as tips for Halloween.

They used oatmeal, gelatin, latex, and a lot of makeup to create this realistic look. There have been a number of scenes within the series that have characters who have missing jaws, lips, arms, etc. How the heck do they do that? Well here is bicycle girl, who is the first walker to be seen in the show. This is how they got her ready.

So imagine this production of bicycle girl takes about three hours. There are scenes within the series that have twenty to fifty walkers walking the streets. Imagine how much time that has to take making everyone look like a legitimate zombie. While it probably only takes them a half hour or so for the smaller characters having to do twenty to fifty of them is insane. Really appreciate the work that is done by makeup artists because they are extremely talented and creative. Also I totally recommend watching "The Walking Dead"! It is an amazing show!!!!