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Category Archives: Shades of Cinema

Take Me Back! Period Pieces with Accurate Make-Up

0 Submitted by on Wed, 11 March 2015, 08:01
In my last blog, I voiced my frustration that so many period pieces throw a modern wrench into the accuracy of the make-up in films. So, in order to balance out my critique, I’m dedicating this blog to movies that display genuine make-up artistry from the story’s perspective era.       It’s important to point out that this is a risky Continue Reading...
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There’s a Period in Your Period Piece

1 Submitted by on Wed, 11 February 2015, 10:01
When I was in my early 20s, many of my favorite films were all period pieces. Movies were a time machine for me, and I loved to dive into the visual grandeur of films like Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Filmmakers relish in recreating the stage for eras gone by, and particular care is always given to the Continue Reading...
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Rise of the Machines: CGI Make Up

0 Submitted by on Wed, 14 January 2015, 08:01
Human technology is a true wonder. It has elevated us away from focusing our day to day activities on the plight of survival and allowed us to flourish in development of the arts. Like most people, I embrace certain aspects of technology wholeheartedly, while dragging my feet with others. For example, I’ve finally succumbed to the fact that texting is Continue Reading...
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Deconstructing Villainous Make-Up

0 Submitted by on Mon, 29 December 2014, 10:01
If you are like me, you have always held an esteemed fascination with the villains of film. My love of bad boys aside, (I’m talking to you, sexy!), I find that the villain draws upon all the hidden desires for lust, power, and seedy glory that we have been taught since childhood to be naughty and taboo ambitions. And we Continue Reading...
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Hurry Up…and wait! Movie Set Etiquette

0 Submitted by on Tue, 23 December 2014, 10:01
In most work places, there are unspoken rules that everybody follows. They are the no-brainers that somewhere along the way you learned from peers, school, and/or from an awkward faux-pas moment.       I remember when I first attended my first super high-end trade show for work, in a bright green dress, fabulously standing out like a sore thumb. Continue Reading...
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Chameleons of Cinema

0 Submitted by on Tue, 16 December 2014, 15:01
Artistry in transformative make-up doesn’t just refer to the talent of the person applying it. Successful portrayal of a character and use of good make-up effects also relies on the film’s director of photography and in the actor. The actor, who must work underneath feature-altering prosthetics and pounds of goops and goo, has to be able to emote through the Continue Reading...
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For the Love of Red

2 Submitted by on Fri, 05 December 2014, 18:00
Red, crimson, scarlet, rouge, ruby, vermillion, and cherry! No other color has the same impact, strength, or call to emotion as red! My personal favorite since childhood, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s belated blog to this unique and supercharged shade! Let’s start with just a touch of color theory, shall we? Light is a form of energy that travels Continue Reading...
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An Interview with Cinema Magician: Lisa Cotterill

1 Submitted by on Fri, 21 November 2014, 16:01
For this week’s blog on Shades of Cinema, I am bowing my brushes to the fabulous and absolutely gorgeous Lisa Cotterill, an accomplished make-up artist and make up instructor from Down Under! Years doing make-up: 20 years Favorite Make Up Color: Lividity by Premiere Products Inc. It’s the color of decomposition for corpses. Favorite Brush: My flicking brush. It literally Continue Reading...
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“Makeup Films” I Love!

0 Submitted by on Tue, 11 November 2014, 14:24
Effective story-telling in film relies entirely on two dominant senses, sight and sound. And while a beautiful score and creative sound design pack a punch, I love, love, love the visual esthetics of cinema. My three favorite elements of film are photographic composition, lighting, and, duh, make up! Of course, the story must be told, the writing should be tight, Continue Reading...
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Becoming a Makeup Artist for Film

5 Submitted by on Thu, 06 November 2014, 10:01
In my non-Geek life, I am an educator and representative for an illustrious skin care line. I love this career, not only because it is challenging and offers opportunities for growth, but because it allows my love of film to be a hobby, a beloved pastime that I can dive into with feverish ardor, or ignore for weeks on end. That is the magic Continue Reading...
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