Special Effects & Theatrical Makeup Flashcards

In professional SFX and theatrical makeup, 'blocking out' eyebrows refers to what technique?

Answer: Covering and concealing brows with glue stick or wax to create a blank canvas for drawn-on character brows

Blocking brows uses spirit gum glue sticks, wax, or brow-blocking techniques covered with makeup to hide natural brows for character work.

Bald cap application requires which type of adhesive to seal the cap edges seamlessly to the scalp?

Answer: Cap adhesive (bald cap glue) with blending at the edges

Bald cap adhesive (specialized cap glue) bonds and blends the cap's edges to the scalp, which are then further sealed with edge sealer and makeup.

Which SFX product is used to create realistic scabs or thick, textured wound effects?

Answer: Rigid collodion or scar wax

Rigid collodion creates puckered scar tissue effects, while scar wax (mortician's wax) builds up three-dimensional wound texture.

When an SFX makeup artist cleans the skin after removing prosthetics adhered with spirit gum, which solvent is appropriate?

Answer: Spirit gum remover or medical adhesive remover

Spirit gum remover and medical-grade adhesive removers are designed to dissolve the adhesive without damaging or irritating the skin.

The term 'foam latex' in prosthetics refers to a material prized for what quality?

Answer: Lightweight, flexible, and skin-like texture ideal for character prosthetics

Foam latex is a porous, lightweight, and flexible material that moves naturally with facial expressions, making it ideal for creature and character prosthetics.

A makeup artist working on a film production must document all SFX makeup formulas and application notes. This is primarily because:

Answer: Continuity between shooting days requires exact replication of the look

Film shoots span multiple days, and continuity requires that every detail of an SFX look be exactly replicated across all shooting days.