Customer Reviews

Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics

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Ok I just recieved my copy of the new Special Makeup Effects For Stage and Screen and I haven't slept in 29 hours lol. This is by far the best book I have ever bought.

Want a conversion chart... its in the book.

Want to know whether its best to use alcohol activated makeup for a certain piece or stick with grease paint... its in the book.

Wonder which glue will hold down a certain material best... its in the book.

Need to know the definition for terms in the book... ITS IN THE BOOK! lol

Want a recipe to make your own hair paste to flatten down hair under a bald cap... its in the book!

Curious about age stipple... there's three different recipes!

Want to hand lay a beard but don't want to use spirit gum... details are given in the book AND there is an incredible step by step demonstration on the DVD that comes with the book!

Wonder what the human skull looks like as it progresses from infant to adult... there's illustrations in the book!

Need to know what should be in your kit... check the book people lol.

Want to know the diameter of the Earth... ok, well maybe not everything is in the book... but you could make an awesome prop of the Earth and glue it to someone's head using info in this book!

I have a collection of books and videos that equal somewhere around $700 and all the information from those make up about 1/3rd of what is in this book. Not only does this book give you techniques, but it tells WHY those techniques were chosen and why they work under the conditions given. I know VERY LITTLE about the many types of adhesives on the market, and I never would have known why my prosthetic would not come off after using Telesis 5... now I know that if you drink while wearing Telesis 5 then the alcohol you sweat prevents the Telesis remover from working! AMAZING INFO! Especially for those of us that enjoy one or twenty drinks on Halloween :P

Not only does this book contain photos and every step given during the last 7 DVD's I've bought... but I believe it actually manages to go into more detail then even the original DVD's did. It tells the amount of materials needed and whether you can substitute any of those materials with other materials.

In between the VAST amounts of knowledge are little bios on some of the most amazing artists in the industry and little personal tidbits of info from them, stuff you may never read on any website or magazine. I can't emphasize enough how much I love this book. For $50 its a steal.

Having been at this craft for nearly 50 years now, I find this treatise one of the best, most complete, progressively structured treatises that now grace my library of books, videos and DVD's. As an amateur makeup artist you won't be disappointed in this book - especially for the amount of information contained for the cost. As a professional craftsman, you might know most of what's contained in the book but STILL won't be disappointed at the quality of the efforts Todd has expended to create this. I love the way it PROGRESSES through from simple techniques to more and more advanced things - and leaves nothing out, nothing to question. Even knowing how to do this work, I have found many, many cool and interesting "other" approaches to doing some of what Todd describes in here. There are tips and techniques that are presented in such a way as to NOT be like many other works that expect that you should believe there is only one way to do anything....THEIR way. NOT so with this book. If anything, I am reminded of Dick Smith's Advanced Professional Makeup Techniques Course, in that Todd defines here and there that there are many ways to accomplish an effect these days and that his is one among those - but one which is well thought out, well presented and of the highest quality. The DVD is a plus but the book alone would have been well worth the price. Inspirational, educational, and top notch all the way. For $45 bucks it's an investement but a better investment than many things it would be easy to waste money on in the craft from other books, videos or DVD's. This reaches well beyond it's selling price. Buy the book. You won't regret it.

I have been doing special makeup effects for many, many years and have probably read most of the books on the subject. My first "book" was Dick Smith's Monster Makeup Handbook. I read it until the pages were tattered and torn and the staples finally fell out.
When I decided to order this book, I expected to get another run-of-the-mill makeup handbook that might have a tidbit of information I could use. Boy, was I wrong! The information contained in this book would take the average makeup artist many YEARS to learn! This is the kind of information that most makeup artists only get if they're lucky enough to work in a top notch special effects shop - and that's pretty much impossible nowadays.
Todd offers easy to understand, step by step instructions along with pictures of the processes. Did I mention it comes with a DVD? That alone is worth the price of the book.
Other things I think you should know is that Todd explains what you SHOULDN'T do, and describes why some things you expect to work - won't. There are simple tips and tricks described that I didn't know - even after well over 25 years of being a special makeup effects artist. Incredible.
If you are a novice - this should be your #1 makeup bible. If you're a pro - this should be the "go-to" book in your library.
I can't promote this book enough. You just have to buy it. The information in it is worth double or triple the price.
Did I mention it comes with a DVD?
In closing, let me give you an idea of how well this book is put together: my 4-year old granddaughter will sit for hours looking at the pictures! She will even take it to bed and have me explain the makeup process. When I'm in my studio making prosthetics, she will ask me if did this or did that, to make sure I haven't missed something. I have to laugh, but I also have to admit that Todd's book is so easy to read that a 4-year old can understand and remember!
Buy the book. I promise, you won't regret it! It contains the latest materials and procedures used in the industry.
I'm sure in a few years the pages of my book will also be tattered and torn and the binding beginning come apart from so much use.
Did I mention it comes with a DVD?

With this book Todd Debreceni have created a new makeup effects"bible" for both the pros and beginners of the trade.
With very detailed descriptions of how things are done he really makes you want to explore areas of the trade that you haven't dreamed of visiting before.
It is very personally written and he is mixing anecdotes with facts and encouragments. All in all a very positive surprise and highly enjoyable!

What a great book. I would highly recommend it. Precisely write and executed for the novice and professional alike. Excellent Todd!!

What a wonderful book! A book, in my opinion, that is long overdue. A great book as an introduction to those wanting to or have just joined the world of Prosthetic Makeup Effects. Filled with fascinating tips and tricks and easy to follow advice and instruction. I couldn't recommend it highly enough!! Plus a bonus DVD as well.

A book like this is long-overdue. It is a particularly comprehensive guide to making and applying prosthetic makeup, and although much of the information exists elsewhere, as Todd says, it is often fragmentary and not always adequately explained. That said, he has persuaded many of the top artists in the field to contribute here, and the wealth of expertise contained within its covers is fantastic. For anyone who is starting out in the field, has some experience but is curious about the latest materials, or even those who hope to learn this one day, you couldn't find a better resource.

This is the book you want if you are looking to learn the materials and techniques of modern movie prosthetic creation and application. This is the perfect reference source for this subject. It is like a college textbook, but a lot better! Unlike those large tomes that require a professor to interpret for you; the ones that collect dust on the dorm room desk never getting cracked open, this book is straightforward with excellent examples of the processes being discussed. The author shows enthusiasm and passion for the subject that translates into a book that will galvanize your attention if you too have a passion for this type fx work.
There are an excellent amount of photos and illustrations that take you from the structures of the human face, to life casting, to sculpting, to mold making, to the production of various types of appliances and their application.
If I were to teach a class on the subject THIS WOULD BE MY BOOK. It covers all the basics for the beginner, and makes the perfect reference for the old hands.
The only draw back to this book is that the binding prevents you from laying it flat on a table so you can reference it while you work in the shop. However, the author does suggest you take his book to Kinko's to have them rebind it in a ring binder so you can lay it flat. Perfect!

A very positive and encouraging teacher, Todd Debreceni has created the new "go to guide" on this art.

Good books on the art of special FX are few and far between. Its great to have a resource that is straight-forward, easy to follow, and as in depth as this. Even if you have been a professional FX artists for years I would recommend having it handy. It's always nice to have a thorough reference at your fingertips. I can't praise it enough, its truly a wonder book to have in your library!!

Mr Debreceni has set a new standard for makeup FX instruction books. It is my opinion he has written the 21st century answer to Corson's "Stage Makeup." This book will become a staple on the shelves of any artist pro, student, or hobbyist. Covering everything from design, sculpting, basic applications, hair wigs, foamed gelatin and foam latex. All this in a clear and easy to understand style that quickly and clearly communicates sometimes difficult steps into easy to an easy to grasp process. On top of this the book comes with a DVD well worth the price of the book itself! If you have any interest in makeup effects you need to own this book. It is the new standard. Todd Debreceni has gathered a stunning amount on information into one volume any artist should own!