Who is the best special effects artist

Send the L. Times your questions about breaking into and working in the entertainment industry. You have to constantly be studying and learning Of course, one of the most significant areas of technological advancement over the last few decades has been computer generated imagery CGI , which has dramatically expanded the realm of possibility for the visual- and special-effects departments.

A standard explosion rigged by special-effects technicians, for example, can now be augmented via CGI in post-production to appear grander or closer to camera. A miniature model designed and built by special-effects artists can be scanned into a computer and enlarged on-screen by the visual-effects team after filming — no camera tricks necessary.

And our work is critical because it gives the actors and it gives the sets a reference Multiple special-effects experts emphasized the recent importance of developing a level of proficiency in the virtual sphere, as well as the practical one, to account for the increasing hybridization of the two disciplines. Hollywood can be brutal. Rejection and uncertainty are part of working in Hollywood, but joy, creativity and fun can be too. Sometimes you have to do the really crappy work to get to the really good, fun parts of your work, and so managing your expectations is an important thing.

I would say: Never work for free if the person has money. I hate those people who say you have to say yes. You just gotta keep kicking a—, and you have to have the passion for it. Have big Hollywood dreams? Read the L. Times guide to entertainment industry careers.

Careers in the entertainment industry can be mysterious for those just starting out, and even for those working in the business. The Los Angeles Times brings you explainers and advice for starting and building your career in Hollywood.

Christi Carras is an entertainment reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Film crew workers remain divided over new contract as voting begins. Explaining Hollywood: How to get a job as a gaffer. Spotify to buy Ohio audiobooks firm, expanding audio ambitions. All Sections. About Us. B2B Publishing. He is responsible for new business development, client relations, and the overall operations of the studio.

He also serves as Executive Producer on all Chiodo Bros. Edward has spent over three Robert A. He is known for his work on Jaws , Mary Poppins and Jaws 2 Sign In. Copy from this list Export Report this list. My favorite special effects artists in the movie industry in no particular order.

Sort by: List Order Date Added. Ray Harryhausen Producer Clash of the Titans When it comes to motion picture special effects, there is only one name that personifies movie magic--Ray Harryhausen. Jack P. List Activity Views: 15, in last week Tell Your Friends Share this list:. Tell us what you think about this feature. Wackiest animators. Movies I own on dvd.

Great fight scene animators. Professional makeup artist Ben Nye, Sr. After three years of working in what he deemed a boring position, Nye sought an apprenticeship in the Fox Studios makeup department under head makeup artist Monte Westmore. Under the direction of Westmore, Nye gained experience working on set of various A-List films like In Old Chicago and Jesse James , but it was his experience on set of Gone With The Wind that inspired Nye to branch out and create products of his own, specifically for women of color.

So he began to experiment, mixing and blending the products he already used to get inspired. Shortly after, Nye ventured solo as a freelance makeup artist for Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers before going back to Fox Studios as the head makeup artist.

Over the next decade, Nye made a name for himself in the industry. His use of prosthetics in feature films garnered him worldwide acclaim, and each major feature film inspired him to experiment and create professional-grade products to revolutionize film and television makeup. After retiring in the s, Nye opened his own professional makeup company named Ben Nye Cosmetics, which is still wildly popular today. Makeup legend Stan Winston had a childhood fascination with puppetry and mask-making, which evolved into a passion for special effects makeup artistry later in life.

Schiffer, for Disney Studios where he perfected his talent and worked his way up the makeup industry ladder. Winston led teams for more than 40 years to create some of the most iconic, modern-day characters and creatures in such films as Alien vs Predator , The Terminator , Jurassic Park , Iron Man, and Avatar.

Winston has received 10 Academy Award nominations - winning four - and is one of only three SFX makeup artists to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Makeup artist Eryn Krueger Mekash got her start in special effects makeup while working in shops throughout Los Angeles. After years of perfecting her skills, she dove into a career in makeup artistry that has spanned nearly three decades. Her vast experience in the film and television industry has allowed Mekash to master the art of beauty, special effects makeup and design - a triple threat, if you ask us.

Visit ErynKruegerMekash. Credited for the invention of popular horror movie makeup effects like the bladder technique, bulging blisters, and rashes on the skin, pro makeup artist Joe Blasco is a legend in his own right. After serving as the personal makeup artist to icons like Orson Welles, Olivia Newton-John, Bette Midler and Carol Burnett, Blasco sought out to revolutionize film and television makeup like never before.

Popular products from his line include the Ultrabase Foundations , Dermaceals , Ultamattes , and Neutralizers. Mungle grew up experimenting with face casts and prosthetics on family members and friends until he was old enough to pursue artistry as a career.

After graduating school, he worked on set of several low-budget films where he learned to be resourceful and think quickly.