The Importance of Makeup and Production Design in Movies

I’ve had my fair share in working with special effects make-up and production design teams. And what do I remember the most about working with these people? They are the most fun and well put-together bunch of folks you will ever meet! No, really. If you ask Clive Barker what kind of nightmares he has at night he would say, “None. They are all out here in the world already.” Of course, he’s speaking to the characters that graces such movies like Hellraiser and Midnight Meat Train. This being said, this has a lot to do with why special effect make-up and production designers in the horror genre are so pleasant to be around.

In an interview with Variety, we get an in-depth look on how American Horror Story Makeup artist Christien Tinsley creates the chilling looks one of the most popular shows on TV. For Tinsley, creating characters is what it’s all about. “The actors try to create an arc with their character,” he says. “Makeup is there to enhance that idea. That’s what we do. And sometimes with makeup effects, you’re building who that character becomes. And who they are is the way they look.” A lot of people, when joining my crew for the first time, wonder why I put a huge emphasis on makeup and production design. When I ultimately reply “They are the funnest and easiest people to get-along and work with,” well, anyone can identify with that. And in the world of horror, good make-up and production design is kind. I mean, it practically sets the whole mood and tone of the film!

"Jersey Devil" in Dark Haul - Interview with Creators at horror-movies.ca

In an article for filmmakermagazine.com, the issue about making horror movie around design and makeup aesthetics is very succinctly addressed.  “Learning more about the psychology of fear and the design patterns that make these films work can really shed light into the darkness.” -It’s all based around what scares us, atmosphere, suspense and the monster (star of the film). To create a good horror movie takes one that is truly a fan of the craft. By study effective films in the department of “scare” and “gore” I’m admitted myself into the school of spooks and learning what scares on the screen as much as off - what we don’t see or know. But these two elements are built upon the real psychology of fear and are important for me as a filmmaker to respect and take notes on.