The Complete Special Effects Makeup for Film and TV Short Course

Course description

The special effects industry is diverse and fast-paced, with an ever-growing need for a blend of technical expertise, artistic skills, and innovation. Professionals who are versatile and willing to continuously learn new tools and techniques are particularly in demand. If you’re looking to enter or advance in this field, honing specialised skills in special effects makeup can provide a strong career path.

This 10-week Complete Special Effects Makeup Short Course introduces students to sculpting techniques as well as special effects makeup. Students will gain an insight into how to create simple prosthetics, apply and colour them as well as how to use direct applied makeup effects materials.

During the course students will have access to specialist rooms at LCF East Bank that are designed for carrying out the processes and skills required to create prosthetics safely. The new state-of-the-art rooms comprise of a sculpting room, silicone and cap plastic laboratory, resin room, sanding and flocking and latex studio, as well as a fully equipped hair and makeup room for applying SFX makeup.

Throughout the course, students explore sculpting, mould-making and applying prosthetics, amongst other techniques needed to create SFX makeup looks. These are key skills and techniques required to thrive in the film, TV, theatre and performance industries.

Course outcomes

By the end of the course students should have:

• Mastered the essential skills required for proficiently applying special effects makeup, including sculpting, mould-making, and prosthetic application
• Acquired a foundational understanding of the core techniques and processes involved in special effects makeup artistry
• Learnt about the importance of maintaining health and safety standards when working with various materials and tools in special effects makeup artistry
• Developed elementary skills in colouring prosthetics to achieve the desired effects
• Gained an understanding of the fundamental principles of facial anatomy and sculpting to create prosthetics, helping elevate levels of realism while creating special effects makeup

Who should attend?

This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in special effects makeup, makeup artists who need some SFX skills top-up, or anyone looking to create the beginnings of a portfolio showcasing SFX skills with ambitions of pursuing special effects makeup artistry further.

Entry requirements: none

Please note: this course is for students aged 18 and older.

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

• Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
• New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way thats crystal clear and easy to understand.

Experience life on campus:

• Join students at London College of Fashion, East Bank a world leader in fashion design, media and business education
• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
• Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion and a digital badge:

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
• We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
• Certificates and digital badges are great to compliment your cv.

Booking

Your course place is confirmed once you have booked online or via the phone using a credit or debit card. There is no deadline for booking. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis, and all courses have a maximum number of students. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

You can watch interviews with our tutors and find out more about our makeup courses with our promotional video.

What do our students say?

“I'd recommend this course to anyone who wishes to go into the film/TV industry. It is a great start to those with no experience in makeup, as it will introduce you to all the products and techniques currently used in the industry. If you already have some experience or are self-taught, this will be a great opportunity to refine your skills and learn new ones.” - Livia

Read’s Livia’s story.