The FX Lab - Reading List

These books cover the basics of what you'll need to know to get started.
	SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP Todd Debrecini This is one of the best and most current books on SPFX makeup. Rich with photos and commentary this book covers a wide variety of SPFX makeup techniques and processes. Already well respected and top quality in it's informative nature. This book covers all aspects of makeup, prosthetics, and application. Basic techniques as well as new methods and materials are covered. Hand laying hair is also included and is accompanied with a DVD of the process and other goodies. Todd has proven to be an excellent makeup artist, teacher, inspirer of all makeup artists. Being a working professional artist the book is an excellent example of the top quality work his years of experience and "in the trenches" work displays with contributions by some of his colleagues and friends of equal repute and influence in the business. This book is a must have for the library. As well be on the lookout for a new edition coming soon.
	MONSTROUS MAKEUP MANUAL Mike Spatola What can one say that hasn't already been said about this book. Mike is a professional photographer and while the original offering was in a PDF format with photos that could be zoomed so close you could count the pores on the skin, it's rife with incredible photos as a printed book as well and would serve anyone well as examples of how to do some very cool makeup effects with reasonably minimal cost of supplies. Mike has taken some really cool makeups to the limit and varied some of them for a different and more involved/advanced look even. A former professional makeup artist, Mike's style of writing is - as he puts it - just like how he would sound if you talked to him live. The makeup work is impeccible and the book is only VOLUME I with more to come - for which no-one should wait long once it's released - just like you shouldn't wait to add this to your library. Well worth every cent rivaling some of the more expensive and less complete books on the market.
	STAGE MAKEUP Richard Corson This is the book to start with. Well known as the “stage makeup bible". This book covers all aspects of makeup, prosthetics, and application. Basic techniques as well as new methods and materials are covered. Hairpeice making. Many drawings of historic hair styles for use in ordering or manufacturing wigs. The most recent edition (#9) is expensive, but it's worth it.
	TECHNIQUES OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAKEUP Lee Baygan One of the best (and until recently, the only) book on prosthetic lab techniques in make-up. Full of pictures, techniques and plenty of commentary. John Caglione assists the author.
	Makeup Designory's Character Makeup Paul Thompson Full color, very comprehensive coverage of most prosthetic techniques and materials. Gelatin, foam, silicone, etc.
	DICK SMITH’S DO-IT-YOURSELF MONSTER MAKE-UP HANDBOOK Dick Smith Features 16 step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions on Halloween makeup for all ages by make-up legend Dick Smith. Dick is an Oscar winner whose credits include The Exorcist, Altered States, Taxi Driver, Amadeus, and many more. This is a classic re-release.
	GRANDE ILLUSIONS & GRANDE ILLUSIONS, Book II Tom Savini Savini's guides to special make-up effects, with photos and demonstrations from his films. Grande Illusions covers Friday the 13th, Creepshow and many more. Book II has pictures of Savini’s more recent projects.
	THE PROP MAKER’S MASK MAKING HANDBOOK Thurston James James explores the entire scope of mask-making for prop builders, costume designers and make-up artists. He covers materials, life masking, mold making, character masks and much more.
	THE PROP BUILDERS MOLDING & CASTING HANDBOOK Thurston James A comprehensive guide to the use of more than thirty molding and casting materials in the design and construction of theater properties and scenic elements. Includes a section on vacuum forming. Materials covered includes; plaster, polyester resins, latex, neoprene, silicone, urethanes, breakaway resins, hot melt, fiberglass and many others.
	THE MONSTER MAKER’S MASK MAKER’S HANDBOOK Arnold Goldman How to make a mask, A to Z. Sculpting, mold-making, casting and painting are all covered step by step in an easy-to-understand format. Go to www.monstermakers.com

The following books cover the makeup fx industry in general

MAKING A MONSTER
Al Taylor and Sue Roy
1980
Covers the entire history of makeup FX from the beginning of the 20th century up until the time of it’s writing. Profiles many makeup pioneers such as Jack Pierce.

BEHIND THE MASK
Mark Salisbury and Alan Hedgcock
This book can be seen as an update on the subject matter of "Making a Monster". It brings the coverage of the industry up through the 80's and 90's.

MEN, MAKEUP, AND MONSTERS
Anthony Timpone
In depth interviews with many of the top makeup fx artists in the business.