No, I didn't make the mask in the picture above. I was just having some fun with the camera. But masks similar to this quality are possible using the techniques discussed below. All it takes is some patience and tender loving care, and you can have some masks or perhaps prosthetics for some special effects in your film that you can really proud of.

I'd like to talk about using masks "not as masks." Using masks not as masks? What does that mean? Lots of masks may not be able to be used in a Film of yours due to the likeness of pre-existing characters that are property of their respective franchises and companies. But some of the "textures” on these masks are just downright beautiful. A mask of Jar-Jar Binks may seem like a mediocre find until you run your hand across the texture of the mask. Then you start to respect what a little ingenuity, imagination and liquid latex can do. You are limited only by the amount of time and detail that you can put into it. You don't have to cut up any mask, but by pressing the pre-existing textures into a clay sculpture you can get some good textures you can "Frankenstein" together to get a truly unique mask or prosthetic appliance- lets get started.

Making a Mask or Prosthesis for not to much money

Ingredients: Lump of air dry clay, Liquid Latex, coloring (food coloring) or cream makeup or skin tone creme makeup, a hairdryer, Elmer's glue, Foam or dummy head if making a full mask. some brushes,  a will to "get it right", lots of patience.

1. Soften up the clay by mixing it around start shaping vaguely for your appliance. It can be smeared onto a foam or dummy head if you are going for a full face apparatus, or you can get a pressing from textures from masks talked about earlier.

2. Take the piece of mask or press the part of the mask where you want texture carving detail where needed. Get it like you want it, make all edges smooth and make sure you compensate for size for your actor. If you are making an appliance for a face or finger for example, understand you will be adding layers of latex on top of the clay - so think it out.

3. Paint over the mould with a thin layer of latex, make sure its even, and make sure it dries sufficiently each time. Use a hairdryer if needed.

4. Add color if needed to the latex. Color can be added in a mixing tray, and then applied. Sometimes you can add brown or skin tone creme or more hard colors depending on the project.

5. Add glue and dry it in spots to make certain parts more rigid. In most cases depending on the amount of layers that you used, it may be very flimsy.

6. Add sufficient latex layers. Hope you got a good deal on the Latex.

7. Pull carefully out or off of the mould.

8. Paint. Add detail to satisfaction.

9. Add to actor carefully using everything available, mixing to their natural skin tone.

10. Do some camera and lighting tests. Take note of what lighting is unflattering to the make-up and what color temperatures, and angles enhance it.

11. Have at it!! Film away!! Tell me what you made.

This is short and simple. I encourage you to experiment. Also make sure your actor doesn't have a latex allergy – its bad for them and you can't finish a production in the time allotted if your lead has a bad reaction. Also if you feel so inclined post some of your ideas and experiences below.

Have fun,

TJPARSONS

Tom Parsons

The founder of Uddershiet Films and film enthusiast, maintains a fun collection of movies that he regularly references for technical examples, discussions with colleagues, friends, students, and production staff. Although there are particular films, shorts, and videos that he prefers over others, seldom is there a movie that he doesn't like.