Research Dossier

Primary research

The primary research which I conducted was a survey, this was sent to family and friends regarding my special effects makeup hobby. I asked my family and friends because they know me very well and they are aware of my hobby which I aspire to create into a career. I conducted a survey because it enables me to access collected information and easily gather grouped statistics and other peoples views on a special effects makeup.


Another piece of primary research which I conducted is talking to a good friend of mine to find out her personal views on special effects, I asked her:

• Can you explain what special effects makeup is?
• Do you think that special effects makeup is important in a film?
• How do you feel about the makeup industry?

The reason why I asked her a couple of questions is because I wanted a more specific opinion to include in my documentary. This allowed me to include an interview in my 3 minute wonder.




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Secondary research

Makeup is used to create an illusion when on and off set, makeup is used often said to make them look more flawless but if they want a certain style or a specific gory look then they are able to create the entire opposite of flawless into maybe a feral flesh eating zombie.


Even around the world of computer generated effects, special effects makeup is still important to create a seamless connection between the actors and the fantasy world around them. Using makeup products created a more realistic illusion such as a zombie or any props such as brains and hearts.



“Forget Halloween – Halloween to me is like every day. It’s a lifestyle.” -Tom Savini

Tom Savini has worked on films such as Texas chainsaw massacre, Friday 13th and the dawn of the dead, night of the living dead and the day of the dead. He also obtained a nickname, 'The godfather of gore'

You need a degree in Cosmetology, this then allows you to obtain a license to do the makeup for when you get a job, then your clients know that you are experienced and are professional. Having a cosmetology degree allows you to work more on film sets with being qualified and fully licenced, to achieve a cosmetology degree, you must attend to university and attend courses.


Special effects makeup artists create their own looks which they may copy themselves from a film or with just using cosmetics and tools to create a look. Being a makeup artists working within the industry, they may receive a detailed specification of what is wanted by the producer or the main person of the event etc, this is sent to them so they can analyse the specification to create the desired look and effect.


Like myself, many makeup artists are self taught and then develop from skills which they may have discovered when using makeup products then becoming more and more interested in the art. They may also try and get into the main industry for example and actor or more on set work, whilst on set they may then discover the backstage and off set production: makeup or screen writing and then become more interested in the off stage productions.