| Featured Review |
 |
| Featured Review |
 |
| Featured Review |
 |
| Featured Interview |
 |
| Featured Interview |
 |
| Author Interview |
 |
| Author Interview |
 |
|
| Raudy Daudlin |
Randy Daudlin is a writer, director, special-effects makeup artist and now the author of Hurt'Em Reel Good, a must have book for all those interested in out of kit make-up effects for the movies. Randy is a master of the craft.
Horror Bound welcomes Mr. Randy Daudlin to our Featured Author Profile!
You have had a long and very interesting career. From the Good Sheppard to Forensic Factor to the Dogfather (upcoming 2010). How did it all start and why did you specialize in special effects make-up?
I had left the classical animation program at Sheridan College when I met my now wife Barb. She saw I was struggling with what to do with my life and suggested make-up as a choice. She didn't want to see me give up my artistic side and knew I loved movies. I balked at first until she mentioned I maybe could make monsters and my interest peeked. She found Jack Medhurst who taught affordable theatre make-up courses. Once I tried it I was hooked. I had Jack teach me every trick he knew and the more graphic the make-up, the more naturally it came to me.
There were few make-up schools at the time so I collected every book I could find and basically taught myself the rest. It opened a world of skills I didn't even know I possesed like mould making, sculpting and a new appreciation for chemistry.
What's the biggest challenge in this job?
I would say people are the biggest challenge. Once you know the craft it doesn't change that much, but the people you meet -- that is ever changing. For some you are a consultant, others teacher, and many a mind reader.
What movie was your favourite to work on?
As a make-up artist my favourite movie of recent would have been the new Dawn Of The Dead. It was the first time I was able to collaborate with fifteen of my peers and learn a new make-up technique from an Oscar winning make-up artist David Leroy Anderson. Every day we would try to out do one another and it was just a really fun and memorable experience.
Which movie provided the greatest challenge?
The movie with the greatest challenge would have been Bottom Feeder. Not only did I write the script, I designed most of the effects and made my directorial feature debut. I had a green effects crew who liked to do things their way and that didn't always work out. Then there was the fifteen day shooting schedule that became thirteen and a half. It was crazy, stressful and one of the best times I have ever had on set.
You have met a long list of very talented actors. Who has impressed you the most?
That is a hard question to answer. I recently finished a kids comedy with Mr. Chris Parnel - yes me and a kids movie!! Chris was terrific to work with. But I would say Ron Perlman I really liked. He is incredibly intense and gives it all he has, no matter what. I got along with him really well and he entertained me with tales from Hellboy.
You have worked on a lot of horror movie sets. Is this an interest or was it just circumstance that brought your talent to these sets?
Horror has always been an interest. I grew up from a child on a healthy diet of comic books and horror films. I never imagined I would eventually be doing this for a career. When I was thirteen my uncle took me to see the Exorsist. I was the only kid in the theatre. While the adults around me were freaked out I was in awe of the effects thinking that had to be the coolest thing I had ever seen on a big screen.
I always wrote stories and dreamed of being a comic book artist. I was never satisfied with how I drew. 2D just didn't do it for me. When I started in film, I tried a number of jobs but I love making monsters and I have a talent for casualty simulation. I do not want to know what I did in another life. I can only hope it was a surgeon!
You have also acted in, written and directed movies (Bottom Feeder, 2006). How did you enjoy these stints?
Acting I would put last on the list. It is not easy and I have a tue appreciation for those who do it well. Stunts on the other hand are a trip and I will go for the action every time.
Writing is a passion. My brain never rests. I have completed a number of screen plays and a novel I hope to publish sometime in the new year. That was really liberating. Scripts are restrictive in description and structure, whereas with a novel there is no limit to where you can go. I guess I am a storyteller at heart and like to share my skewed perspective of life.
Directing is the ultimate high. You are responsible for so much of the story telling. Then there is the talent and crew. Harnessing all those ideas and getting the most out of each individual some days is daunting. You are thinking on your feet from the time you wake until the moment you pass out. You have to keep the whole story in your head at all times and remember what you shot and how the story flows. At times the script turns into a guide as things do not go always as planned. So you bounce with the ball while juggling all these pieces. All the while projecting this false confidence and resolve so everyone will listen and follow you blindly. It is addictive and something you crave once you get a taste.
Tell us about your book Hurt Em Reel Good. What inspired this book?
HURT ÉM REEL GOOD was another of my wife's ideas. I wanted to make the transition into directing, make-up just wasn't doing it for me anymore. Barb suggested I write a sort of cook book of make-up recipes. I thought about it and looked at what was out there already for books and came up with this quick reference for out of kit make-up effects. The reality in my profession is that this type of make-up is the most used. Prosthetics are what get the attention but we have made some impressive characters and illusions with next to nothing.
In today's economy I think that is more important and will get you your next job. Also I wanted to show film makers what real production value they can add to their projects for a small investment. I love everything about film so to me its important to share so as an industry we all benefit and grow.
What's the greatest challenge that faces those who do special effects makeup for the movies?
You want what? When? I would have to say the greatest challenge is educating producers and directors to what is reality. Most have these incredible ideas and no concept of the time and expense involved to create such visions. You are hired for your expertise and at times ignored when you are asked to advise them.
Any other books coming up in your future?
I have a pet project- my novel Blood Promise. Its a graphic Vampire story set in Toronto in the early 1980's. There is this twisted triangle involving a homicide detective a two hundred year old vampire and his ex-lover. Betrayal and revenge are two predominant themes mixed with a hearty handful of interesting characters.
What's your next project?
Our next project is REEL CHARACTERS, a companion to HURT 'EM REEL GOOD. The ides is to use the same make-up techniques illustrated in the first book and create a dozen, distinct and film worthy characters. I have a number of companies contributing supplies to this book and with what we learned making HURT ÉM REEL GOOD, REEL CHARACTERS will be an exceptional reference book and very unique.
I'm all for pushing the envelope. Hopefully it will inspire directors and make-up artists alike.
To me the only limit is your imagination!
----------
To purchase Hurt'Em Reel Good visiit http://www.twogruesomepublishing.com/
|
|
| Login |
Not a member yet? Click here to register.
Forgotten your password? Request a new one here.
|
| Featured Review |
 |
| Featured Review |
 |
| NEW ANTHOLOGY |
 |
| Featured Review |
 |
| Author Spotlight |
 |
| Featured Review |
 |
| Featured Interview |
 |
| By Elvis Podvorac |
 |
| Author Interview |
 |
|
| 