Highlights And Shadows | The Scream Team | Halloween Makeup Effects Blog
We are a special effects makeup company based in Los Angeles. We offer movie quality foam latex appliances to the Halloween loving customer. Beyond mere masks, our appliances are soft, light and easy to wear. When you are ready to raise the quality of your Halloween, give us a try.
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Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Thursday, August 16, 2012
A Gathering Darkness: A Scream Team Photoshoot
Photoshoot. Six Monsters, Three Makeup artists and a roomful of talent. Stay tuned for shots..
Thank you, Adam, Dan, Marti, Tawd, Rusty and Alex. Also, thanks to the awesome Mike Spatola and Rod Maxwell!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.434170213302573.113237.100001287936994&type=3
http://www.screamteam.com
The Scream Team
The Scream Team
http://www.screamteam.com
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Zombie Wedding: Til Death Do Us Part
It was fun finding abandoned areas to shoot in. Well, it was fun TRYING to find abandoned areas.! The models were a couple so they were not as inhibited about a wedding zombie shoot as two strangers would be! We used Dead Lee, one of our best selling pieces on The Groom. He rocked it. And we used our BRAND NEW ZOMBIE PIECE, "Z" on The Bride. We loved both of them. "Z" has exposed bone and a wicked set of molars showing. Its a two piece appliance, so you can choose to wear the bottom half or not, its the user's choice.
Zombie Wedding: 'Till Death Do Us Part |
The Scream Team | Hollywood Quality Foam Latex Appliances
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Monday, July 30, 2012
Klout score: What is it? And how does it relate to monsters?
Klout is a website that uses analytics and algorithms to calculate how influential you are on social media, like Twitter and Facebook. The scoring system is 1-100. YouTube has a score of 100. Barack Obama has a score of 98. Topics of influence can be created by the user and by people he/she influences. So say, you are a super awesome World Of Warcraft expert. Add that to you topics list and people can give you points (called Klout +) and little by little your Klout score rises.
SO what's the big deal about that? We have read that some employers are checking Klout scores before an interview. Odd, yes maybe at this point. But not in a year or so. Check it out and see what your score is.
Pops The Clown Has Klout. Or Klown. |
Ciao For Now, Our monster army..
The Scream Team | Hollywood Quality Foam Latex Appliances
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Monday, July 23, 2012
Goin' to see an exorcist? Us too! Hollywood makeup, fear, faith and demons
Nefarious Foam Latex Appliance |The Scream Team |
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Ron Perlman dons Hellboy makeup for Make-A-Wish Kid
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ron-perlman-make-wish-hellboy-346196
He donned his Hellboy makeup once again, not for film, not for a swanky Hollywood event, but for a little boy from Make-A-Wish Foundation who wanted to hang out with Hellboy and become Hellboy himself. Ron Perlman and his makeup team made this happen. Amazing. Mr. Perlman, you are our hero as well!
Ron Perlman and his fan |
Happy Haunting!
The Scream Team
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012
So Whaddya Wanna Know? Give us COOL Topics, Kids!
Happy Haunting!
The Scream Team
http://www.screamteam.com
http://screamteamfx.blogspot.htm
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Scream Team's "Freedom From Shipping and Handling" Sale! Foam Latex Sale
Share the love.. Retweet, Digg, Blog and Facebook US and our sale... Get it going, kids.
Thanks, Happy Haunters!
The Scream Team
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Stupid things people do when they are scared
The violent and angry reactions, like punching are of course, the hardest to take. There is nothing stronger than a pumped up 14 girl with an adrenaline kick from being scared of your character, beware! LOL!
So if you are in the scare industry, and are new to it.. Please note, some peoples first reaction is to lash out. Understand this and perform safely out of range if you can.
What is the funniest/weirdest reaction you have ever gotten while wearing a foam latex appliance, like ours?
Post here and let us know. We love to hear the Halloween haunted industry stories...
Happy Haunting!
The Scream Team
http://www.screamteam.com
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Black Friday Cyber Monday Madness At The Scream Team!
http://www.screamteam.com
http://screamteamorder.stores.yahoo.net/
Limited to stock on hand. Sale begins Thanksgiving evening and runs until midnight Tuesday November 29th, 2011.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Scream Team Enters A Wicked OZ
Lots of our fans on Facebook have been waiting for our new piece, Scarecrow to make his appearance. At last the day for the photoshoot arrived.
Scott and Mike were ready to go, as the makeup artistes extraordinaire! Our models, Matt and Ary were willing, able and chomping at the bit to make this shoot a success.
During the application process, Lola and Matt were talking about how cool it would be to have Lola in the shoot as Dorothy! A perfect blue dress magically appeared and Lola was already wearing her ruby Converse. Perfect. Bad-Ass Trip To Oz is on!
The makeup was awesome as ever, Scott has sculpted Scarecrow's facial texture to look like real burlap fabric! It was amazing to watch the transformation! Mike's take on The Crow (also known as our Raptor piece) was perfect.
Ary was amazing in his movements, he WAS that crow! Slightly Steampunk, ever-creepy. Perfect. Matt amazed us with the emotion in his eyes. He just got it. Angry, misunderstood, not too villainous, but don't trust him. He nailed it.
Lola is our resident bad-ass in training. She is a girly-girl with ton of spunk. (She can shoot a bow and arrow, people!) So, we wanted her Dorothy to be more like a slightly more demure Xena. A crow slayer with a loyalty to her friend, Scarecrow. Lola done good.
Mike's photography was brilliant. Ever willing to fight biting bugs, flies and treacherous footing to the get right shot. Thanks, Mike!
All in all, a fun day. We love the shots and feel it looks cinematic. (Hmmm? There's an idea...)
Scarecrow is going to be in limited runs, but we are going to do all we can to accommodate everyone that wants this bad boy.
Every piece in our line comes with downloadable directions as to apply, color, remove and re-use the foam latex appliance. But Scarecrow warranted his own addendum, also downloadable. Make sure to download and READ both, folks!
Happy Haunting, Scream Teamers!
The Scream Team
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Can You Use A Foam Latex Appliance Over Facial Hair?
Really, George? |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Scream Team On Geek Show Podcast! Holla!
Lola in her knit version of the Rebel Alliance Hat! |
Our shop manager, foam runner and Geek Collector, Lola Binkerd was back in her old stomping grounds (SLC) and popped by the fellas at he podcast to say "Hey!"...(Run for the hills, boys..It's a real live GIRL!)
She mentioned us and was thoroughly entertaining! Thanks, Lola. You rock.
(Kerry, Jimmy and JMV, you have our permission "borrow" her from us for your podcasts.. she was awesome.) Download the podcast here.
Happy Hauntings,
The Scream Team
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Friday, August 5, 2011
Sneak Peak Of The Scream Team's NEW DESIGN for 2011!
We have seen scarecrows done before in foam latex. While they all have their charms, Scott wanted a different take on it. Scott usually designs things that can work well with the average structure of the human face/anatomy. But he also comes from the place of, "More is not always better - or scarier for that matter." Frequently, makeup designers go over the top in terms of design... Forgetting that a real human being has to wear the appliance, move in it and bring it to life. Scott has a unique ability to create pieces that highlight the wearer's humanity.
Enter Scarecrow. This design will be probably the only scarecrow foam latex appliance on the market that can look completely different on every user. Scott did not sculpt in any of those infamous scarecrow stitches at all. He wants to let the user decide where they want the stitches! (Using twine, thread, or even just makeup Scott will show you how it's done. ) This piece even has the ability to have a burlap hood attached.
One customer on Facebook, suggested that RAPTOR could be used for a woman and SCARECROW for a man.. NICE. Couple photoshoot in the works!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Henry: The Ballad Of The Scream Team Shop Dog
Henry's motto: Naps Solve All Problems |
Henry likes to be in the mix of things around the shop. His nickname is "speed bump", because of unique proclivity to lay exactly in your walking path. It's his non verbal way of telling us to, "Slow down! take it easy."
"But why does it smell so bad?" |
We have not trained King Henry to run foam yet, due to his annoying lack of opposable thumbs. Yet his zen-like ability to nap in the make-up chaos keeps us all centered during the busy Halloween rush.
"See, belly rubs are magic!" |
It's good to be the king.
Cheerio, Scream Teamers!
http://www.screamteam.com Our Wicked Site
http://screamteamorder.stores.yahoo.net/ Our Equally Wicked Store
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The Sacred Coven of Ovens & The "Name Our Ovens" Contest
To begin this we want to discuss: ovens. "Ovens? WTF?", you ask? We shall elaborate. We use ovens to bake our foam latex appliances...FYI. We have some fancy-schmancy ovens used most often in "clean rooms" and such. These ovens are kind of like owning a Jaguar. Yes, they can respond well and do the job, BUT like fancy cars--when they break down or need repair you will be in for a ride!
fancy yet unnamed foam latex oven |
Add caption |
We had one repair "specialist" said he can indeed fix our one beloved-but-busted oven-- but he will need XX amount down, travel time pay, and a freakin' TRUCK FEE. (Whatever the hell that means..) Damn, dude! We might as well buy a new oven...
So we will dutifully trudge along until Monday with our remaining ovens and pray we can haul it ourselves to the manufacturer for repair. Annoying yes, but necessary.
Okay,now the fun part! We at The Scream Team tend to anthropomorphize our stuff. We want new names for our sacred Scream Team Foam Running Ovens! You come up with the best names for our Main Trio of (large Tardis blue-colored) ovens! The winning set of names gets a Scream Team Instructional DVD!!
Email us with your ideas!
Cheerio, Scream Teamers!
http://www.screamteam.com Our Wicked Site
http://screamteamorder.stores.yahoo.net/ Our Equally Wicked Yahoo! Store
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Common Mistakes Made When Using Foam Latex Appliances
We often get asked, "What are the most common mistakes people make when applying the Scream Team Prosthetic?"
So here is our list of common first-timer mistakes:
- Not doing your hands: You apply your foam latex appliance, color to perfection, add your contacts, wig and costume...The dead giveaway? Always your hands! Most forget to add makeup to their hands if they are exposed. Or you can simply add gloves. It helps with the illusion that your character actually "lives"...
- Not doing the back of your neck: We see this all the time! Even in movies! (Especially the ones where the vampires "sparkle"! AAAArgh!) The back of the neck is completely forgotten about, mainly because you just don't see it in the mirror. Have a friend help you with this task. Again, it helps the illusion.
- Applying the lip of the foam latex appliance BELOW your own lip. Our Scream Team appliances are designed to go ON the lip not under lip. 'Nuff said.
- Not reading the directions thoroughly. Oh heck, this is a BIG ONE! Reading our awesome directions cannot be that HARD, right? They're fun and informative. Do yourself a big favor: Read the instructions! All of them. See them as your downloadable "Jiminy Cricket."
- Using a non-castor oil based makeup: If you did not read the instructions (see above), this can happen. You use a commonly found, inexpensive petroleum based makeup from Target or Walgreen's or what-not and your beloved facial appliance degrades, swells, and looks like a seriously bad staff infection! (Not a look that you were not shooting for...) Why? Petroleum oil based makeup degrades foam. Sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. Why risk it? Use a castor oil based makeup only at the very least for the base of the foundation.
- Doing TOO MUCH: Some pieces look best when they are handled with lighter touch. Honestly, The Clown looks awesome with not alot of detail work. Stippling is a very effective technique, but let's not get out of hand and stipple the colors of the rainbow on poor old Hagatha.
- Not doing ENOUGH: On the flip side, using our lovely Dead Lee and just painting it flesh tone with no highlights and shadows just makes him look ...well, flat. "Alive" and flat. Not a good look for a zombie. Every Scream Team piece can use shadowing and a bit if highlighting. Again, the instructions cover this in detail.
- Not having fun with it: Stressing over/seeking perfection can take the fun out of the whole makeup experience. Relax, play. Have FUN. You are not curing some disease... you are having a blast on Halloween, remember?
- Using the Scream Team Instructional DVD for a coaster instead of watching it. The Scream Team Instructional DVD is an invaluable tool for those who are "visual learners". Why not order it, and if you do, make sure and watch it at least once before the big night.
- Not giving yourself enough time: The first time you apply your Scream Team appliance, it should take you an hour or maybe two. Some customers have taken longer-- but give yourself at least that much time. Then you can go our and really experience Halloween on a whole new level!
Friday, October 8, 2010
New Site, New Designs, New Old Designs!
First, an update:
Our website: The Scream Team is newly redesigned by a certified evil genius. It's five kinds of awesome. Check it out.
Second: We want to recap our new pieces for 2010:
Feral. Our female companion to our Beast piece. Feral is scary yet stunning.
Temptress! A new female piece: It's a sexy clown, it's a hot vampire, its a smokin' zombie! (That's what that smell was...)
Brute. Brute is a classic villain. Comic book thug, demon extraordinaire. The possibilities for Brute are endless...
Now, we want to recap what we completely RESCULPTED for 2010! Some changes were subtle for better fit and such and others got a whole new revamp!
Bones
Hellacious
Clown
Dark Prince
Lycanthus
Immortal
Beast
Undead
The reviews and reactions to our new designs have been been overwhelmingly positive!
Phew! We have been busy, haven't we? No rest for the wicked...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Actors and Prosthetic Makeup
"All that prosthetic makeup drains you. By the time it's lunch, you're done."
Mickey Rourke
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"I had to get used to wearing a mask and wearing a prosthetic and performing with those things while singing and expressing myself through stylized movement, while keeping it as human as possible so the audience could be closer to the horror of the Phantom." Gerard Butler
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"Here's the thing: I did one episode of Deep Space Nine, and I loved everybody that I worked with. People couldn't have been kinder... But I had a really, really difficult time with the prosthetics." Andrea Martin
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" It [the makeup] was a major, major ordeal! The breasts were four body casts, and mould making, so it was basically four hours of prosthetics every day. First gluing them down, then the makeup. There’s nothing humble about me anymore. I’ve been naked in front of everyone." Selma Blair
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Transforming one's face as an actor is as old as Thespis who acted out a hymn to honor Dionysus. Acting and makeup are both arts of transformation.
We have always said that Acting schools should offer a class called, "Acting in Prosthetics", because some actors just don't get the concept. (And yet there are those who are brilliant at it.) Your eyes become very important in makeup. The movement of your eyes and the intent behind them is an important part of prosthetic acting.
Your face is an intimate part of you. Some say, the most intimate. Changing your face in a dramatic way, such as with a foam latex appliance is an emotional journey for some. And for others, it becomes an act of freedom! At last, they are NOT themselves they are truly someone else! (We of course, love those actors!)
You can tell when an performer does not like, or is not experienced in prosthetics wearing as the first thing that goes is the ability to move their mouth. If the makeup artist has done their job; moving your face in a prosthetic is not a hard thing. It's actually quite simple. Though some actors fear they are going to "mess up the makeup" and just are not instructed to just relax and "go for it".
Maybe more makeup artists should studying acting and more actors should study makeup! It certainly has worked well for us at The Scream Team.
So our advice to you, professional actor or a Halloween enthusiast? Relax and go for it!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
What's your Monster Backstory?
Where did your creation come from? What made him or her that way? Can he change from good to evil and back again? Where does he live? Is he a progressive liberal trapped in a Fox-watching-conservative Glenn-Beck-worshiping family? (Oh wait, that's for another blog..)
Create a backstory so you can have your character be fully YOURS not a copy of someone else's. The more detail the better. The more original the better.
Why should this matter, you ask? Geez, it's just makeup. We have been in the makeup and haunted event biz for decades; Suffice it to say, that we have seen it all when it comes to scare-acting...the brilliant, the good and the just plain "Why are you here? Go home to your Warcraft game and let the pros work this crowd!" We know what makes a good scare actor better-- Detail. Don't overlook the small things--in your makeup design, your costume and your character choices. Really, anyone can hide, jump out and shake a noise can. Even if that is all that is expected of you; make a commitment to do more. Think outside the box. In fact, blow up the friggin' box.
Write some ideas down. Stay away from cliches and things others have done. This will make your whole experience all the richer. Then you can rejoice in the simple fact that you have helped make your audience's Halloween all that much richer, too.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Post Make-Up Mistakes and Tips
Okay, the night was awesome. People were so amazed at your make-up prowess and how frightening you were. Children cried, dogs barked, goth chicks gave your their phone number. All in all, it was a makeup success thanks to you using our awesome products and finding your "inner monster"!
When taking off their foam latex appliances, most folks really want it off in a hurry. That is, dare we say-mistake number one! Take your time and take the appliance off with care, and read our directions thoroughly first (and before your night of mayhem and possible inebriation!) Be gentle with the process so ultimately you can re-use your piece again. It's worth it.
After the proper removal of the appliance and the adhesive residue, take some hand towels or washcloths and wet them and put them in the microwave for a 20 - 30 seconds or so (depending on the wattage of your microwave). Get them hot, but not scalding. Use them as you would on an airplane in first class. Lay them on your face and let it sit for a few minutes. Enjoy it. Take a deep breath, and remember your much heralded makeup and revel in your gothic laurels.
Then, gently wipe your face and wash it with a gentle facial soap. Now comes the important ending of your day:
Put some Aquaphor on your face. Yep, we are recommending a specific product: Aquaphor by Eucerin. The stuff is like magic! It has the consistency of Vaseline so a little goes a long way. But after a night of wearing an appliance its the perfect "night cap" for your skin. Great for tattoos, too. We are considering carrying this in our Scream Team Makeup kit for next season.