Insights & stories
Behind the scenes of special effects, mask making, prosthetics and production.
KB-016 Why are multiple identical film prosthetics made?
Anyone taking their first look behind the scenes of a film or commercial production often asks a surprising question: Why are multiple identical film prosthetics made when only one performer stands in front of the camera? The answer lies in the realities of production. Shoots rarely go exactly to plan. Multiple shooting days, repeated scenes or unforeseen events make careful preparation essential. That is why backup prosthetics are standard on many professional productions.
KB-015 How long does it take to make a custom film prosthetic? Category: Project process
Custom film prosthetics don't come together overnight. Behind every character transformation lies a structured development process in which numerous steps interlock. How much time a project takes depends on various factors – for example the scope of the character transformation, the number of prosthetics required and the demands of the specific production.
KB-014 What Does a Prosthetic Artist Do on a Film Set?
Film prosthetics don't come into being on the shoot day – and looking after them doesn't end with the application either. A prosthetic artist often accompanies a production as early as the preparation stage and makes sure on set that character transformations stay convincing throughout the entire shoot. The work goes far beyond simply applying a prosthetic.
KB-013 What Does a Shoot Day With Film Prosthetics Look Like?
By the time a film prosthetic is used on the shoot day, most of the work is already done. Character development, mould-making and fabrication are behind the team. Now it's about applying the prosthetic securely, preparing the character for the camera and looking after it throughout the entire production. A well-planned shoot day ensures that make-up, acting and film production mesh together seamlessly.
KB-012 Why painting determines the realism of a film prosthetic
A professionally made film prosthetic forms the basis of a character transformation – but it often only reaches its full effect through the right paint job. Only when colours, skin tones and fine details are harmoniously matched does a prosthetic blend believably into the overall picture. This is not just about hitting skin tones, but about making a character feel alive.
KB-011 Silicone or Foam Latex? Which Technique Suits Which Character Transformation?
Professional film prosthetics use a range of materials. Two of the best known are silicone and foam latex. Both have proven themselves in the film industry over many years and each has its own strengths. Which technique is used, however, doesn't depend on which material is "better", but on the requirements a character and a production bring with them. In this article we compare the two processes and show when each material can be used to good effect.
KB-010 Bondo Transfers – Why Ultra-Flat Transfers Are Used for Realistic Injuries and Character Effects
Not every character change requires an elaborate silicone prosthetic. For smaller injuries, scars or fine skin effects, Bondo Transfers are often the tool of choice. Thanks to their especially flat transitions, they blend seamlessly into the make-up and are ideal for realistic special effects without significantly restricting the performer’s natural expression.
KB-009 Cap Plastic – The Foundation of Ultra-Thin Prosthetic Edges
A convincing film prosthetic lives not only on its form or paintwork. Just as important are the transitions between prosthetic and skin. The finer these edges can be made, the more harmoniously the prosthetic can be integrated into the make-up. This is exactly where Cap Plastic comes in. The material is used in professional special effects prosthetic make-up to enable especially thin edges that, after application, can blend almost seamlessly into the skin.
KB-008 Deadener – Why Material Properties Are Deliberately Adjusted for Professional Film Prosthetics
Not every film prosthetic places the same demands on material and mobility. That is why, in professional prosthetic design, material properties are deliberately tailored to each character. This article explains the role of deadener and shows why adjusting material properties is an essential part of modern film prosthetics.
KB-007 PlatSil Gel – Why This Silicone System Is Frequently Used for Professional Film Prosthetics
Not every silicone is suited to professional film prosthetics. PlatSil Gel is one of the materials frequently used in special-effects prosthetic makeup when flexibility, fine detail and natural movement are required. This article explains the material's properties and shows why it is used in so many professional productions.
KB-002 How are professional film prosthetics made? From concept to the finished character transformation
Between the first idea and a finished film prosthetic lie numerous creative and hands-on production steps. This article follows the entire workflow of a professional character development – from planning through sculpting and mould-making to the finished application on set.
KB-006 Encapsulated Silicone Prosthetics – Why encapsulated silicone prosthetics have become the standard for professional character transformations today
Whether subtle ageing, a striking fantasy character or a large-scale body prosthetic – encapsulated silicone prosthetics are among the most important techniques in professional special effects make-up today. This article explains what defines Encapsulated Silicone Prosthetics and why they are used so frequently in modern productions.
KB-005 Mould Making for Film Prosthetics: Why Precise Moulds Are the Foundation of High-Quality Film Prosthetics
Between a finished sculpt and a professional film prosthetic lies one decisive step: mould making. It ensures that every detail can be reproduced with precision and forms the foundation for high-quality silicone prosthetics in film, advertising, theatre and creature design.
KB-004 Character Development & Sculpting: How an Idea Becomes a Believable Film Character
Before moulds are built or silicone is processed, every character begins as an idea. Only through an understanding of anatomy, creative design and precise sculpting does that idea grow into a believable film prosthetic. This article shows why character development is one of the most important steps in professional prosthetic design.
KB-003 - What Is Lifecasting? The Foundation of Professional Film Prosthetics
Before a film prosthetic can be sculpted or cast, a precise base is needed first. On many productions, lifecasting is the starting point for tailored character development and ensures that later prosthetics sit naturally and blend harmoniously into the performer’s anatomy.
KB-001 What Are Silicone Prosthetics? The Complete Guide for Film, Advertising, Theatre and Cosplay
Whether it's realistic ageing, fantastical creatures or complex injury effects – silicone prosthetics are among the most important tools in modern special effects today. This guide explains what defines professional silicone prosthetics, how they are made and why they have become indispensable in film, advertising, theatre and cosplay.
Your Guide to SFX Prosthetics Adhesives and Removers
Discover the essential adhesives and removers for SFX prosthetics – from Pros-Aide to Telesis. A compact guide to application, durability and safe removal.