Live Halloween Show in Hamburg

The Brief

For a Halloween show in Hamburg, several performers had to become horror characters. Live events place different demands than a shoot: the characters have to work at varying distances, last many hours and survive movement, stage lighting and changing temperatures.

Prosthetics were deliberately ruled out. Depth, ageing and sculptural facial forms had to be created with makeup techniques alone.

The Process

Carefully placed highlights and shadows created the impression of stronger features, sunken cheeks and pronounced bone structure. Custom colouring, dirt and blood effects completed the look.

Vampire teeth were fitted and contact lenses inserted. The result was several distinct horror characters without a single prosthetic piece.

Materials & Techniques

• Alcohol-activated colours

• Cream makeup and powder

• Dirt and grime products

• Fake blood

• Vampire teeth and contact lenses

The Result

Characters with sculptural presence in direct contact with the audience. Although only makeup techniques were involved, the result read as three-dimensional and held for the entire event.