Gruesome demonstration captivates and inspires art students

This week students at Plymouth College of Art enjoyed a unique opportunity to learn some frighteningly realistic special effects skills from top international media make-up artist Max Van De Banks.

Max has worked on films including the recently released and highly acclaimed 'zombie thriller' The Dead which was filmed in Africa. He has also worked on The Revenant Cell and created the Orks for The Lord of the Rings prequel Born of Hope.

The opportunity to have Max visit Plymouth College of Art was snapped up by Extended Diploma Creative Media Production (Film and Television) Course Leader Tim Dickinson who is eager for his students to learn from industry professionals. Students from College’s Animation Arts and Games Design FE and HE courses also attended the talk and demonstration.

Robert Smith, a second year student on the Creative Media Production course, bravely volunteered to have his face transformed by Max in front of a packed lecture theatre of enthralled students. Over the two hour demonstration Robert’s face was gruesomely made up with a realistic open wound filled with blood, which proved an irresistible photo opportunity for his excited friends and onlookers.

As Max used his skills to make the transformation he explained how he started out in the industry and gave an insight into how he works with other members of the film crew. He showed the students clips from a video diary following the filming crew of The Dead. The aspiring students heard about the many challenges faced during filming and it was certainly an eye opening experience.

Tim Dickinson, Creative Media Production Course Leader said, “Many of the students who attended this talk are the filmmakers, directors, producers, animators and broadcasters of the future. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to see firsthand what is achievable in media makeup; Max is a real expert in his field and we are very lucky that he could share with us his skills.”

For further information about the Extended Diploma Creative Media Production (Television and Film) course please visit www.plymouthart.ac.uk. You can see examples of the students’ work at http://www.vimeo.com/pcamedia

Plymouth College of Art would like to give thanks to Marilyn Grose from Loopy Looks Costumes and Encore in Saltash for giving us the opportunity to host Max.

For more information visit http://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/prospectus/Further-Education/BTEC-Level-3-Extended-Diploma-in-Creative-Media-Production-%28Television-and-Film%29/CMFE1A1112