Industry professionals

Below, I have created a document researching some of my favorite current industry professionals, whose work has helped to influence my designs.

Guillermo Del Toro (Gomez)

I have chosen to research Guillermo Del Toro and his work, as I admire every piece of his work I have ever come across. The characters, stories and settings he creates are one of a kind, and have a huge influence on the work I create. Mostly creating work based on old myths and legends, Guillermo Del Toro is best known for pulling his viewers into a whole different world. 

Born October 9th 1964, Guillermo Del Toro is a Mexican film maker, author and actor. He has directed multiple Academy Award winning fantasy films, including Pan’s Labyrinth, and The Shape of Water. He is best known for his ‘imbuing horror and fantasy films’ that are created with extreme emotional and thematic complexity.

As a child, Guillermo developed an interest for film and horror stories, which grew into a large passion in his teenage years. This led him to train in Make-Up and Effects, under the legendary eye of Dick Smith. From this, Guillermo went on to create his own short films, with his first feature film (Dona Herlinda and her Son) released in 1985 – at age 21.

From here, Guillermo spent around 20 years working as a Make-Up supervisor, leading him to form his own company (Necropia) in the early 80’s. At the same time, Guillermo was also producing and directing for Mexican TV, and teaching film.

In 1993, Guillermo got his first big break when Cronos won nine Ariel Awards – these awards are the Mexican equivalent of Oscars – and then won the International Critics Week prize at Cannes. Following this success, Del Toro created his first Hollywood film, titled Mimic, in 1997.

However, unfortunate experiences in Hollywood lead Del Toro to take a step back and return to Mexico, forming his own production company, named Tequila Gang. After huge success with The Devil’s Backbone, in 2001, Del Toro decided to give Hollywood another try – directing Blade II in 2002. He then went on to release Hell Boy in 2004, which again was hugely successful.

From here, Guillermo continued to work in Hollywood, and is now known as a hugely acclaimed and successful producer, creating the works of The Orphanage in 2007, Julia’s Eyes in 2010, and Mama in 2013.

Guillermo Del Toro is best known to alternate between Spanish-language dark fantasy ( Pan’s labyrinth ) and mainstream American action movies ( Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak ).

His most recent work was released on Netflix in October 2022, named Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. This show is a horror anthology series, consisting of eight episodes. Each episode features a different modern horror story, falling in to the traditional Gothic genre.

Guillermo del Toro’s work, as ranked by Variety:

1 – Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006

2 – The Shape of Water, 2017

3 – Hellboy II ; The Golden Army, 2008

4 – Cronos, 1993

5 – Nightmare Alley, 2021

6 – Hellboy, 2004

7- The Devil’s Backbone, 2001

8 – Pacific Rim, 2013

9 – Crimson Peak – 2015

10 – Mimic – 1997

Ryan Murphy

I have chosen to research Ryan Murphy as I admire the way he manages to combine reality and fiction in such a seamless, and remarkable way. Even though a huge proportion of his stories are fiction, they are extremely believable. Furthermore, he creates incredible characters within his stories, many of which may be great examples for the kind of design I am wanting to create for my assessment.

Born November 9, 1965 in Indianapolis, Indiana, US – Ryan Murphy is an American writer, director and producer. He has created many hits, including; Nip/Tuck (2003), Glee (2009), and American Horror Story (2011-present).

Initially, Ryan studied journalism at the Indiana University of Bloomington, and interned in the style section of the Washington post from 1986. However, in 1990 Ryan found an interest in screenwriting, leading him to produce his first story in 1999 – A Teen Comedy Show – which he co-created with Gina Matthews. This show was extremely popular at the time, and ran for two seasons.

Ryan received his first Emmy nomination for Nip/Tuck in 2003, winning his first Emmy six years later in 2009, for directing his first hit series – Glee. Next, in 2011 Murphy and Brad Falchuck co-created American Horror Story, which is still a hit show today, with the newest series currently airing weekly on FX and Disney plus. Furthermore, in 2015 Ryan was also awarded the Award for Inspiration from AMFAR – the foundation for AIDS research.

Best known for creating rich, detailed stories that touch upon overlooked and important issues (usually focusing on women or minorities), Ryan ensures not only to tell these stories and educate his audience, but also is known to cast a Diverse range of people. This shows Ryan is supporting and sharing these causes because he is passionate and truly wants to help.

Ryan Murphy is known all around the world for his genre re-invention. His creative eye allows him to influence all areas of his productions, from camera angles to set design. This allows him to translate his vision onto the screen seamlessly, allowing us to view exactly what he wants us to.

Additionally, Ryan has an incredible talent for creating elaborate and memorable opening scenes that perfectly represent, and summarise, what a show is about. He is also known within the industry for his specific castings. When Murphy creates a character he usually has an actor in mind already and will go to any lengths to get them. Ryan reaches out to those he wants to cast directly, pitches his character and is even open to adapting a character to meet and actors preferences in order to have them work for him. Additionally, Ryan casts a range of talents, from Hollywood stars, to new and blooming actors, making his works some of the most diverse.

Overall, Ryan is known for creating a huge range of media, from high school comedies, to horror and true crime. His unique approach allows him to create fictional work, yet bring real life issues to light – helping to raise awareness for important issues that he feels passionate about. This makes his work stand out as not only is the result entertaining, but is also extremely educational. Ryan’s work manages to pull his viewers into a whole other dimension,while also making them take a step back and think about the realities of the world they actually live in.

Ryan’s work, ranked by Goldderby

1- American Crime Story ; The people vs OJ Simpson (2016)

2- American Horror Story (2011 – Present)

3- Glee (2009-2015)

4- Dahmer – Monster; The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)

5- Feud ; Bette and Joan (2017)

6- Pose (2018-2021)

7- Nip/Tuck (2003-2010)

8- American Crime Story ; Impeachment (2021)

9- American Crime Story ; The Assasintaion of Gianni Versace (2018)

10- 9-1-1 (2018 – present)

11- The Watcher (2022)

12- Scream Queens (2015-2016)

13- Popular (1999-2001)

14- Halston (2021)

15- Ratched (2020)

Christen Tinsley

I have chosen to conduct research into Christen Tinsley and his work, as I admire the realism he creates, and the creative initiative that he has used throughout his work. Furthermore, some of the characters he has created may have a huge influence on the work I am aiming to create.

Born and raised in Washington State, Christen Tinsley made the move to California at age 17, to pursue a career in Make-Up Effects.

After moving to LA, Tinsley quickly earned a shining reputation for his initiative and raw talent, gaining him a place in the Make-Up Union, and allowing him to work alongside his idol, Rick Baker (on The Grinch Stole Christmas) after only a few years in industry. Next, Tinsley worked on the set of Pearl Harbor, and Oceans 11.

During his time working on the set of Pearl harbor, Tinsley began to develop a product that would make prosthetic application much quicker and easier. This led to the creation of his proprietary technique, known as the prosthetic transfer. Now, Tinsley owns and operates Tinsley studio, Tinsley Transfers INC., and also works as a Head of Make-Up departments for Film and TV, as well as working as a personal MUA.

Awards;

Christen Tinsley has been nominated for, and received many awards including;

• Academy Award for Technical Achievement, in 2007, For the creation of transfer techniques ‘Tinsley Transfers’, that make the application of 2D and 3D prosthesis much easier. These transfers allow for quick and easy application of effects (bruising, tattoos, birthmarks, and 3D prosthesis of all sizes ranging from small lacerations to entire torsos). They also require no use of  dangerous chemicals or solvents due to a combination of self-adhesive materials, tissue thin edges, flexibility and water resistance.
• Nominated for Best Make-Up in 2004, for his work on The Passion of the Christ. Furthermore, he was also nominated for a this award after his work in Nip/Tuck, Glee and American Horror Story.
• Awarded the IIFA for best Make-Up
• Awarded a Silver Lotus Award for best Make-Up
• Awarded an Emmy for his work on Behind the Candelabra

During his years in the industry so far, Tinsley has provided film and TV with some of their most recognized characters. Below is a list of some of the many Film and TV productions Tinsley has worked on.

Film;

• Assasination of jesse James, by the Coward Robert Ford
• Gangster Squad
• Men In Black 3 
• My Sister’s Keeper
• Fast and Furious 5
• I am Legend
• Oceans 11
• Pearl Harbor
• The Pacifier

TV;

• Prison Break
• American Horror Story
• Sons of Anarchy
• West World
• Mortal Kombat ; Legacy
• Dahmer – Monster; The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Greg Nicotero

I have chosen to research Greg Nicortero and his work as I admire the realism he creates within his Special Effects Make-Up designs. Furthermore, his work on projects such as The Walking Dead will provide a huge inspiration for my design process.

Greg Nicotero is an American specialist Make-Up artist and Effects creator, a television producer and a Director. Taught by Tom Savini, Greg is an extremely gifted Special Effects Make-Up artist – best known for his work on The Walking Dead (2010-2022), The Island (2005), Sin City (2005), and Land of The Dead (2005).

In 1988, Nicotero along with Howard Berger and Robert Kurtzman, cratead the KNBEfx Group. Under this company, Greg and his accomplices provided jaw dropping Special Effects for major Hollywood hits, including; The Green Mile (1999), Vanilla Sky (2001) and Sin City and Land of The Dead (2005).

Awards;

During his time in industry, Greg Nicotero has won many awards, including;

• Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual effects, 2001
• BAFTA Award for Best Make-Up and Hair, 2006
• Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Prosthetic Make-Up, 2010
• Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Prosthetic Make-Up, 2011
• Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Prosthetic Make-Up, 2012

Below is a list of some of the many Film and TV productions Greg has worked on.

Film ;

• Werewolf by Night
• Alita Battle Angel
• Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood
• Alpha
• Amityville; The Awakening
• Within
• Suicide Sqaud
• The Green Inferno
• This is the End
• Texas Chainsaw
• Paul
• Fright Night
• Jennifer’s Body
• Inglourious Basterds
• Chronicles of Narnia
• Hostel Part II
• Primeval
• Scream
• Evil Dead

TV;

• The Walking Dead
• Fear The Walking Dead
• Candy
• The Walking Dead ; World Beyond
• Mare of Eastown
• Watchmen
• Hemlock Grove
• Breaking Bad
• The Pacific
• Fear Itself
• Masters of Horror