It's alive
For this project, I worked closely with both the agency and a prosthetics artist to design and execute a Frankenstein character within a tight two-week turnaround. Due to scheduling constraints, it wasn’t possible to bring the actor in for a full life cast, so we relied on detailed head measurements and reference points to ensure accurate scale and fit of the prosthetic components.
Designing a Frankenstein prosthetic required careful consideration to avoid replicating the iconic Universal Studios version. We were restricted from using five of the same defining characteristics, so we altered the character’s visual language by shifting the skin tone to blue while maintaining the recognisable Frankenstein structure — particularly the exaggerated, flattened forehead. The head piece was sculpted and cast in foam latex to minimise weight, with a silicone skin layer applied over the surface to provide realistic texture, translucency, and edge quality. A full silicone build would have been prohibitively heavy, so this hybrid construction ensured comfort, mobility, and durability during wear.
Hair was addressed using hired back pieces from the wig store, which were trimmed and fitted on the day to integrate with the prosthetic seamlessly. For the eyebrows, the agency requested a specific “Gallagher Brother” aesthetic, so I commissioned a specialist knotter to create bespoke eyebrows. As no pre-fitting was possible, the actor measured the width of his head to ensure correct proportion and placement.
On the day of the shoot, we had a four-hour application window. This included applying and securing a bald cap, fitting and blending the prosthetic components — forehead, cheek pieces, eyebrows, and fingernails — followed by hands and facial colour application. The skin tone was sprayed blue to achieve even coverage and consistency across prosthetic and skin areas. Despite the limited time and lack of prior fitting, the application was completed successfully, resulting in a cohesive, wearable, and production-ready Frankenstein character.
