Here's a List of Some Great Books:
And at the bottom of this list are also a few stores you can contact for them!
Grande Illusions
The Art and Technique of Special Make-up Effects
by Tom Savini
Comments: An excellent book with descriptions of how effects in movies such as "Maniac", "The Burning" and "Creepshow" were achieved, along with how-to's on life casts, making fangs and more. Lots of photos.
Film Tricks
Special Effects in the Movies
by Harold Schechter and David Everitt
Comments: An interesting book, but a little harder to read. It gives detailed accounts of the classics from "A Trip to the Moon" to "Maniac", telling how our favorite effects were pulled off by the pros. Great for reports or a look at the history of FX.
Robert McCarthy's
Secrets of Hollywood Special Effects
ISBN # 0-240-80108-3
Comments: An excellent reference book for physical effects. It contains info on rain and water effects, smoke and fire effects, weapons, wire flying and levitation, non-pyrotechnic projectiles, chemical effects, and more.
The Prop Builder's
Molding & Casting Handbook
by Thurston James
Comments: Step by step directions with photos of molding and casting many different materials, from Plaster to Breakaway glass to alginate and everything else. Very detailed.
The Prop Builder's
Mask Making Handbook
by Thurston James
Comments: Step by step directions with photos for making a variety of different masks using different materials. This book may be of more use for theatre or mask artistry, but is still interesting and useful.
Note:
Thurston James also wrote a third book to this series about building stage props, but I don't remember it's exact title. It was also an excellent step-by-step guide.
Techniques of
Three-Dimensional Makeup
by Lee Baygan
Comments: A good step-by-step guide for making molds and appliances and applying them. Features lots of pictures and examples.
Stage Makeup
by Richard Corson
Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-840496
Technique of the Professional Makeup Artist
by Vincent J-R Kehoe
Focal Press, ISBN -240-51244-8
Dick Smith's Do-It-Yourself Monster Makeup
by Dick Smith
Harmony Books, ISBN 0-517-56270-7
Modelling and Sculpting Animals
by Edouard Lanteri
Dover Books, ISBN 0-486-25007-5
Plaster Mold and Model Making
by Chaney and Skee
Van Nostrand & Reinhold, ISBN 0-442-21515-0
Making a Monster
by Taylor and Roy
Crown Publishers, ISBN -517-534568
Book Stores:
Samuel French's Theatre & Film Bookshop
11963 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762 - 0535
Mon - Fri: 10 - 9
Sat: 10 - 6
Sun: 12 - 5
7623 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
(213) 876 - 0570
Mon - Fri: 10 - 6
Sat: 10 - 5
Larry Edmund's Cinema Bookshop
6644 Hollywood Blvd.
L.A., CA 90028
(213) 463 - 3273
Amazon Books
http://www.amazon.com/
If you have a good book, video or guide to add to our list, e-mail us with the title, author and a good description.
Please Note: We do not sell these books but simply provide this list for your benefit.
screamfx@aol.com