Instructional DVDs

This informative DVD features nearly 40 easy-to-do special effects! These effects include: makeup effects, gel effects, A+B blood, gushing blood, simple latex appliances, flowing blood from a knife, goo effects, vampire tooth caps, realistic compound fractures with flowing blood, a bullet hit with a blow-tube and more. It is excellent for young film makers, mock-disaster training, haunted houses and those wanting to learn the basic effects of the trade. This is the first DVD in the SES series.

Length: 58 min.

The first section of this video demonstrates face-casting with alginate and the making of an UltraCal30 master face. Other topics included in the DVD are: plaster waste mold, a simple plaster mold, Latex mold, a demonstration on vacuum forming and a demonstration on casting slip latex (a Halloween mask technique). This is a great starting point for people without any previous mold experience. This is the second DVD in the SES series.

Length: 48 min.

This DVD covers simple silicone molding technique. It demonstrates: one-part and two-part silicone molding techniques and how to cast liquid plastic compounds and PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). It is an excellent starting point for people who have projects they want to reproduce and sell. This was the first video to teach silicone molding techniques. It is the third DVD in the SES series.

Length: 35 min.

This DVD features Hollywood airbrush and painting technique exclusive to the entertainment industry. Brian Penikas teaches you the basics to airbrush setup and painting. You will learn: surface prep, basing, detail and shadow, mottling, washes, stippling and how to make your own PAX paint. This is the fourth DVD in the SES series.

Length: 28 min.

This DVD teaches the basics of how to create gelatin appliances. These appliances give a realistic appearance using less time and money! Gelatin appliances can be made on set and take less equipment to produce them. Other advantages to creating gelatin appliances are: they are translucent so they pick up the skin tone beneath them, the edges can be flawlessly blended to the skin, and they take makeup just like real skin. The disadvantages to gelatin appliances are: they are more fragile and less flexible than latex, they are denser, and they will melt from heat or perspiration. This is used for serious character transformation using sculpting and mold techniques much like hot foam. Gelatin is easy to make and apply, but is not recommended for thick appliances. This is the fifth DVD in the SES series.

Length: 28 min.

This video explains in simple terms the advantages of pneumatic systems over electric motors. These include: safety, ease of control, and having more power in a smaller package. This DVD also covers important safety information while demonstrating: the difference between pneumatics and hydraulics, the difference between linear and rotary actuators, how to connect and adjust pneumatic systems, manual versus electric control, how to plumb and adjust flow controls, how control valves work, how to purchase the specific control valves you will need, and how to outline a typical linear cylinder for design purposes. This video will give you the confidence you need to safely work with pneumatic devices of any size. It features a two minute clip of amusement park style pneumatic animation. This is the sixth DVD in the SES series.

Length: 28 min.

Now you can make your own breakaway bottles like the ones used in motion picture fight scenes! Professionally made breakaway bottles can cost $40 or more, but with the right know-how and materials you can make your own at a fraction of the cost. This video demonstrates how to make and pour the basic two-part silicone mold needed to cast the bottle and what materials you will need to do it. As with all talents, practice is required to master this craft. This DVD will give you all the information necessary to start doing just that. This is the seventh DVD in the SES series.

Length: 28 min.

If you are interested in learning how to make fake body parts, this is the DVD for you! This video explores five of the best options and demonstrates them side by side so that you can make a decision before you waste money on a mold that won't work. The materials shown are Silicone, PVC (Hot Pour), Gelatin, Wax, and Slip Latex. Foam latex is compared, but not demonstrated. This DVD shows you how to fill skins with polyurethane foam, how to foam in a simple wire armature and a demonstration of a hair punching tool. Intrinsic coloring is shown for each material. It does not demonstrate: sculpting, life-casting, or the construction of silicone or plaster molds (please see our "Magic Molding and Casting" or "Silicone Mold Making" DVDs to learn these techniques). Experience in mold making and life-casting are prerequisites for the techniques you will be learning in this video. This is the eighth DVD in the SES series.

Length: 28 min.

This video demonstrates how to make your own dental prosthetics. Nothing completes a costume or makeup like a well-made set of fake choppers. Thom's technique is simple, easy to follow and reveals several great little trade secrets.

DVD length: 30 min.