Brian Van Dorn: Incredible Special Effects
From makeup artist to specialty gourmet foods it is all in the quality and presentation
Special Effects Artist Brian Van Dorn
By J. Jekyll
March 2010
Goremaster.com
Mr. Van Dorn is a multi-talented artist who has worked in makeup special effects, and creature design. His impressive list of film credits include; Planet of the Apes (2001), The Passion of the Christ (2004), 300 (2006), and AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007) and is now at Ironhead Studio which specializes in costume and creature design and he has launnched his own specialty gourmet company, vandorngourmets.com. |
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GM: When did you make your decision to enter the field?
BVD: “I had always loved make up FX, and monsters ever since I can remember. It was always just a beloved hobby, and it wasn’t until the late 80s when I realized that I could possibly make a career out it. Our High School back in Milwaukee had actually offered a stage make up class as one of the art electives. So, I took that class, and ended up doing quite well. In fact, it was the ONLY class I had ever received an A+ in.”
GM: What or who inspired you to start? Who was your influence?
BVD: “There was a crap load of inspiration available back in those days, especially with all of the slasher movies, and B films. But if I had to choose one particular instance, I would have to go with the movie “The Lost Boys”. I was around the same age as those kids, and back then, that movie scared the crap out of me. So, I guess I have Greg Cannom to thank for that. Thanks, Greg!”
GM: Favorite early special effects memory – movie scene – book – TV show?
BVD: “Halloween was always my favorite holiday, obviously, even as a little kid. And every year I would try and do something with my costume and make up that was even cooler than the year before. And one of my fondest early FX memories was flipping through Alan Ormsby’s “Movie Monsters” book, and practicing all of his monster make up tips, and tricks. Everything from Dracula, the phantom, to the Wolfman and a even a character called Mr. Skull which was my favorite.”
GM: Who is your favorite special effects person?
BVD: “I’ve gotta go with Lon Chaney, hands down. He was an innovator, and extremely creative. Plus, he really did suffer for his art. I’ve heard he put himself through hell just for better FX.”
GM: How did you get started working in the Special Effects industry?
BVD: “After finishing make up school, I contacted a bunch of student film, and low budget film directors, and offered my services. The pay was terrible, and sometimes nonexistent, but the experience was definitely worth it. I was definitely in the “starving artist” category for a bit.”
Brian Van Dorn working on creature sculpture
GM: Whose current work do you admire?
BVD: “I’d have to say that I really admire those guys that I’ve worked with over the years, and now have their own projects going on. Guys like Jose Fernandez, Christien Tinsley, and Kazu Tsuji. I’ve had the privilege of working with (and for) each of these talented guys.”
GM: How have you gotten work in the industry?
BVD: “I’ve been pretty fortunate, and have kept relatively busy over the years. Of course, being good at what you do, and having a great attitude does help too, but yeah, mostly luck.”
Brian Van Dorn body painting Playboy model at Detroit Superbowl
GM: What was your toughest job?
BVD: “That’s an easy one! Working for Rob Bottin on “Deep Rising” was probably the toughest job. Countless hours making fiberglass molds outside in the summer heat, and then well into the night. Only a couple hours of sleep, and then back to work again. Seven days a week, for over 6 months. It was pretty brutal, but I was pretty young and could bounce back pretty easily. I couldn’t (and probably wouldn’t) do that sort of thing these days. Lol”
GM: What was your favorite job?
BVD: “The years of working over at Rick Bakers have to be some of the best times I’ve had working in this industry. Not only was it great working on such cool projects, but working with such talented and cool people. Some of my greatest friends have come from working at Cinovation. I’ll never forget those days”
GM: How do you pick out materials to use for a project? Do you make your own? Are there any brands that you recommend?
BVD: “With any job, you have a certain number of variables, and no two projects are the same. So, there is obviously a lot of R+D concerning materials. A lot of the materials we use were not designed for our industry. For example, the epoxy system we use for most high strength, high temp molds, was created for the aerospace industry.”
Brian Van Dorn poses with finished body art model
GM: What is a current project you are working on? Or what project are you excited about?
BVD: “Right now, I am heading up the mold dept at Ironhead Studios, which is Jose Fernandez’ company. He is probably the best guy around for specialty costumes and super hero type suits. And we have a few projects based on comic books, that we are developing.”
GM: Do you have advice for a beginner or someone just getting started in the business?
BVD: “Someone told me a long time ago, ‘Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut’, and I’ve always remembered that advice. I think I could have adhered to it a bit better, as it is kinda harsh. But it does have a glimmer of truth to it, I guess.”
GM: How do you envision the future of makeup SFX? (do you think CGI is hurting the industry?)
BVD: “Um, I do actually think CGI is hurting our industry. Sorry. Ten years ago, we were doing a lot more effects practically, that these days are done on the computer. Are they done quicker and cheaper? Perhaps, I don’t really know. Better? Sometimes, not always.
Yet on the other hand, it’s also helping our industry too. You have artists like Jose Fernandez, Eddie Yang, and Aaron Sims doing REALLY awesome design work on the computer. And with the programs of today (and tomorrow), the sky is literally the limit. And that is kinda exciting!
I do, however, believe that make up FX will still be around for quite some time.
In the meantime, and with FX work being as slow as it is, I’ve had time to pursue another hobby of mine, food. I’ve recently launched “Van Dorn Gourmets”, a small specialty gourmet company featuring spice blends, dip mixes, teas, and bath products as well. How’s that for shameless promotion? Lol”
See more of Brian Van Dorn's work:
http://www.vandorngourmets.com/
http://www.ironheadstudio.com/
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