When an audience gasps at a monster reveal or believes an injury is real, prosthetics have truly accomplished their purpose.

What appears on screen, however, is merely the final result. Beneath every creature, scar, or transformation lies weeks of dedicated work, meticulous planning, and artistic skill. Let's explore how prosthetic characters come to life — from script to screen.

Step 1: Understanding the Character

Everything begins in pre-production. Once we receive a film project, we start by understanding the character in depth:

• What is their background?
• How should they appear on screen?
• How will their transformation enhance the story?

Only after gaining this comprehensive understanding can we start designing the look. We create sketches, develop plans, and proceed only after receiving director approval.

Step 2: Planning Materials & Budget

I begin by preparing a comprehensive materials list and estimating the timeline for completing the prosthetics.

Material selection typically depends on two key factors:

• The film's budget
• The desired level of quality and realism

For lower-budget productions, I primarily work with gelatin. Higher-budget films allow for silicone, which delivers more realistic results but at a higher cost.

💡 Note: Since many production houses don't fully understand why prosthetics are expensive, I've found it's essential to explain costs upfront and secure approval before beginning work.

Step 3: Sculpting & Mould Making

Once approved, the real work begins:

1. Sculpting – Creating the initial design in clay.