Cinematographer
Silikon-Prothesen sehen bei verschiedenen Lichtsituationen authentisch aus. Die Transluzenz des Materials reagiert ähnlich wie echte Haut auf Licht – besonders bei Close-ups überzeugend.
Flexible makeup appliance made from medical-grade silicone used for character transformations – provides realistic skin-like texture, translucency, and movement for aging effects, creature designs, injury simulations, and facial alterations, applied by specialized prosthetic makeup artists.
What is a Silicone Prosthetic?
A Silicone Prosthetic is a silicone makeup appliance used for character transformations in film. The material offers skin-like properties, enabling realistic aging, injuries, creatures, and physical alterations.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Platinum Silicone |
| Purpose | Character Transformation |
| Property | Skin-like |
| Application | Face, Body |
Silicone Types
| Type | Properties |
|---|---|
| Platinum Silicone | Standard, translucent |
| Tin-Cure | More economical |
| Deadener | Ultra-soft |
| Gel-Filled | Mobile |
Properties
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Translucency | Light permeable |
| Flexibility | Movement possible |
| Durability | Reusable |
| Realism | Skin-like |
Silicone vs. Foam Latex
| Aspect | Silicone | Foam Latex |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Translucency | High | Minimal |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Degrades |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Manufacturing Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Lifecast | Casting |
| Sculpt | Modeling |
| Mold | Casting mold |
| Cast | Pouring silicone |
Lifecast
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Alginates | Quick casting |
| Plaster Shell | Support |
| Positive | Create copy |
| Reference | For sculpting |
Sculpting
| Medium | Application |
|---|---|
| Chavant | Standard clay |
| Monster Clay | Heat sensitive |
| WED Clay | Large pieces |
| Digital | ZBrush, 3D Print |
Mold-Making
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fibreglass | Hard shell |
| Silicone | Soft mold |
| Stone | Ultracal 30 |
| Combination | Jacket mold |
Silicone Casting
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Release | Release agent |
| Intrinsic Color | Base pigment |
| Encapsulation | Optional |
| Curing | Hardening |
Coloring
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Intrinsic | In the silicone |
| Extrinsic | On the surface |
| Layered | Multi-layered |
| Airbrushed | Finely sprayed |
Application
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Prep | Clean skin |
| Adhesive | Silicone adhesive |
| Placement | Positioning |
| Blending | Concealing edges |
Adhesive Types
| Adhesive | Properties |
|---|---|
| Silicone Adhesive | For silicone |
| Pros-Aide | Universal |
| Telesis | Medical grade |
| Spirit Gum | Traditional |
Edge Blending
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Stipple | Matching texture |
| Cabo-Sil | Filling edges |
| Paint | Color transition |
| Powder | Finish |
Applications
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Aging | Wrinkles, age effects |
| Injury | Wounds, scars |
| Character | Nose, ears |
| Creature | Fantasy beings |
On-Set Care
| Aspect | Handling |
|---|---|
| Touch-ups | Between takes |
| Sweat | Absorb |
| Damage | Repair |
| Removal | Gentle |
Working Times
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple Piece | 30-60 min |
| Full Face | 2-4 hours |
| Full Body | 4-8 hours |
| Removal | 30-60 min |
Team
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Designer | Concept |
| Sculptor | Modeling |
| Mold Maker | Making molds |
| Applicator | On set |
Budget Factors
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Design | Concept phase |
| Sculpt/Mold | One-time |
| Casting | Per piece |
| Application | Daily rate |
Multiples
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Backup | Reserve pieces |
| Shooting Days | Fresh per day |
| Damage | Replacement needed |
| Quantity | Budget factor |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Skin Test | Check for allergies |
| Fresh Pieces | Best quality |
| Documentation | Continuity |
| Communication | With actor |
Today
Silicone prosthetics are the gold standard for practical makeup effects. The combination of translucency, flexibility, and durability allows for character transformations that are convincing even in HD and 4K. Despite digital alternatives, many filmmakers prefer practical prosthetics for their tactile quality and natural light response.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Silikon-Prothesen ermöglichen radikale Charaktertransformationen. Ob Alterung, Verletzung oder Fantasy-Kreatur – die Qualität moderner Prothesen macht praktische Effekte glaubwürdiger als je zuvor.
Producer
Silikon-Prothesen erfordern erhebliche Vorlaufzeit und Budget für Sculpting, Mold-Making und Herstellung. Die Investition lohnt sich für realistische praktische Effekte, die CGI übertreffen können.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Art Department · Terms
Prosthetics
Prosthetics creates artificial body parts and wounds from silicone or foam latex for…
Art Department · Material
Foam Latex / Foam Rubber / Latex Foam
Art Department · Technique
Lifecast / Life Cast / Life Mold / Body Cast
Art Department · Terms
Special Makeup Effects
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Silikon-Prothese / Silikon-Applikation / Prothetisches Makeup-Teil"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?