I think in the special makeup effects industry journalists tend to throw around the term “master” way to often. Terms such as “FX master” simply do not describe people on the level of Kazuhiro Tsuji. Mentored by legendary make-up artists such as Rick Baker and Dick Smith, and a tremendous artist in his own right, Kazu is not simply your every day FX master. According to many who attended his make-up keynote at the IMATS LA 2008 it was more like listening to Da Vinci explain how he observed birds and made a flying machine. He just knows it -- inside and out.

An approachable virtuoso at the top of his game, Kazu was the featured Keynote at IMATS that everyone was waiting for. For some of the attendees it was an opportunity to pose technical questions. Megan Flagg -- a relative newcomer to the industry siezed the opportunity. “I asked him how it was pigmented and he said ‘intrinsically with tempra paint and flocking’. He also said ‘these appliances were deadened to 500%’. That’s unbelievable!”

Others were blown away by the skill displayed. Kato Destefan, a veteran of the industry, soaked up the experience and could only comment after he had time to absorb and consider his words carefully. “It was truly amazing seeing work on that caliber up close”.

We hope you enjoy this little look at the work. The sculpt, paint and application were done by Kazuhiro Tsuji.

The wig and the beard was done by Sylvia Nava [unconfirmed].

The model is Chris Walker, who is a remarkable makeup artist as well.

[click to enlarge] Photos courtesy Fernando Favila.

Now watch it done with your own eyes: