MAKEUP ARTIST ZACH SHILDWACHTER IS AUDITIONING FOR SYFY'S FACE OFF!

Here at Day of the Woman, I try to allow this blog space as a haven for many of my fellow colleagues and friends to spread the word about their work and perspective projects.  If you recall a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to sit for makeup artist and horror journalist Zach Shildwachter when he asked if he could toy around with a few makeup ideas and was in need of a model.  After debating whether or not he should start branching out his enthusiasm for the world of special fx makeup artistry, Zach has decided to go balls to the wall and try his luck auditioning for SyFy's addicting makeup competition, Face Off.  Day of the Woman would like to wish Zach Shildwachter the very best of luck in this endeavor and at the very least, help shed some light on an extremely passionate and talented artist.  Below is his audition tape in which he transforms himself into a demon. Check it out!

Check out Zach's other works on his site Awkward Creations
or 
Read his horror journalism over at The Blood Sprayer 

HORROR ENTHUSIAST AND MAKEUP ARTIST ZACH SHILDWACHTER BRINGS OUT THE GRUESOME BEAUTY OF BJ-C

This past weekend I was lucky enough to spend time with longtime friend and fellow horror nerd, Zach Shildwachter.  We had a horror filled extravaganza that included my taking his "Day of the Woman/I Spit On Your Grave" virginity, and the two of us enduring quite possibly the WORST film ever made (review to come soon).  It was definitely a weekend for the record books, but the biggest highlight was when Zach asked if I would be willing to be a model for some of his work.  Just look at that face, how could I say no?  Zach is also toying around the idea of auditioning for SyFy's FACE OFF (something he should totally do) and what kind of uber nerd would I be if I didn't help support the creative process?  Zach is an extremely talented makeup artist and his simplistic and organic approach was wonderful to watch and even nicer to experience. He's a righteous dude. Nuff said.

Below are the progress pictures of his hard work.

Now a while back, a little over 2 years ago, Zach visited our friends John Squires of FreddyInSpace.com with the legendary Kristy Jett and met the infamous Jesse Bartel. Over the course of the 4 Loko fueled weekend (read about it here) Zach somehow managed to Sharpie some spiffy website adverts on the chests of my compadres. Being all the way in Chicago and left out of said visit, I joked that she wanted the same treatment for this site. Zach was more than happy to pay me back for two year wait.

I'm also extremely stubborn and refused to take off the liquid latex the smart way. I should have listened to my makeup artist, he really does know best. In all seriousness, Zach is a dream to work with. He's very conscious of his model and understands that not every face is going to look the same as the stock ones you're given to practice with.  He's remarkably talented and I consider myself very lucky to have been able to sit for him.

I want to use some of the photos he did as part of my promotional package. 

If you have any favorites, comment with them below!

Check out Zach's other works on his site Awkward Creations
or 
Read his horror journalism over at The Blood Sprayer 
or
Creep on his personal life at his tumblr Off Color Commentary 

FACE OFF SEASON 2 CASTING CALL

NOW CASTING SPECIAL FX MAKE-UP ARTISTS FOR SEASON TWO OF SYFY’S COMPETITION REALITY SERIES, FACE OFF

WHO:  Syfy’s Face Off, the hit competition reality series that celebrates the incredible artistry of special FX make-up, exploring the world of these pros and the unlimited imagination which allows them to create amazing works of living art. The series incorporates effects make-up, as well as a a wide range of skill sets including prosthetics, sculpting, casting and molding. Each episode involves incredible reveals of the competitors’ finished work, and the drama of one contestant being sent home by the panel of expert and celebrity judges. It all culminates in one winner and one $100,000 grand prize that will launch a career.

  

WHAT: Casting men and women, both professionals and novices to the art of special FX make-up. Must be 18 years or older and proficient in beautifying, prosthetics and special FX.  Interested participants can obtain an application by sending an email to: www.syfy.com/faceoff. 

WHERE:         LOS ANGELES MARRIOTT – MONSTERPALOOZA CONVENTION

2500 Hollywood Way

Burbank, CA 91505   

Faceoofflosangeles@gail.com

NEW YORK – IMATS CONVENTION (downstairs)

82 Mercer Building

82 Mercer Street

New York, NY

faceoffnewyork@gmail.com

WHEN:           Sunday, April 10, 2011

                        10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. pacific in Los Angeles

                        9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern in New York

 ***Copied verbatim from New Media Strategies 

Promotional Assistant Danny Christiansen

WOMAN OF THE WEEK: Danielle Ruggiero

As Women in Horror recognition month comes to a close, it took me a while to figure out just who I'd want to feature for my final Woman of the Week for this monumental month.  I brainstormed classic Scream Queens, female directors, and countless other women who have already made a huge impact in our genre.  That's when it hit me.  Why should I feature someone who has already gained plenty of notoriety when I can turn the focus to a woman working her way to make a tremor in the horror genre.  You most likely haven't heard of this week's woman, and that's the point.  Not only is she a native of the Chicago burbs, but this is ANOTHER girl from my pageant circuit with a penchant for all things horror.

Meet Danielle Ruggiero.  Danielle is a 22 year old up-and-coming hair and makeup artist.  If you were to take one look at her, you'd most likely immediately assume that she's just some pretty blonde girl with a cosmetology degree and a life of prom up-dos and twenty dollar haircuts ahead of her.  Just so you know, you'd be wrong.  While Danielle makes a living working as a hair stylist, she has mad chops and a huge desire to make the movie monsters that fill our nightmares.  I asked Danielle what exactly drew a "girl like her" to a genre like this, and her answers were not only surprising, but inspiring.

Ever since I was a little girl I have had an interest in scary movies and Halloween and all that it entails. Of course as a little girl I feel like I more tortured myself due to the simple fact that I would stay up and watch these movies and then wouldn't sleep because I was too scared. Ha... As I got older I grew to love them and love Halloween ( which is actually my favorite holiday )... You don't see a lot of girls interested in this field of work... and when everyone asks me what I want to pursue in this career they are somewhat shocked when I respond by saying that I love all the blood and gore. The pretty stuff is just something to do and get the money flow... but I have a true passion for the special effects aspect of it all.....it just all fascinates me! Obviously me being in Chicago is hindering me from working on films or things like that, that I would possibly be doing in California.. but I am a working a few student films and getting my feet wet here because I don't want to be like everyone else and be an aspiring starving artist JUST TO BE IN CALIFORNIA. There are plenty of jobs out here... and I want to prove to all of them that a special effects makeup artist can survive out here. 

The Eye looks very "Freddy Acid Face in Return of the Living Dead" to me. Agree?

I don't know about you, but I'd take this one home for a night ;)

Danielle clearly puts her money where her mouth is and has quite the portfolio developing.  For more information on Danielle's work, you can "LIKE" her facebook page

 

Danielle Ruggiero-Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist