Sculpting vampires and Neanderthals
Print Edition
FOR her versatility in makeup techniques in film productions, Michele Burke has pocketed two Academy Awards, and is one of the world’s leading makeup artists.
Burke was in Shanghai earlier this month to conduct a makeup workshop for the Shanghai Vancouver Film School at Shanghai University. She demonstrated her skills and shared her expertise and decades of experience with local students.
Born in Ireland in 1959, Burke immigrated to Canada and originally took an interest in fashion and beauty makeup after working as a model. She later made the transition from fashion makeup to film, working on several film sets without pay, before establishing herself in the industry.
Burke received her first Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1982 for the film, “Quest for Fire,” where she had to re-create the unique facial characteristics of the Neanderthal on more than 160 actors.
In 1992, she spearheaded the makeup and hair design of an ensemble cast of Francis Ford Coppola’s version of Dracula that included Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins and Keanu Reeves, for which she received her second Academy Award.
Burke has since been nominated a total of six times for the Academy Awards and was also twice awarded The British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best Makeup.
In addition, Burke has worked in blockbuster films such as “Oblivion,” the “Mission Impossible” series, “Minority Report” and the “Austin Powers” series.
Iconic film characters like Gary Oldman’s Count Dracula and Mike Myer’s Austin Powers would not have come to life without Burke.
Q: What made you decide to become a professional make up artist?
A: In the beginning I wanted to only do makeup as an art form... not necessarily to become a makeup artist on films. I was fascinated by the changes that you could do to alter a person’s appearance with makeup. There was never a hard and fast decision by me to become a makeup artist. I grew and evolved with the jobs that I sought in the makeup world.
Q: In the long list of movies you’ve done, what was the most memorable project and why?
A: I choose my projects creatively. All of my favorite films were searched out and gone after because of their creative challenges, including “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “Interview with the Vampire,” “The Cell,” “Austin Powers,” “Mission Impossible” and more.
Q: What is the one aspect of being a make up artist that you particularly enjoy?
A: I love that each job is different, fresh and a challenge. I also enjoy being part of a great crew, working with the actors and director to give them the best looks possible.
Q: What are some of the challenges a makeup artist faces on a daily basis?
A: Being on the top of your game, working long hours often in unusual countries and conditions with the always present time and money restraints.
Q: What are some of the biggest sacrifices that you’ve made while establishing a name for yourself?
A: You miss out on friends and family life events. Being away on location you can miss out on what is going on in your real and personal life.
Q: Who are the people you take inspiration from for your work and why?
A: My inspiration comes from art, books, nature, animals and the world. Also to name a single person: Eiko Ishioka, costume designer and visual artist.
Q: Having just conducted a class at the Shanghai Vancouver Film School, have you considered doing makeup for some films in the Chinese film industry?
A: Of course! Who wouldn’t want to work here? I’m open to all offers... Bags are packed!
Q: Any piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring makeup artist?
A: Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of things that you have to learn. It’s a step by step process. Enjoy learning and the journey. Practice a lot. Learn how to solve problems and have a good bedside manner.
Q: What’s your future work plan?
A: My career in makeup is a life-long process and a journey that continues. I look forward to designing and creating characters that have never been seen before. I like to challenge myself.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
