DEC Special Make-Up Effects Graduate Quickly Builds a Huge List of Credits
DEC graduate Steven Brent Adkins who now resides in Sherman Oaks, California graduated from Tom Savini’s Special Make-up Effects Program at Douglas Education Center (DEC) in Monessen, PA in 2009. He specialized in Animatronics and Airbrushing. After graduation Adkins secured employment at some of the industries biggest effects shops including – Spectral Motion, Legacy (formally Stan Winston), Fractured Effects, and Ojala Productions. One of his biggest accomplishments so far was working under the tutelage of respected “old school” effects artist Gabe Bartalos at his effects shop Atlantic West. Here adkins had the opportunity to work on-set with Will Farrell and John C. Reilly on the film Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie.
Upon completing his education, Adkins sold props at a convention to help pay for his trip out West. adkins was relentless in getting his portfolio and resume to all he big shops. He sent his information to over 30 shops and called them every time he had a chance until he got his first big break.
Adkins has built up a very impressive list of credits since the start of his career, recently working on Terminator 5, Avengers 2, and Jurassic Park 4. He also created effects and monsters for other well-known films such as Pacific Rim, Robo Cop, Iron Man III, HALO Breaking Dawn, and smaller films such as The Watch. “The smaller films are a lot of fun because you get to do a lot of creative work” said adkins.
“I couldn’t have done this without my education from Douglas… I have used every single skill I learned at Savini including sculpting, mold making, eyes and teeth… the list goes on and on.” Said Adkins. “The fundamental I learned in school are so important”.
“One of the coolest things I have gotten to do was work next to two very talented artists Mitch DeVien (Hellboy) and Matt Rose who sculpted the Predator!” – said Adkins.
