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Tom Savini Founded Our Special Make-up Effects Program
Known for his ability to create realistic, monstrous looks, Tom Savini has paved the way for some of the best special make-up effects artists in the world. With unmatched skill and extensive knowledge of his craft, Tom Savini is an expert in turning his vision into a unique experience for moviegoers. Learn more about “Maestro of Make-up” and how he started the Program at Douglas Education Center in Pennsylvania.
Tom Savini’s Early Life
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Tom Savini knew he had an underlying passion for special make-up effects. After discovering his love for the horror genre as a young kid, he began experimenting with different make-up styles, techniques, and materials. Throughout his time, Savini has focused on creating realistic, terrifying, and gory looks to bring a bone-chilling element to any horror movie. After spending time as a combat photographer in Vietnam, he was finally able to perfect his special make-up effects, combining realism with fantasy to create a world where these creatures could exist.
Tom Savini made his way into the movie industry by working on low-budget films such as Deranged and Deathdream. Soon after, Savini met George A. Romero, a director known for introducing the classic zombie trope we all know and love today. The pair first began working together on the film Martin (1976). However, after releasing the cult classic Dawn of the Dead (1978), Savini’s career officially took off. From there, he was on his way to pioneering the advanced special make-up effects seen in the horror movie industry today.
Changing the Horror Movie Genre
After his work on Dawn of the Dead, Savini maintained a lasting relationship with Romero by working together on several other movies, including:
- Creepshow (1982)
- Day of the Dead (1985)
- Monkey Shines (1988)
Tom Savini won a Saturn Award for his work on Day of the Dead, making Savini and Romero an iconic duo in the horror movie industry. Savini continued to perfect his craft through other films such as Friday the 13th (1980), Maniac (1980), and The Burning (1981), where he introduced realistic splatter gore to produce horrifying features. In addition, Savini directed his first film in 1990, Night of the Living Dead.
Savini also has an extensive acting career, starting with his first role in Knightriders (1981). Since then, he has made appearances in films such as Dawn of the Dead (1978), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), and even more recent movies and shows such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Locke & Key. He also judges the special make-up effects television series, Face Off, where artists showcase their skills in creating terrifying and realistic looks.
Tom Savini and Douglas Education Center
Bringing his extensive knowledge back to his hometown, Savini launched the Special Make-Up Effects Program at Douglas Education Center in October 2000. Tom Savini has always had a passion for sharing his expertise with others but never found the right partner to bring his ideas to fruition. With the help of Jeff Imbrescia, our CEO and president, plans started to circulate after discussing the need for new and exciting art programs at Douglas Education Center. After creating an extensive business plan, Savini decided it would be a worthwhile investment and soon began developing the program. Now, it is one of the most well-known special make-up effects schools.
Learn More about Our Programs
If you want to turn your most horrifying ideas into a screen-ready work of art, our Special Make-Up Effects program is the perfect fit for you. Here, students can learn about effective make-up techniques and products that really bring their creatures to life. To learn more about Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects program in Pennsylvania, contact us today.
