Making a Monster: The Creation of Screen Characters by The Great Makeup Artists
By Al Taylor & Sue Roy
Published by Crown Publishers, Inc., 1980. 278 pages.

In today’s world of horror fandom, everyone knows the names of Tom Savini, Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, and a dozen other names. In the ’80s, the films really made these people stars, and deservedly so! There were plenty of films I wanted to see simply based on who had done the makeup effect in it. They were sometimes more important to us fans than who starred in it or who even directed it. But what about the artists that came before them? Names like William Tuttle, Ben Nye Sr., John Chambers, or Phil Leaky? These are some of the few that took those first steps into helping filmmakers bring their ideas and imagination to life on screen.

This book highlights 25 different makeup artists that help create and elevate the industry to where it is today. Way before CGI or even basic special makeup effects, these guys were designing, developing, and even creating the makeup and techniques that helped advance the industry, some of which are still be used today. By reading this book, you will learn the important history of this crucial part of the filmmaking world that is so important to us horror fans. The ones covered in this volume are the forefathers and need to be remembered for what they help give us today. Even if you’re not a makeup artist, this is a lesson needed for any fan of the fantastic elements of cinema, bringing imagination and dreams to life on the big screen.