Face Off Panel With Deverill Weekes

On November 28th, MUD had the pleasure of welcoming five contestants from the Syfy show Face Off.

Frank Ippolito (Season 1):

EXPERTISE: Characters / Sculpting / Prosthetics / Painting

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Frank Ippolito was the nerdy kid who hung out in the basement and made monsters, inspiring his true calling in special effects artistry. He worked on a number of small independent films in the midwest and ten years ago made the move to Los Angeles. Since then he’s worked on a number of film and TV projects including Pirates of The Caribbean. Currently he is collaborating with Danny DeVito on a number of horror film shorts. Frank says his big mouth can sometimes get him into trouble, and he likes to throw people off balance to psyche out his competition. Industry politics can sometimes get the best of Frank, and he is eager to take his FX career to the next level.

Gage Hubbard (Season 1):

EXPERTISE: Prosthetics / Latex / Trauma / Beautifying / Horror / Fantasy / Ethnicity / Old

A gifted make-up artist, Gage (“Munster”) Hubbard became terrified of Freddy Kruger after watching A Nightmare on Elm Street at just six years old while living in rural Utah. In order for him to not be afraid of Freddy, his mother and father bought him his first Horror FX magazine to show how Freddy’s makeup was applied. It was then that he yearned to understand more about the art of special make-up effects. Growing up, Gage was labeled an outcast. He loved alternative music, wore crazy/funky clothes, and buried himself in R-rated monster movies and his artwork. Gage is an openly gay man who grew up very close to his mother, whom he utmost admires. He has been living on his own since he was 17 years old, moved to Las Vegas, then shortly thereafter to Los Angeles, where he adopted the nickname of “Munster,” and put himself through make-up school. He has been working professionally since 2005.

Ian Von Cromer (Season 2):

EXPERTISE: Sculpting / Painting / Mold Making / Appliances / Silicone

With childhood idols like the Ninja Turtles, Batman and Ghostbusters, one might guess that Ian Cromer always had an interest in special effects. Moving around a lot and being raised by his single father created a difficult childhood for Ian. Sculpting and creating – often with his action figures – was one of his few consistencies as a child. Despite a difficult upbringing, Ian was the first person in his family to go to college. He discovered his calling at Tom Savini’s Special Makeup Effects program school where a teacher took him under his wing and fostered his talents. Ian has worked in architectural restoration for New York City buildings and skyscrapers and for the Manhattan-based sculptor, Carole Feuerman. Ian is excited for his next move with plans to soon move to Los Angeles. Ian has a big heart and does not do well with large egos.

Rod Maxwell (Season 3):

EXPERTISE: Special Effects / Prosthetics

With an endearing demeanor, Rod Maxwell is an accomplished, self-taught special effects artist and director. In his award winning film The Wishing Well, Rod created 26 distinctly different characters for himself in the film. He is thorough, patient, and meticulous, which definitely transpires in his work. Rod is an out of the box thinker who plans to give the other competitors a run for their money. Although he works primarily in digital effects, special effects makeup is his first love and is thrilled to be a contender for season 3.

Alana Rose Schiro (Season 3):

EXPERTISE: Sculpting

The youngest contestant, Alana Rose Schiro brings determination and talent to Face Off. Her ambition will not allow anyone deter her from her goals as a budding SFX artist. Alana is hoping to prove that she has what it takes to be a contender in the special effects field. Currently residing in Northridge, CA, Alana restores old architectural designs on buildings.