News

“Constantine” Effects Wizard Talks to iHorror

Published

9 years ago

December 26, 2014

“Constantine” effects wizard Conor McCullagh talks to iHorror about assembling monsters for a living, competing on Face Off and working with legends. His hard work literally paid off, winning season 1 of SyFy channel’s hit show, and securing his place in the industry as a skilled makeup effects artist. Currently, he is working on NBC’s Constantine, but teases there is something big in the works for 2015.

Conor McCullagh and his work

McCullagh said he discovered Fangoria magazine as a kid, and from there his interests in worlds beyond Earth was born. The bloody, glossy, color pictures of Tom Savini and Rob Bottin’s work were splashed across its pages, and those images would eventually generate enough interest for McCullagh to practice makeup effects on himself, “When it came to learning the techniques at home, I was only able to fool my father the first couple of times. He soon caught on to what I was doing.”

He explains that he was inspired by some of the most iconic horror movies of the time; when effects were mostly done in real-time and not by software, “Some of the most influential films I saw as a kid were Poltergeist, American Werewolf in London and The Thing. At the time, it never occurred to me that I could actually do this for a living but I was always fascinated with science fiction and fantasy.”

McCullagh’s Mummy Dearest

McCullagh’s interest eventually got him hired for his first film, helping to create the effects for 1991’s Xtro 2: The Second Encounter. Although undoubtedly thankful to be a part of this film, he feels the movie only represents the beginning of his potential, “Xtro II was my very first feature film and I was the low man on the totem pole. But most of us who were involved on that project were very new to the business and I think it’s kind of obvious if you watch the film.” He said.

After moving to Los Angeles, McCullagh became an apprentice for John Caglione Jr., a master of the trade who is responsible for makeup effects in horror movies such as The Blob, Poltergiest III, and the cult favorite Basket Case. Caglione would eventually go on to win an Oscar® for his work on 1990’s Dick Tracy, starring Warren Beatty.

In 2011, with films such as Mars Attacks and Freddy vs Jason in his portfolio, McCullagh joined the cast of a new SyFy channel reality/competition show called Face Off. The show pits makeup artist against makeup artist in a series of challenges that have a specific theme. Ultimately the contestants present their finished pieces in front of a panel of industry legends, where they are judged and the work is hopefully good enough for them to stay in the game. McCullagh was good enough, in fact, he took home the top prize.

Face Off Season 1: McCullagh second from left

McCullagh says the pressures of on-the-spot challenges and trying to make the judges happy was daunting. Scoring high in almost every contest, the artist never let these distractions affect his work. He explains that his experience on Face Off gave him the opportunity to compete with the judges three years later.

“The most difficult part of faceoff (sic),” he says, “was the pressure I put myself under and trying to guess what the judges wanted to see in each challenge. I think the most impressive competitors I went up against were the ones that I got to work with in the Judge Match. The competitors were all champions and finalists from previous seasons so there was some real talent on that episode. I also had a lot more fun doing the judge match then I did doing season 1 because I didn’t feel like I was under any pressure to win…I just got to enjoy it for once.”

After winning season 1 of Face Off the artist eventually went on to do effects for Seed of Chucky, The Hunger Games films, and Oz the Great and Powerful. His busy schedule barely gives him time to work on his company Nightmares ETC. With DIY tutorials on applications and techniques, Nightmares ETC streams tutorials for the working make-up artist, but with enough detailed narrative to give the novice a chance to practice the craft as well.

Starting from his beginnings in Canada and working on various projects through the years, McCullagh is currently working on a major network horror series, “I just completed keying the makeup effects for season 1 of Constantine, along with my department head, David Dupuis. The show is airing Friday nights on NBC. Given the very tight shooting schedules, we are very proud of what we were able to pull off in each episode. We also had help from some great Atlanta makeup artists including a couple of Face Off veterans including Roy Wooley.”

Wings of Love

McCullough also tells iHorror that he is working on something special for horror fans in the near future, “It looks like I already have my schedule lined up for 2015 and, although I can’t go into detail right now, I’m very excited about what’s in store. Maybe check in with me in early Spring.”

As a horror fan and special makeup effects professional, you can be sure McCullagh won’t disappoint when this secret project comes to light. iHorror will be there to break the news for you as soon as it’s revealed.

Constantine the TV Series airs on NBC Fridays at 8/7 Central.

Episodes can be streamed for free through NBC here.

Season 1 can be streamed through Amazon.com here.

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News

Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

Published

48 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Cameron McFarland

A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood — *Hugh Jackman*

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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News

Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

Published

4 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Cameron McFarland

Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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News

A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

Published

20 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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