Space Jockey Reviews Editor in Chief Chris Rennirt had the truly out-of-this-world opportunity to interview special effects artist and mask maker Vicky Clerici.  Vicky’s collection of latex monsters and slasher celebs are enough to wet the appetites of gorehounds and horror lovers the world over.  Her creations–ranging from well-known, on-screen ghouls to original, dream-inspired terrors–are enough to launch ten rockets at SJR, easily!

“….I’d want to be Danny from The Shining.  Who doesn’t want to big wheel around a giant hotel screaming redrum?” ~ Vicky Clerici

It is with great intergalactic pleasure that Space Jockey Reviews goes “Behind the Masks” with Vicky, for an interview complete with bloody-good photos and a rocket-launching payload of “Five Random Questions.”  With everything from Vicky’s first mask to advice for beginners (and her favorite song too), there’s a little something for everyone–horror lovers and Space Jockeys alike!  Enjoy!

When did you first start making masks, and what got you started?

I started making masks in 2011.  I originally used to collect Michael Myers masks back when I was in high school.  I was obsessed with finding the most screen accurate ones from artists around the world.  Then, finally, I decided hey, this is what I want to do, create masks and fx for filmmakers and fans!  I went to Vancouver film school, learned how in 2010/2011 and have been making them independently since!

What was the first mask you ever made?  Do you still have it?  

Schizo was my first mask ever made.  We were given as our final exam in makeup fx school to create our own over-the-head mask.  I was caught between the Michael Jackson werewolf (I knew it would be a challenge with all that hair), or a two-headed clown mask I designed on my own.  So, I stuck with the clown!  Clowns are terrifying, and I just felt that it would be terrifying to create something that is even scarier walking away from you than when its walking towards you.  Double the fun right?  I still own this piece and will keep it forever, since it marks that moment of damn, I can do this! Presently, I still have a couple of pours left in that mould, so I’ve been recreating him here and there.  But, I know I have to retire that mould very soon.

What special effects artist most influences you in your work, and why?

Tom Savini, hands down.  His work was everything I loved growing up, and his book of illusions had me literally mesmerized.  I started by doing makeup fx for my short horror films in college and realized it’s a lot of camera tricks/makeup tricks.  Its crazy from what you see on screen to behind the scenes sometimes to create these crazy effects. Reminds me a bit of magic, lol.  I guess technically it’s makeup fx magic?

What else inspires your work? Dreams, nightmares, specific movies, music?  

Dreams I would say most.  I mainly have very lucid nightmares all the time.  Sometimes, I’ll wake up and write out what happened and go off of that.  I made a bunch of masks inspired by urban legends, and, in general, I enjoy thinking up a story behind a character, then sculpting him together, with the story.  It gives more room for creating and building up something crazy.

Of all the masks you have made, which one is your favorite and why?  

I love “Split.”  He’s basically two personalities sewn together.  If you photograph him from the left and or right, your getting two different looks, and he works on everyone. Simply terrifying.

Which mask was most difficult to make, and why?

Most difficult I would say is my “Brundlefly” mask.  He took a lot of time to sculpt, since he is so detailed.  He’s a really big mould, so it takes a lot of strength to pour and then a lot of hair work.  Anything that is replicating to me would be harder, since you have to constantly refer back to the original picture.  Doing something original just kind of comes naturally, and you can go with the flow!

What is most personally rewarding about your work?

I can think back to my first comic con.  I sold my Texas Chainsaw Massacre mask to a client.  He went, got it signed by Gunner Hansen and came back to show me.  I literally melted.  It’s one of those things where someone is buying a piece of your art because they genuinely love it, and they see the work you put into it.  It’s priceless and literally a feeling nothing can compare to.

 

Making horror masks, you must have quite a collection of horror films.  What are your top five horror movies?  Tell us a little about why each one is a favorite.

• Halloween (1978) – The concept and Michael Myers as a character literally had me at hello.  Lol.  The music, etc., everything is awesome.  Still to this day, I cant watch it with people, because I’m a walking spoiler alert saying all the lines.
• Maniac (1980) – I love the fx in this film.  Frank Zito is terrifying and an amazing actor.  And the concept itself: I’m a big psychological thriller lover, and this one is to me a classic.  Got an original French movie poster of this one above my bed. Lol.
• The Thing (1982) – This movie soothes my soul.  I love the characters, the fx, the suspense, the colors, all of it.
• City of the Living Dead (by Lucio Fulci) – This film is hands down, I think, my fave zombie movie.  Still to this day, that scene where he’s got the the guys head in a bench vise, tight, while drilling through his temple, or the tears of blood followed by the girl throwing up her guts = priceless.  I love it.
• Tenebrae (by Dario Argento) – I love a classic Italian giallo-style horror film, and this, to me, gives it all.  Very sexual, violent and mind bending.  Also, another classic where the last 10 minutes you are literally on the edge of your seat, like WTF IS HAPPENING!?!

Have you done special effects work for any films? If so, tell us about it.

When I was working, or even being an intern in an fx shop, everyone gets their hands messy on a project, since it’s team work.  I’ve worked on some films while being a part of an FX shop, like Noah (2014).  I was basically helping pour massive animal moulds and putting hair on them.  On a Hollywood set, I have only one official film credit (that’s right; my name legit on there in the credits), and that’s for Warm Bodies (2013).  I got to help do zombie makeups to tons of extras and stuntmen!  Other than that, I’ve been working on more independent films.  We’ve been currently working on our mini series Mystic Pines (I created the Mirror Face mask for that and helped with fx on set).

What advice would you give to everyone out there looking to get into mask making and special effects?

Going to FX school made me feel confident with the knowledge and hands on learning I got.  I was anxious to get back to my province and start my own mask making business. At the same time, schools get expensive and kids out there legit have knowledge all around them with YouTube how to’s, etc.  I’d say go ahead and watch some DIY videos, and have fun with it.  I taught myself a lot of my makeup fx knowledge, just through mimicking images of burns/scars, etc.  Practice is key.  It’s like guitar.  You might sound like crap for the first few months, but trust it will come.  It’s just part of the process!  It is a long process and hands on.  If you love making messes, DO it.

What are your long-term goals with your work?

I want to be selling my masks and my spooky merch full time.  For the moment, I still work full time as well as putting any of my free time into my art.  I’m a big work hard, play hard mentality.  That being said, I’ve been seriously pursuing this for the last couple of years, neglecting sleep.  I stay up and paint, or wake up earlier and get it done while my creative juices are flowing; I see the progress and I’m super happy.  I’m grateful to my followers/fans for being into what I do and also for other artists that have collaborated by using my masks in photos and short films.  This is legit–a journey that I won’t ever give up, its too much fun.

If you could have your choice of a role in the remake of a classic horror film, what role would you have and why?

I can’t act, so I would say let me be the fx artist.  Haha.  Or maybe, if I really consider this deeper….I’d want to be Danny from The Shining.  Who doesn’t want to big wheel around a giant hotel screaming redrum?  Am I right?

 

Space Jockey Reviews will include links to your website, as well as your pages on social media.  However, for those interested in seeing your work and buying directly from you, what shows and/or conventions do you attend?

I’m usually at Shockstock, Montreal Comiccon, Fan Expo in Toronto, Frightmare in The Falls, Niagara Comiccon, and many more.  But, this year, with COVID going on, the travel will be limited.  Last year, we went to Texas Frightmare weekend just to promote and meet vendors and awesome people and legit had an amazing time.  I would love to explore more fun options in the states that way!

There’s always a good question the interviewer doesn’t ask.  What question that I haven’t asked would you like to answer?  

What are some old pop culture things you want to bring back?
Velour jumpsuits and clap on lights.  I’m ready.

FIVE RANDOM QUESTIONS:

Where is your favorite place to go for a vacation?

Mexico.  I love beaches, dancing, tequila and practicing my Spanish.  Lol.   Imma be fluent eventually.  Still working on it!

What is your favorite food?

Meat!  All the meat.

 

What is your favorite song?

Thats tough.  “Red Light” by Duke Dumont never fails to get my butt dancing.  But, like classic old time sakes, I’d say its a tie between “Child In Time” by Deep Purple or “Don’t Talk to Strangers” by Dio.  Both amazing pieces of music.

What pets do you have?

None yet, but we have a Big Fur Baby on the way!

What famous person would you most like to meet and why?

Al Pacino.  I feel like he’d be a great time and have tons of good stories!

And now, more photos of Vicky Clerici and her awesome creations!

Visit Vickey Clerici’s official website at https://makeupbilly.com!

Follow Vicky on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vicky.clerici.7!

Check out Vicky’s awesome masks currently available for purchase!

Donate to Vicky’s Patreon page at www.patreon.com/makeupbilly!

And Follow Vicky on Instagram and Twitter @Makeupbilly for lots more!

How many rockets does Vicky get at Space Jockey Reviews?  It’s pretty obvious!

And finally, just when you thought it was over, it’s not.  How could we end without one of Vicky’s favorite songs–“Red Light, Green Light” by Duke Dumont?  Actually, we can’t!  It’s become a favorite at Space Jockey Reviews too!  So, join Vicky, and get your butt dancing! 

Chris Rennirt (the interviewer) is a movie critic and writer in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as editor-in-chief at Space Jockey Reviews.  He has been a judge at many film festivals, including Macabre Faire Film Festival and Crimson Screen Film Fest, and he attends horror and sci-fi conventions often.  Chris’ movie reviews, articles, and interviews are published regularly on Space Jockey Reviews and in Effective Magazine.  His mission statement (describing his goals as a movie critic and philosophy for review writing) can be found on the “Mission” page, here at SJR.  For more information about Chris Rennirt (including contact details, photos, and more), click here.

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