Former Special Make-up Effects Artist Bio
Gaëtan Laloge worked as a special effects makeup artist for four years. His creations appeared in around twenty films, including several Japanese feature films. His passion for the craft led him to share his knowledge at a time when the secrets of special effects makeup were closely guarded.
He discovered the world of special effects makeup after seeing the stunning cover of issue #36 of the French magazine Mad Movies. Instantly fascinated, he soon realized that almost no information was available in France about this very American profession. Determined to learn, he ventured into the field on his own, making every imaginable technical mistake along the way. At the time, he was also directing short films, and his first client as a makeup artist was—himself!
Legendary American makeup artist Dick Smith (The Exorcist, Amadeus) accepted Gaëtan into his exclusive Advanced Professional Makeup Course. Later, he also trained under Jacques Gastineau, the French makeup artist known for Lifeforce and Les Visiteurs.
In 1987, he founded FX Compagnie within CCCO, allowing him to work on numerous films and events. That same year, he launched the quarterly fanzine CESAM (Circulaire des Effets Spéciaux Animés et du Maquillage), published by CCCO, entirely dedicated to the craft of special effects makeup. Thanks to its professional presentation, wealth of information, and rigorous product testing, CESAM quickly became a leader in its field. Initially the sole writer, Gaëtan soon built a team, and the magazine’s success grew steadily. A total of twelve illustrators, including Jean Meunier, and five writers contributed to CESAM.
At the request of the national magazine Toxic, he also managed a new special effects makeup section for the publication.
After 11 successful issues, Gaëtan decided to cease publication of CESAM in 1990. In 2007, the complete collection was compiled into a 478-page white-cover book titled CESAM n°1 à 11. The actual 2nd edition has a glossy black cover.
That same year, at the request of SNCF, he designed a realistic corpse for the traveling exhibition Le Train du Cinéma, which was met with great success.
In 1991, he worked on the film Écritures, which required extensive special effects. His workshop was engaged in the project for several months.
He then moved to Tokyo, working on Japanese feature films, particularly at Make-up Dimensions within Nikkatsu Studios.
Due to high demand, he wrote the handbook FANTASTIC MAKE-UP – L’Art du Maquillage 3D, which was met with immediate enthusiasm and received highly positive press coverage. Designed as a practical manual for use in workshops, FANTASTIC MAKE-UP remains the only French book focused on the technical aspects of special effects makeup.
In 1993, he decided to step away from special effects makeup to fully dedicate himself to filmmaking.
In 1995, he lent special effects props for an exhibition celebrating the Centennial of Cinema at the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne.
In 2010, 17 years after leaving the profession, he made an exception and created special effects makeup for Invasion, a zombie short film.
Beyond realistic makeup effects such as burns and scars, Gaëtan designed an entire gallery of terrifying monsters, including the infamous Céphalorus, which even had an animatronic version with radio-controlled movements.
Although he no longer practices special effects makeup professionally, Gaëtan Laloge remains informed about new products and evolving technologies. He believes that CGI has expanded the creative possibilities of special effects makeup, and that combining both techniques opens up a world of new artistic opportunities.