Just got wind of a really interesting new documentary that is heading our way. Remember a year or so back when Robert Englund partnered up with FX legend Robert Kurtzman to resurrect good old Freddy Kruger for one last curtain call at Flashback Weekend? It was quite the event and lucky for all of us – they recorded the whole damn thing and now we will all be treated to a documentary – titled Nightmares In The Makeup Chair it will feature a wealth of behind the scenes info and stories as Englund spills the beans on what it’s like to play one of the horror genre’s most recognizable icons.
A teaser trailer for the project popped up online and I think you’re going to want to have a look:
A website has been launched as well and they offer the following breakdown of what this project has in store for us!
“Robert Englund says, “’NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKEUP CHAIR’ is my love letter to the Nightmare on Elm Street series and to practical makeup. I’ve always been in awe of the multi-talented makeup effects artists. From sketching to sculpting, they realize the design. Then to the fine precision of the molding and the manufacturing of the makeup appliances which are nearly paper thin. And then, the application process where I sit in the makeup chair and I become their living canvas as they glue me in and paint the appliances. This documentary not only captures their talent, but I think it might inspire a new generation of practical effects artists. I was happy to become Freddy once again to share the makeup process with the fans”.
Fans will join Robert Kurtzman in his studio as he shares his makeup secrets while creating the final version of Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger makeup. Robert Kurtzman says,”Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger is one of the greatest horror characters of all time, and it was exciting for me to create my own version of Freddy”.
Kurtzman continues “I always look forward to working with Robert Englund. He’s a captivating storyteller who tells these entertaining stories in the makeup room. And during this film he tells these great stories about the Nightmare films and playing Freddy while I’m applying the Krueger makeup”.
“NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKEUP CHAIR” director Mike Kerz gives some background on the film, “I was inspired by the vintage photos of the legendary artist Jack Pierce applying the Frankenstein makeup to Boris Karloff. Sadly, those sessions were never documented on film. That is why we created our documentary – fans will see two modern horror legends at work. Robert Englund is fascinating as he shares insightful stories about the Elm Street films and Freddy with the audience. And it is amazing to watch Robert Kurtzman apply the various stages of makeup to transform Robert Englund into Freddy Krueger”.
For the very first time, the complete Freddy Krueger make-up process is documented using multiple high definition cameras which capture every detail of the application process. Director of Photography Nick Meriage says, “We were able to capture the entire Freddy Krueger makeup process with multiple high definition cameras. The makeup itself is a true work of art and the detail of the makeup appliances is stunning in high def”.”
Also of note – they mention that the film will make its debut at a yet to be announced convention later this year (hmm…Flashback Weekend maybe) and that a limited theatrical run is in its future and I fell pretty confident in telling you to expect a home video release soon after all that hoopla. There is also mention of a coffee table book to round the whole project out.
It all sounds good to me – bring it on!
