BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE

• NETFLIX

• BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE • NETFLIX •

MAKEUP & SPFX

DESIGN APPLICATION

Working on ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ was an absolute whirlwind. Collaborating with the director, Bharat Nalluri, was like finding the missing piece of the puzzle. From our first meeting, it was clear we shared the same vision for the show. His talent in capturing the essence of the script, the filming, and the book was truly remarkable.

Before diving into the creative makeup design process, I had the privilege of meeting Trent Dalton, the writer, who provided invaluable insights into the characters and their world. His album of childhood photos offered a glimpse into the era we were recreating, inspiring me to go deeper into the visual storytelling of the show.

Creative meetings with Production Designer, Michelle McGahey and Costume Designer, Kerry Thompson further fueled my imagination. As we explored the costumes and sets, I began piecing together the looks for each character, even before the cast was finalised. It was clear that this would be more than just a makeup and hair design project – it was about capturing the essence of the 1980s and the low socio-economic class that defined the story.

TRANFORMING

Anthony LaPaglia

I found myself drawn to the challenge of transforming the cast into characters far removed from their usual good looks.

Anthony LaPaglia, a familiar face whom I've worked with before, underwent a stunning transformation to embody his character's journey. Inspired by his role as a wealthy man obsessed with creating prosthetic limbs, I envisioned a sickly, pale figure, hugely haunted by his past.

TRANFORMING

Travis Fimmel

Travis Fimmel and Simon Baker presented their own set of challenges, each requiring a departure from their typical good looks.

Travis, in particular, with his insistence of a bad mullet, pushed us to find the perfect balance between his character's rough exterior and natural charm.

TRANFORMING

Simon Baker

And Simon Baker’s portrayal of an alcoholic father, demanded a nuanced approach to makeup to accurately convey his character's inner struggles.

TRANFORMING

Phoebe Tonkin

Phoebe Tonkin needed a complete transformation, from her Hollywood model-like appearance to her character’s demeanour. She embraced the gritty realism we aimed for, with encouragement, allowing me to fully immerse her character in the world we were creating.

From unattractive hair regrowth to a worn-out appearance, every detail contributed to her transformation.

Phoebe expressed her appreciation for pushing her out of her comfort zone, and her dedication to the role was truly inspiring.

TRANFORMING

Christopher James Baker

For Christopher, I used a silicone piece with magnets to attach to his face so he could breathe properly. I did thorough research and used prosthetic pieces to replicate the effects if they had actually been shot. I aimed for authenticity, using techniques from the '80s, even though it's fake. I stapled it and then put it on. Back then, people would have dealt with injuries from gunshots or beatings, and responders in 1911 even faced cancer, sometimes removing parts of their faces. I wanted to make sure everything looked '80s-accurate, even if it was fake, to stay true to the period.