Special FX Makeup — Feature Project
Emperor Palpatine-Style
Character Makeup
Full prosthetic character transformation for actor Jack Frazier — life-cast, sculpted, and applied foam latex appliances for a Microsoft internal promotional film.
Jack Frazier as the Evil Emperor — Full Character, Microsoft Internal Promo
Project Details
This project required a complete character transformation — from a bare-faced actor to a fully realized aged, corrupted Emperor. Every appliance was custom-built from a life-cast of the actor, ensuring a seamless, screen-ready fit.
Behind the Scenes
The Creation Process
From life-cast to final application — how Tim Vittetoe built this character from scratch.
Life-Cast
A full facial life-cast of the actor was taken using alginate and plaster bandages to capture every contour of the face — the foundation for a perfectly fitted prosthetic.
Sculpt
Tim Vittetoe sculpted the aged, corrupted Emperor character over the life-cast in oil-based clay, designing deep wrinkles, sunken eye sockets, and a dramatically hollowed facial structure.
Mold & Cast
The sculpt was molded in plaster and the appliances cast in foam latex — a lightweight, flexible material that moves naturally with the actor's facial expressions.
Paint & Prep
Foam latex appliances were hand-painted with PAX paints to achieve realistic skin tones, age spots, and the sickly pallor of an Emperor consumed by the dark side.
Application
Appliances were adhered with Pro Adhesive, edges blended with liquid latex and sealer, then the full makeup was painted and detailed on set for continuity across the shoot.
Techniques Used
Foam Latex Prosthetics
Foam latex is the gold standard for character prosthetics in film and TV. Unlike silicone, foam latex is extremely lightweight and breathes — critical for actor comfort during long shooting days. The material flexes naturally with facial movement, making expressions read as completely human even under heavy character makeup.
For this project, Tim Vittetoe used a combination of full-face appliances and individual pieces to build up the Emperor's aged, corrupted appearance — a technique refined over decades of professional work on film sets, fan productions, and commercial shoots.
Need a Character Transformation?
Tim Vittetoe has built characters for film, TV, fan productions, corporate promos, and live events. Tell us about your project.