Interview with Special F/X guru Shane Saucedo part 1
I’m going to take a break from the dating advice to publish an interview I did with Shane Saucedo from Hellbent Studios, a special effects studio that specializes in horror effect, although from talking to Shane it sounds like they can do almost anything. I met Shane at the Horror Convention in Sacramento last month and his business seemed fascinating to me, so I figured I would share that with you all.
Dave: Tell me how you got started in all this.
Shane: I started makeup effects at a very young age. In high school I wanted to be a firefighter, and after graduation I followed through with that. After ten years in the fire service I followed my interests in makeup fx. I did do fx work while working as a firefighter but chose to walk away as I didn’t see the future for me there. So I took the chance and walked away from the fire service to start working in a small animatronics shop in Las Vegas. There I was allowed to learn the animatronics side of things. That led me into moldmaking and other disciplines of the trade. I followed then went freelance and then opening my shop, Hellbent Studios.
I am able to keep the price down on all fx work due to a low overhead Sometimes I just love the project and that drive me too! We travel everywhere to work on an array of different features and projects and that really keeps it fresh and new. My partner Dave and I love to travel.
Dave: Right on. How did you get your first start in learning special effects?
Shane: My father was fascinated with the 50’s sci fi films and movies in general. He also grew tired of me stealing his tape and anything else out of the garage to make masks and body parts. I was 8 when he had enough and drove me to the local theater costume shop. That was my start to the world of makeup fx.
Dave: How long have you been doing it?
Shane: Since I had control over my hands. I got my first mask when I was 6 and immediately started the scaring.
(Hellraiser image courtesy of the horror movie t shirt category)
Dave: When did you found Hellbent Studios?
Shane: I always say in 1974 but truly company started in 2000.
Dave: What films have you and your studio worked on?
Shane: I will refer to the studio as the group within: we go as far back as the Blackhole for the older guys, Cherry 2000, Casino, Buckeroo Banzai, Urban Commando, and more indy films than I can list here.
Dave: Wow that is so cool. You just named one of my favorites as well as an all time classic in Cherry 2000. I could only hope to one day find a robot girlfriend. What types of special effects is your studio particularly adept or well known for?
Shane: Not sure really. I have never thought of it. I guess I would say our prop work. LOL!
Dave: What has been the hardest special effect for you to pull off to date?
Shane: Hmmm, I would have to say burning an old Jeep Wagoneer. The director didn’t really allow time to prep the vehicle for the burn, so we had no time to remove shock bumpers, battery, etc. We ended up increasing the accelerant to a super hot mix of av-gas and Lacquer thinner mixed with Diesel and one other ingredient to create the look the director wanted. It was a hard gig because of the safety of it.
Dave: Which clip are you most proud of?
Shane: I would have to say a 30′ T-Rex we built for a museum peice. A lot of work ends up on the cutting room floor in film.
(continued tomorrow)
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