The International Photography Festival ‘Xposure’ at Expo Centre Sharjah opened a window to the fascinating world of special effects makeup - a mainstay of Hollywood blockbusters. Expertly guided by industry leaders, Rony Yucef and Tanios Hokayem, the session, titled "Step into the world of SFX: Learn from Hollywood certified artists”, was held at the Stage-X activation space and offered attendees a rare chance to learn from some of the best in the business.
The session began with a mesmerising display of the artists' expertise in creating realistic and gruesome special effects using the most up-to-date industry materials. Visitors were able to learn about the creation of SFX makeup for various applications, including film, television, fashion, photography, social media, and entertainment. The audience was captivated as they watched the artists bring their vision to life, creating stunning and haunting effects by applying their masterful artistry.
As the session progressed, Yucef and Hokayem revealed their expertise in transforming a model into a vampiric alien life form. Layer by layer, they applied colour and shading, carefully creating the illusion of depth and texture on the prosthetic forms.
The final result was a character that was both frightening and mesmerising - a sight one might expect to see in a horror sci-fi film.
Tanios Hokayem is a Hollywood-Certified Artistic, Beauty & SFX Makeup Artist based in the MENA region. With a passion for his craft, Hokayem has worked with top brands and celebrities, earning a reputation as one of the best in the industry. Rony Yucef is a Creative Art Director and Master in Graphic Design from USEK-Lebanon. Yucef views skin as a live canvas and refers to himself as a "Skin Artist."
As the world of special effects makeup continues to evolve, Rony Yucef and Tanios Hokayem are leading the way, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and paving the way for a new generation of artists. This live session was a testament to their passion, creativity, and expertise, and it is a reminder of why they are considered some of the best in the business.
