Explore the Special Effects
Makeup World with
artist Jaqueline Holden

Jacqie: The years I got to work with Halloween Horror Nights was so fun and special. Scare actors are so different from other people. It was like going to camp every year. The same people there every year. Everybody loves Halloween and it was just so fun to be a part of that little journey. Especially in Los Angeles where Halloween is big out here. I was grateful to be a part of it. Larry Bones definitely took a chance on me because I had no background in effects. 

MTH: On average for a Universal scare actor how long would it take for one person to get into full face makeup?

Jacqie: Well, Universal if it was a main character, my first year, they were doing The Evil Dead, they allowed 45 minutes for the Evil Dead “Mia” character but typical zombies they would want out of the seat in 20 minutes. So, it was really quick but they had this system. When I was working at Boneyard Effects we were already pre-painting the prosthetics. So, that took half the time. The prosthetic would get painted in detail and then when you put it on then it’s just blending the edges, matching the skin tones, adding the blood, and all that stuff. So, that was one thing I was also grateful for,  you had to be quick because once the park opens…even though the hours were really 7 PM to 2 AM they did open the park around 5 PM and people were ready. I can’t imagine now with Covid but back then Horror Nights would sell out. 24,000 people in the park. It’s just so crazy to think about that. I’m so grateful for that gig. It was so fun! Halloween is such a fun time for makeup artists. It’s a small community. We all know each other. So, even if you’re in film it all started there, and if you’re allowed a little bit of freedom the stuff you create is just great. A fun gig. 

MTH: (Daniel) Last year I got to be a zombie for George Romero’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and then earlier last year I was in a movie called, Await the Dawn, where I got to be full demon with the eyes and the makeup and I thought, “This is a dream!” 

Jacqie: That’s why we like people like you. There are some people that can’t sit still. I really have to give it to Doug Jones and scare actors. People who are used to hours in the makeup chair. I was a model for my friend for Monsterpalooza and even being on the other side of getting silicone on you and the chemicals and stuff. It was definitely a good experience for me to know.  You forget when it’s your project and you want it perfect but it’s like, “Oh, wait.” you need to make sure they’re comfortable too. 

MTH: What has been your favorite opportunity working in this field? 

Jacqie: Through this industry, I remember a long time ago I worked for this director. He’s half Filipino and I’m also half Filipino. He found out I was working for Halloween Horror Nights and a few years later he asked me if I wanted to work on a concept trailer in the Philippines. He ended up filming a year after that in 2017 and I got to film in the Philippines. I was born there. It came full circle. I was carrying these prosthetics in my carry on. I didn’t want them to get squished. I was so nervous! It was a fun little action thing but it had a lot of monsters and until this day that was one of my hardest movies just because of trying to get everything to that country. It made me way more grateful because if you’re in Los Angeles and you forget something there are people that can get it to set or if you want to make something better on your day off you can do that. When I was in the Philippines it’s like whatever I’m bringing that’s what I have to work with! I better have enough glue. I have to have enough remover. Especially for the effects but it was so great. I made a lot of friends with all the locals. It just came completely 360. So fun with all the Filipinos and then spending the weekends going island hopping and during the weekdays making monsters. 

MTH: That sounds incredible! Hopefully, when Covid is over you can get back there and see your family.  

Jacqie: Yeah, I definitely want to go back.

MTH: Would you tell us more about your experience with Boneyard Effects and how you got the gig? 

Jacqie: I did a small haunt for free. One of those neighborhood haunts. I was just trying to see whatever I could do effects-wise and I didn’t know enough for film. I was too scared because you can’t F-up and be like, “Oh, here’s my makeup for the film!” especially when you’re new. With the haunt, I was working on all these makeups and I knew it would be a good stepping stone and good practice for me. Then, I looked up who was in charge of Halloween Horror Nights and it said Larry Bones. I sent him an email and a Facebook message. Keep messaging him every few days asking, “Do you need an intern or anyone to just help out?” I think someone dropped out and then he said, “Could you be there tomorrow?” and I was there!

MTH: Sweet! Persistence pays off!

Jacqie: Yeah, it was crazy because their shop was huge in Glendora, California. So, when I first walked in I saw the sculpturist all doing their thing and me being a newbie I was like, “Oh, my God!” (laughter)