MastersFX, one of the entertainment and media industry’s leading FX shops, has named Mark Ballou to the post of Effects Coordinator, it was announced by Todd Masters, founder of MastersFX. MastersFX specializes in prosthetic, animatronic, and makeup character effects for major studio and independent feature films, as well as for network and cable television shows, telefilms and commercials.
In his new post, Ballou will work closely with Mr. Masters and Effects Producer Dan Rebert on the development and creation of makeup and character effects for various film and television projects. Presently, Ballou is working on such projects as HBO’s “True Blood,” and recently completed FX work on 20th Century Fox’s upcoming film “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and New Line’s “The New Daughter.”
ABOUT MARK BALLOU:
Prior to joining MastersFX, Mark Ballou worked as a Set Coordinator and Fabricator for KNB EFX Group on such high profile films as “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” and its sequel, “Prince Caspian.” With Christian Tinisley’s Tinsley Transfers, Ballou coordinated for the film “I Am Legend” and worked as a Fabricator and Technician on “No Country for Old Men.” Earlier, Ballou was employed by David Anderson’s AFX Studio and Steve Johson’s Edge FX.
Ballou has concurrently supported the FX Industry as an IT Consultant additionally working with such companies as Creature Effects and Tatopoulos Studios. With an extensive acting background in feature films and television, Ballou also continues to work as a voice-over artist.
ABOUT MASTERSFX:
Founded in 1987 by Emmy Award winner Todd Masters, MastersFX is a full-service Character Effects company headquartered in Arleta, CA, with an additional studio in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The company has designed, created and produced prosthetics, animatronics, and makeup effects for hundreds of motion pictures, television programs, and commercials. Upcoming projects from MastersFX include “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “The New Daughter,” “Sanctuary,” HBO’s “True Blood,” and “The Haunting in Connecticut,” which join on-going company TV projects “Stargate: Atlantis,” “Dexter,” and “Eureka.”
Among the company’s previous credits are character effects contributions to “Star Trek: First Contact,” “Tales from the Crypt,” “Nightmare on Elm Street 5,” “The Horse Whisperer,” “Slither,” “Snakes on a Plane,” “Predator,” “Poltergeist II,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Look Who’s Talking,” “Mortal Kombat,” “Carnivale,” “Stargate,” and many more.
MastersFX designed, created and produced prosthetics and makeup effects for all five seasons of the hit HBO series “Six Feet Under.” Todd Masters won an Emmy Award in 2003 for the 2001/2002 Season of “Six Feet Under” in the category, “Best Special Effects Makeup.” MastersFX is also the winner of the 2006 “Saturn Award” for “Best MakeUp FX” for its work on the film “Slither.”
MastersFX’s Arelta, CA office can be contacted by phone at 818/834-3000. Their website is www.mastersfx.com
Contact:Dan Harary Asbury Communications PR 310/859-1831 dan@asburypr.com
Asian World Film Festival Announces Dates, Opening and Closing Films, Special Programs, and Gala Awards Ceremony
The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), Los Angeles' annual celebration of Asian filmmakers, announced the dates and highlights of its highly anticipated 10th anniversary edition. Taking place November 13-21, 2024, the festival will showcase a diverse range of new movies and special programs and celebrate Asian cinema’s legacy. Opening night will feature the critically acclaimed Korean drama, “A Normal Family,” while the Filipino romantic drama “Hello, Love, Again” is the closing film. Screenings will be presented at the Culver Theater, Culver City, November 13-20. A star-studded Closing Night Gala and Award Ceremony will be celebrated at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) complex November 21. Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director, said “We have chosen ‘heritage’ as this year’s theme to honor our first decade. This focus underscores AWFF's commitment to Asian cinema’s rich past as well as its ongoing efforts to champion contemporary and emerging Asian film.” OPENING AND CLOSING FILMS Directed by award-winning filmmaker Hur Jin-ho ("The Last Princess," "Happiness"), "A Normal Family" is a searing family drama that stars Sul Kyung-gu and Jong Dong-gun. Multi-layered yet accessible, the film was meticulously crafted in widescreen and premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim. The heartwarming sequel to Philippine box office phenomenon "Hello, Love, Goodbye," "Hello, Love, Again" reunites director Cathy Garcia-Sampana ("The Hows of Us," "One More Chance") with stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. The filmmaker, actors, and other cast members will attend the screening at the film’s festival debut. MAIN PROGRAM - IN COMPETITION AWFF's main... Read More