Continued from previous page...
DAYNE JOHNSON (Makeup Artist)
Dayne Johnson is fast becoming a Starfury regular, having previously appeared at End Of Days last year. He is exceptionally gifted in his field with a background of experience which speaks volumes including such credits as the Schwarzenegger classics films: Batman and Robin, Eraser, and ironically enough, End of Days. This year Dayne took to the stage yet again to show us how he transforms the beautiful Amy Acker into the Old One, Monarch and warrior: Illyria with the help of Londoner Claire North. Dayne started off by explaining that the character of Illyria came about because Joss decided he wanted a 'blue' character and the rest was left to Dayne, the whole effect is created using just airbrush applications, and of course Dayne's artistic hand! In the presentation to the attendees in the Main Hall on Sunday morning, Dayne used airbrush technique to colour Claire's hair with the distinctive blue stripes. He explained as did Amy, that this was how her hair was originally coloured, in fact Amy was going to colour her hair blue to make the transition that bit easier, luckily for her hair (although not for the fans) the day before her appointment, the cancellation of the show was announced and a wig was made instead. Dayne had not ventured out 'with the girls' the night before and had retired to bed by 1am to make sure he was awake and ready for the early morning call. He had to prep Clair's hair an hour early, before the fans arrived, so as not to keep them waiting. CoA was on hand to ask about the colours and applications used in the Illyria makeup to which Dayne was always ready and eager with a response, if not a familiar raised eyebrow.
There are major differences in the application for Illyria in regards to foundation compared to your typical vampires and demons as Dayne explains, "Illyria doesn't have any prosthetics involved, so we don't have any skip prep or anything involved. Right now, I just happen to be spraying blue in her hair to get the color to come out. But skin-wise, the only thing I would do prep-wise would just be a derma-shield base which is just like a skin barrier so it didn't bother Amy's skin before we started the makeup." In addition, there are various colours used in the application for Illyria's hair. "There are three airbrush colors, three blues and they are just airbrushed on in three layers. It's all artwork." Dayne admits humbly, but that's where craft and talent are fused together by this man, "There's no prosthetics involved so it doesn't give it really any three-dimensional look, it just gives it colour difference." Luckily for Amy, this application isn't as time-consuming as Andy's "Her makeup was an hour and the hair probably took about 20-30 minutes to get the wig on," says Dayne. But the paint that he applies doesn't allow for much styling of the hair once the blue is complete. "That's one of the drawbacks of this particular makeup," he confesses. "Once I comb thru it, it separates it so much you don't see a good section of hair anymore; so pretty much I've styled it to where it would hang down like Amy's and I'll finger through it just a little bit without loosing the colour. It doesn't allow you to style the hair much once you've sprayed it like this, that's why originally we ended up going to a wig with Amy because then the hair was actually died blue, then you could work with it however much you wanted."
During the course of the demo Dayne was asked whether it was more challenging for him to do a block colour or a blend, his response was, "Both!, When you make prosthetic, you create a 3D effect, with the airbrush you're trying to create the effect with shading and lighting." This just goes to show that although the character of Illyria looks simple it is anything but. Of course having chosen to re-create Illyria on stage, Dayne was also asked about the re-appearance of Fred and whether her darker makeup was deliberate. After announcing, "I was drunk that day!" he took a more serious tone and explained that both Amy and himself decided that going for the darker look would be a little more intense, it would show that Illyria was still just under the surface although they still went for the classic natural Fred during Wesley's last moments. Dayne didn't just concentrate on the application during the demo session, he told the audience about the reactions of the other cast members to the finished look, "When Andy first saw it, I thought I would lose him for the rest of the day," he joked. Dayne had previously told attendees of Starfury's End of Days about Andy's tendency to sleep during his makeup application, this year it was David Boreanaz's turn to go under the microscope. He explained that, "David's not one to sit in the makeup chair, [I] hope to god he'll fall asleep." Apparently the shows' star acts like a kid on a road trip with the continual request of, "Are we done yet?! Are we done yet?!"
Dayne Johnson and Claire North as Illyria
|
|
Dayne was also asked what he would like to do both on the show if it had continued and in a wider sense. He responded by stating that he would have loved to have aged David and Alexis, "Angel doesn't age; but they could write that in." Outside of the show he said he would love to work on something big like, Lord of the Rings. He was also asked if he had got in on the action by getting some screen time in a similar way to Rik Baker in the Men In Black movies, he explained that although he tried a number of times, they wouldn't let him. Along with what his future hopes are, Dayne offered his favourite pieces were from the show, he admitted that he was (of course) very happy with the Lorne and Illyria makeup's but two of his real favourites were those of The Crib from Season 1 and Vail, the Season 5 mage responsible for Connor's memory re-write. Throughout all of the 2-hours and many questions, Dayne continued to work diligently to convert Claire into Illyria and the results were fantastic. Although the original plan was for an Illyria photo shoot with Amy, her work commitments quashed that plan as she had to depart the convention a day early, but this transformation proved that the makeup really can make the character and Illyria was once again re-awakened to rule over the snap-happy attendees. Unlike the actors, Clare was at a disadvantage not having a mirror to watch the transformation herself, and as Jon Bayliss informed us, "She didn't really see herself until the photos came back. She enjoyed the process and she is working on an Illyria costume. We both got a lot from the experience especially as I will be trying to copy Dayne's work he's a bit of a hero to me." And to all of his Angel fans!
GOING, GOING, ANYONE? OK, GONE!
|
During the lunchtime break on both Saturday and Sunday, Starfury's own Sean Harry and resident MC Clare Kramer took to the stage to auction off some highly desirable Whedon-verse memorabilia. Deciding not just to limit the lots to Angel related items there were clothes worn by Amber Benson and James Marsters from her film Chance as well as Buffy related items. With Dayne Johnson in attendance the items available this year were expected to impress and impress they did, and on both day's Dayne joined the duo on stage with various items gathered from the set including full-face prosthetics of Season 4's The Beast personally autographed by Vladimir Kulich. Other items up for bid included: Buffy the Vampire Slayer 100th episode T-Shirt, Green hooded sweatshirt from UC Sunnydale's Athletic Department, Mercedes McNab's Harmony vampire teeth, the TV Guide and Hollywood Reporter's 100th episode special issues signed by David Boreanaz, and Nickalous Brown's Wardrobe Department Crew Cap from BtVS.
One of the lucky auction winners, Gareth Hughes from Nantwich in Cheshire, was happy to tell CoA of his first time bidding experience in acquiring the 'The Beast' cowl and why he chose this particular item. "Season 4 Angel will always be my favourite. It was just so ambitious and attempted to visualize an actual 'L.A. apocalypse' on screen. This I thought it did with flying colours by producing something that was of 'feature' quality on a TV budget," stated Gareth. "The Beast was truly awesome, a fantastic design brilliantly realized! The height of Season 4 for me was the end of 'Apocalypse Nowish' where The Beast took on team Angel and won. Awesome. Although I'm sure that if Fred [as Illyria] had been there then that confrontation would have gone the other way," he joked. Gareth has always liked watching the auctions at previous events but had never bid on anything before, "I knew more often than not it would be unlikely I would be able to afford anything. I unfortunately missed the first part of the auction on the Saturday (probably queuing!) but saw the Angel forehead go for an amazingly low price. Fortunately I was in the hall when the Sunday auction took place otherwise I would have missed the arrival of 'The Beast'. When I saw it I got a little nervous twitch and I turned to Adina [his wife] and asked if I could bid up to 100-pounds on this." Gareth confessed, "She said it would have to be my Christmas present but said, 'It was okay.' She has a good idea when something is important to me so probably thought it best to go along with me thinking that there was no way this item would go for less than 100-pounds ...little did we know! I immediately got a little hot under the collar. The next couple of minutes were a blur really and still can't believe that the bid stopped at my 90-pounds. I gave my details and next thing I knew I was paying for 'a head in a box'!" he laughed.
On the whole Gareth was surprised that a lot of the items available went for such low prices. Especially as the bidders were the 'target audience' so to speak. "I think everybody must have 'spent up' by that point on autographs and photo sessions. Had I not already bid on 'The Beast' then I would have undoubtedly bid for the Skip face-piece as this was also a lovely item!" If actually getting the mask wasn't enough then Gareth was called out of the audience for photos with the 'grand master himself', Dayne Johnson, as referred to by Gareth. "What a lovely chap he was too. He was very courteous and gave me tips on how best to look after my new 'pet' Beast. I probably came across as a 'gushing fan' but I'm afraid that's me. He even signed it and posed for photos with myself. What a gent. These photos will look great alongside the mask when our new display cabinet is delivered in August, he proudly claimed. "This will undoubtedly be a talking point for visitors to my home for probably the next 3 decades but I'll just be happy to know that I have a little piece of my favourite Angel in the house." As mentioned by Gareth, the bidding at this years' event did not quite reach the dizzying heights of the previous year, even with a mysterious bidder trying to up the ante at Sunday's session. The top seller of both days was a set of vampire contacts worn by James Marsters; with both James and his alter-ego Spike being firm fan favourites it was not a shock that there was some furious bidding with the final winner nabbing the items for 240-pounds. These were closely followed by a set of wine glasses, a bottle of wine and an invitation to the 100th episode party; the glasses and bottle were both engraved to mark the auspicious occasion and went for just 210-pounds. Again James' fans shone in the adoration with the outfit worn by him in Chance going for 170-pounds.
There were many other items under the hammer this weekend going for anything from 25-pounds for Buffy Crew Cap to 110-pounds for the screen used prosthetic used on David Boreanaz for the Season 1 episode "Batchelor Party" and it's safe to say that everyone who won a bid got something they'll treasure forever. Other items this year taking top bid were: a BtVS 100th Episode Crew Jacket at 150-pounds, an outfit worn by Amber Benson in Chance at 120-pounds, the Skip face prosthetic (with Bullet fractures) at 110-pounds, and a BtVS 100th episode Party Invite at 110-pounds.
THAT'S AN ANGEL WRAP
|
The best thing about events such as Starfury's Hyperion is not only do fans get the opportunity to spend the weekend in the company of guests from their favorite television shows but they also get to share their experience with friends that they may not have seen for awhile as well as getting the chance to dress up and party until dawn. The worst thing about the events is that they have to end but not without a huge send off. Sean Harry brought out the guests one last time and as is customary he voiced his appreciation of all the people who work so hard to put the event together as he makes sure they get the plaudits they deserve. Just like the opening ceremony a couple of days previously each guest then got the opportunity to say their farewells while the fans got the chance to show their thanks. One by one they were announced; Sparky declaring that the show will, 'Never be over,' while Dayne thanked everyone for the interest they had shown during his Illyria makeup demonstration.
Once again, as soon as Brody stepped forward (complete with England shirt in support of that evening's football match against France) the chants of "Off, Off, Off" could be heard from the female population as the sight of his six-pack had been the one thing denied all weekend. Although he teased a little, he didn't fully oblige but instead told everyone he had had a blast once again. When Jenny Mollen stood to take her turn at the microphone, Brody decided he was going to join in with the 'off, off, off' chant and to his surprise Jenny reached to the bottom of her top, pulled it over head and then threw the discarded garment playfully in Brody's face. Fortunately for Jenny, but unfortunately for Brody, Jenny had been wearing a vest top underneath so he didn't quite get what he was looking for. Jenny became a quick favorite over the course of the weekend for fans who got to meet her at her first convention and although shy on Friday afternoon, Sunday night found Jenny in the league of veterans and sad to be leaving. Sarah Thompson proved all weekend that she was nothing like her sly alter ego Eve. "When I came here I was a convention virgin," she said to everyone, "and I want to thank you all for popping my cherry!" Next, Julie Benz laughed, "My cherry was popped a long time ago. As ever I have had an amazing time this weekend and I want to take this opportunity once again to thank everyone who got involved with the Save Angel campaign. And Sean Harry said that if you all asked him loud enough then I can come back again next year." The fans in attendance let Sean know in no uncertain terms that that is exactly what they wanted.
Vincent Kartheiser had been winning the crowds over during his stay with his eccentric sense of humor and just as he had conducted a 'meowing' session earlier in the day, this is how Vincent decided he wanted to bow out. He got everyone to practice the happy, 'I love you' meow as well as the angry, 'feed me now' meow but at one point he felt the performance of the disgruntled feline was not quite up to scratch and so gave a thirty second character analysis as to the motivation behind the grumpy puss. There are no words that could possibly do justice to the enthusiastic response that Andy Hallett received. Andy never let his smile drop or his sparkle fade if it meant leaving someone happy and satisfied. Although he may have been unable to display the exuberance of his End of Days experience, Andy still could not find it in his nature to walk past a room of partying people and not join in and that is why every soul attending Hyperion loves him. He brings so much to the Starfury events and he was the first one to lead the traditional chorus of Mandy to wrap up the closing ceremony and the delight of a man who wound up the convention at one in the morning with his trademark song, Superstition. Under the watchful eyes of both his mothers (including Dayne) Andy received a standing ovation for the appreciation of the man that he is. And even though she would have been on a plane half way across the Atlantic, Amy too received the thanks she deserved. All in all it was another successful event and as Monday morning brought about weary faces, heads dropped by the weight of hangover and pockets made lighter from the spending of mountains of cash some contemplated doing it all again just five days later in Glasgow!
Written by CoA UK Staff Writers, Sue Grimshaw, Nicola Jones, Sarah Wallis and US Senior Writer, Kristy Bratton
CityofAngel.com would like to extend our Gracious Thanks, once again, to Sean Harry and his Staff for all their assistance in allowing CoA to cover this Starfury event. And to all his Guests who made it such an enjoyable weekend! Especially Vincent Kartheiser.
Special acknowledgement goes out to Neil Davidson for the permission and use of his photos.
Additional thanks go out to: Gareth Hughes, Brett Walker, Claire North, Jon Bayliss, Sonya , and Laura
If you have any comments for CityofAngel.com regarding this Happenings feature, we would love to hear from you. Just email us at: comments@CityofAngel.com
|
