John Schoonraad
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (April 2020) |
John Schoonraad | |
|---|---|
 John Schoonraad at Elstree Studios | |
| Born | October 2, 1952 Harrow, Middlesex, UK |
| Occupation | Lifecast special effects artist |
| Years active | 1981–present |
John Schoonraad (born 2 October 1952) is a lifecast and special effects artist who has created more than 2,000 lifecasts.[1]
Early work
Schoonraad debuted in 1981 with Green Ice starring Ryan O’Neil. He later worked on films such as Return of the Jedi, Indiana Jones, Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan, and Troy. He has worked with Russell Crowe, Tom Hanks, and Orlando Bloom among others. In 2001 he worked on the film Black Hawk Down as a prosthetics supervisor. He also made a lifecast of Kristin Scott Thomas for The English Patient and more casts for The Clash of The Titans and Casino Royale when he supervised the cutting in half of a Boeing 727.[1][2]
Later work
He was part of the creature crew for The Wolfman with Rick Baker and Dave Elsey, which won the 2010 Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.[3][4]
Schoonraad is known for his lifecasts. They have been featured in dramatic films such as The English Patient, as well as in science fiction and fantasy genre films such as Star Wars Return of the Jedi to 28 Days Later.[5][6] He is currently the creative director of his own company called Lifecast Ltd based at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.[1][2]
Music world
Schoonraad has also worked on special effects in the music industry. He was in charge of Grace Jones's life cast for the chocolate models of her body made by Thornton’s chocolate factory for her tenth studio album, Hurricane.[7] Schoonraad also transformed Darkness singer Justin Hawkins into a devil for the video “One Way Ticket To Hell and Back”, which won the Australian MTV Video awards for Best Rock Video.[8] His video career lead to work with Björk on her track "The Hunter"[9] plus Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Pete Doherty.
Family
Schoonraad often works with his sons Tristan and Robin on projects, and together they set up Lifecast,[1] a special effects firm based at Elstree Studios.[10]
Tristan has showcased his work at notable art car boot sales including Brick Lane, the Big Chill, Mutate Britain “One foot in the Grove”, Tate the Biscuit, and the Urban Art Show in Tokyo. He had his own exhibition of Boy Soldier[11] in London and has worked with Art Below involved in exhibiting in Parliament Square on the Plinth of Peace. His art combines multimedia with more abstract techniques.
Robin has been a key figure in the moulding of many of the creatures for Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire as well as special effects in The Last Samurai.[1][2][12]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Hollywood's Favourite Art Work". The Telegraph. 31 July 2015. Telegraph Accessed 2016-1-25 (slow loading)
- ^ a b c Cooper, Sarah John Schoonraad Screen International, June 17th 2010
- ^ Debrecini, Todd Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics published by Taylor & Francis,2013 page 93-4 ISBN 1136060774
- ^ "Life-caster and special effects artist John Schoonraad interview". Den of Geek. 6 March 2012. Archived from the original on 2016-09-19. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
- ^ Studios, Elstree. "The King's Speech success marks a first for Elstree Studios". www.elstreestudios.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
- ^ Lambie, Ryan (2012-03-06). "Life-caster and special effects artist John Schoonraad interview". Den of Geek. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ^ "Grace Jones: Hurricane - Art Direction | Hingston London". Hingston Studio | Creative Agency, London. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
- ^ "Dan Martin - Special Effects - Kayak Productions - Independent media production company". www.kayakproductions.com. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
- ^ Sleeve Notes Credit for the Hunter
- ^ "Lifecast ltd". Lifecast ltd. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ "Boy Soldier | Art UK". artuk.org. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Kick Ass 2 movie to use Schoony sculpture". BBC News. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
External links
- lifecast.co.uk
- "John Schoonraad". IMDb. at IMDb