CreatureGeek

By Len Peralta, Frank Ippolito

What's CreatureGeek about?

This is the SFX Makeup podcast from a fan and pro perspective! Len Peralta is the fan, an artist with a keen interest in makeup and special effects. Frank Ippolito is the pro, a working professional in the FX industry with movies and TV under his belt. Together they cover a variety of topics, interview guests and geek out in general about makeup.

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CreatureGeek episodes:

06.22.2021
Back From The Endtimes: Episode 99 - 6/21/21
Frank and Len are back! On this first episode back in over a year, Frank and Len catch up about what's been happening since the end of days. We discuss Frank's gig as a Mon Calamari, dance around some of...
01.26.2020
Jeff Jingle's Little Miracle - Episode 98 1/26/20
Frank and Len creep ever so closer to show 100. On show 98, the first episode of 2020, we welcome Jeff Jingle. Jeff is a freelance writer/director and Animatronic FX Designer who has worked for Rick Baker's Cinovation, Henson Studio,...
09.05.2019
Reboot CreatureGeek Go! - Episode 97 -9/5/19
Frank and Len return after an extended hiatus for a new show! We talk about Frank's busy schedule, what has happened since we last recorded and all kinds of interesting tidbits about social media and working for a large scale...
04.10.2019
Miles Teves and Everett Burrell Talk Umbrella Academy - Episode 96 4/10/19
On Episode 96 of Creaturegeek, Frank and Len welcome Miles Teves and Everett Burrell who created the VFX for Netflix's smash hit The Umbrella Academy. Hear all about the creation of Pogo (which was helped brought to life by Frank...
01.31.2019
Doodlin' For The Devil: Mark Tavares - Episode 95 -1/29/19
On this 95th episode of CreatureGeek, Frank and Len welcome FX Industry Veteran and incredible character and caricature artist Mark Tavares. Mark has worked at many notable shops including Rick Lazzarini's Character Shop, KNB FX and Don Post Studios. His...
01.21.2019
Jamie Kelman Chats Vice - Episode 94 - 1/10/19
Frank and Len welcome the amazing Jamie Kelman. Jamie has been part of the FX industry for nearly 30 years and has worked on a bunch of shows including the critically acclaimed movie "Vice" where he transformed Sam Rockwell into...
01.21.2019
The Silent Time of Mark Viniello - Episode 93 12/19/18
On this episode (our last of 2018), Frank and Len welcome back the incredible Mark Viniello. Mark is currently working on a ton of NDA stuff, but he's still able to talk about some of incredible stuff he's worked on...
12.08.2018
Growing Out Of The Garage With George Frangadakis - Episode 92 - 12/8/18
Frank and Len welcome back George Frangadakis of Immortal Masks! George discusses getting through the growing pains of running an exploding FX business. What to do. What not to do. And everything in between. It's fascinating listening! Thank you for...
10.05.2018
Don't Milk It - Episode 91 - 10/5/18
Frank and Len return for a new show! One this episode, Frank dovetails off our discussion about how to get a job and talks about what to do when you have the job. What are the do's and dont's of...
09.16.2018
How To Ask For A Job -Episode 90 - 7/9/18
On this *new* episode of CreatureGeek (recorded in July), Frank and Len discuss how to apply for a job in the FX industry. This is really important information, folks. So please take notes. Your next job may rely on it!
05.24.2018
Battlin' Bots and A Trip to AP English Class - Episode 89 - 5/24/18
It's a solocast with Frank and Len! On this episode, we chat about Frank's upcoming guest judge stint on the new season of BattleBots on Discovery. We talk about how Thingergy is helping out with Pixelogic and Magic Wheelchair at...
05.17.2018
The Dark Art of Chet Zar - Episode 88 - 5/18/18
On this episode, we welcome Chat Zar - a sculptor, creature designer and fine artist who is known for his dark, visual style. His unique take on art and design has landed him work on such projects as Terminator Salvation,...
04.04.2018
Ask Steve Anything - Episode 87 -4/4/18
Today's guest is one of our favorite guests ever on CreatureGeek, Steve Johnson. Steve's resume is an amazing laundry list of some of the best and most iconic shows ever created. He's also one of the most outspoken people in...
03.23.2018
Neill Gorton: Who Cares About Brushes In Your Mouth? Episode 86 - 3/23/18
Today's guest joins the second timer club here on Creaturegeek. Neill Gorton is a BAFTA winning legend in the makeup industry, bringing his unique talent to such shows as Ex Machina, Thor, Red Dwarf, Judge Dredd and Doctor Who -...
03.20.2018
Nora Hewitt <3's Thingery - Episode 85 - 3/20/18
This episode's guest was the winner of the ninth season of FaceOff - Nora Hewitt. Since then, Norahas lent her talent to a ton of NDA projects we can't talk about happening at Thingery as well as indie flicks Mail...
02.22.2018
Bart Mixon's Monster Fixins' - Episode 84 - 2/22/18
On this episode of CreatureGeek, we talk to makeup/special effects artist Bart Mixon. Bart has worked on pretty much everything for the past 25 years including Men In Black, Fight Night Part Two, Pet Sematary and one of Len's all-time favorite...
02.15.2018
How To Work At WETA - Episode 83 - 2/15/18
On this episode, we welcome Abby Smith, Steven Saunders, Joaquin Loyzaga and Chris Menges of WETA Workshops in New Zealand. They join us hot off the heels of a big win at the 16th Annual VES Awards (the Visual Effects Society). Their...
01.27.2018
Ben The Ploughman – EPISODE 82 – 1/26/18
On this episode, our first show of 2018 and from the brand new Thingery studios, we celebrate the seven year anniversary of the premiere of Face/Off. Special guest and Face/Off Alumni, Ben Ploughman. We chat about memories from the show,...
12.30.2017
Len and Frank's 2017 CreatureGeek Wrap-up – EPISODE 81 – 12/31/17
On this episode, Len and Frank return for a 2017 wrap up. We discuss plans for 2018, Frank's new shop, follow-up of Frank leaving Tested, Last Jedi spoilers, what large companies could do to fan-driven fabrication and how to get...
11.17.2017
Tim Shea's Amateur Hour - Episode 80 -11/17/17
On this episode, Frank and Len look at the hobbyist angle of doing your own design work with our guest Tim Shea. You may recognize some of Tim's work from past Tested videos, although you would never know he is...
11.10.2017
Mike Hill Takes On Werewolves - Episode 79 -11/10/17
Frank and Len close the classic monster trilogy of podcasts by covering one of our favorite topics, werewolves. And we've brought in werewolf expert and master sculptor Mike Hill to chat about lycanthropes. We also look at these lists of...
10.20.2017
Mid-October Pop Culture Wrap Up - Episode 78 -10/20/17
On this episode of CreatureGeek, Frank and Len chat about a bunch of stuff that's been out, coming soon and more including Blade Runner 2049 chat, IT and Stephen King talk, The Orville, Halloween and more. Plus a shout out...
09.29.2017
Kevin McTurk and The Haunted Swordsman - Episode 77 -9/29/17
Tonight's guest is Kevin McTurk, a prolific special effects and creature technician who has worked for shops like Stan Winston, WETA and Jim Henson's Creature Shop and has lent to talents to projects like Peter Jackson's King Kong, Iron Man...
09.15.2017
Puppet Master Mark Bryan Wilson - Episode 76 -9/15/17
Today's guest is a puppet builder and performer with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Over the years, Mark Bryan Wilson has lent his talent to such films as Team America, Men In Black, BeetleJuice and Fright Night....
08.28.2017
Michael Westmore: Excerpts From Makeup Man - Episode 75 - 8/28/17
On this special episode of CreatureGeek, Frank and I welcome the legendary Michael Westmore who reads sections of his new book Makeup Man. There are some great stories in this ep including ones about Star Trek, The Munsters and an...
08.18.2017
Leonard Engelman Gets Our Vote - Episode 74 - 8/18/17
Today's guest is one of the most iconic and recognized makeup artists in the industry, Leonard Engelman. He has been working professionally for over fifty years and has lent his talent to such films as Rocky, Ghostbusters, Heat and Batman...
07.28.2017
Battling The Biz Battles, Volume 2 - Episode 73 -7/28/17
Even though Frank is in China for work, we have a new CreatureGeek for you! This week, Len and Frank do their Comic-Con wrapup, they talk more about cosplay and then they discuss more about running your own business and...
07.14.2017
Bendy Bonnie Morgan Bends In - Episode 72 -7/14/17
Today, Frank and Len welcome Bonnie Morgan. Bonnie is a talented actress, a daring stunt woman and an extraordinary contortionist who is probably best known for her role as the weirdly contorted Samara from The Ring Two and Rings 3....
07.07.2017
Peter Abrahamson <3's Robots - Episode 71 -7/7/17
On this episode, Frank and Len talk to Peter Abrhamson. Peter is a special effects pro, an animatronic technician and a puppeteer who hs worked on such shows as I, Robot, HellBoy and Van Helsing just to name a few....
06.30.2017
Chinbeard Is In The House - Episode 70 - 6/30/17
Today, Frank and Len talk to our mutual friend and incredible pro fabricator Bill Doran AKA Chinbeard from Punished Props. Bill continues the discussion about working in cosplay professionally and the joys and pitfalls of doing it all on your...
06.09.2017
The Westmore Ep - Episode 69 - 6/9/17
Today, Frank and Len interview the legendary Michael Westmore. Mike's career spans over 40 years but his family has been involved in makeup for longer than that: his grandfather George created the very first studio make-up department 100 years ago...
06.02.2017
Thanks For All the Pickles, Rob Burman! - Episode 68 - 6/2/17
On this episode, Frank and Len interview the legendary Rob Burman. Rob is a master sculptor who has been playing with clay for over 40 years. He is the third generation of FX artist, following in the steps of his...
05.19.2017
Frank. Foot. Mouth - Episode 67 -5/19/17
Frank and Len are doing a solo cast! No guest this week. But a lot of chat about new stuff coming out this fall, like Orville and Star Trek: Discovery and of course, Guardians. Also, Frank and Len discuss cosplayers,...
05.05.2017
The Gabe Bartalos Experience - Episode 66 - 5/5/17
Frank and Len welcome the incredible Gabe Bartalos to the show this week. You may recognize Gabe's work from cult classics as Leprechaun, Basket Case 2, Gremlins 2 and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. He refined his skills under Tom...
04.28.2017
From The Bridge With Kerry O'Quinn - Episode 65 - 4/28/17
Frank and Len talk to a true living legend - Kerry O'Quinn. Anyone born in the 70s and 80s and is a fan of horror and sci-fi owes Kerry a huge debt of gratitude. He is a writer and publisher...
04.14.2017
American Horror Story's Eryn Krueger Mekash - Episode 64 - 4/14/17
Frank and Len loved Women's Month last month that we are continuing with it in April. Today's guest is Eryn Krueger Mekash. Eryn has over 30 years experience as an Emmy award winning makeup artist in the TV and film...
03.31.2017
All The Silicone Feels With Jo Holland - Episode 63 -3/31/17
Frank and I are rounding out Women's Month on CreatureGeek. This episode, we go inside baseball and shop talk about silicon appliances with the amazing Jo Holland. Jo is an SFX artist who knows her stuff when it comes to...
03.17.2017
Bela Meriwether, The Future of SFX Makeup - Episode 62 -3/17/17
Frank and I are continuing to celebrate International Women's Month on CreatureGeek by showcasing the women of SFX/Makeup during the month of March. Now, you may not recognize today's guest from any current movies, but keep watching - because Frank...
03.10.2017
A Visit with Beth Hathaway - Episode 61 -3/10/17
We are celebrating International Women's Day on CreatureGeek. Actually, Frank and I are planning on celebrating Internationall Women's MONTH on CreatureGeek by showcasing the women of SFX/Makeup in the month of March. On this show, we welcome the wonderful Beth...
02.24.2017
The Ridiculous Tools of Vincent Van Dyke - Episode 60 -2/24/17
Today's guest on CreatureGeek is Vincent Van Dyke. Vincent is a Primetime emmy award nominated make-up artist whose work has been seen on such shows as Nip/Tuck, Dexter and Grey's Anatomy. He has also lent his prosthetic prowess to big...
02.10.2017
Keeper Of The Keys: A Chat With Andy Clement - Episode 59 -2/10/17
Today's guest on CreatureGeek is Andy Clement. Andy is a makeup artist who is best known for his work on big name films such as Interstellar, Deadpool, Cloverfield and Guardians of the Galaxy. He was also a business and teaching...
02.03.2017
Revisiting The Wild West With Norman Cabrera - Episode 58 -2/3/17
CreatureGeek returns for February with one of the premiere makeup artists and sculptors working today - Norman Cabrera. Norman's list of credits are a compendium of the best fantasy and horror have to offer and include such titles as The...
01.20.2017
Crossing the Pond with Stuart Bray - Episode 57 - 1/20/17
Today's guest is on loan to us from the UK - Stuart Bray. Stuart has lent his talent in special effects and prostethics to such big budget features as Shaun of the Dead, The Mummy Returns and Gladiator. He's also...
01.13.2017
Respect The Mold: A Chat With Rob Freitas - Episode 56 -1/13/17
On this episode, Frank and I talk with Master Mold Maker, Rob Freitas. Rob has been in the industry for decades and is considered by many best in his speciality - mold making. Let's put it this way: Rob is...
01.06.2017
Remote Viewing With Jordu Schell - Episode 55 -1/6/17
CreatureGeek is back for 2017! Our first show is an extra long one with an incredible guest. This week, Frank and I welcome sculptor and concept designer, Jordu Schell, who has been working in the FX industry for over 30...
11.25.2016
The World According to Jeff Levine - Episode 54 -11/25/16
On this ep, (The FINAL ep for 2016) Frank and I welcome Jeff Levine. Jeff is a producer who has had ,and continues having, an incredible career. Jeff talks a lot about the movie industry from a producer's viewpoint and...
10.28.2016
"Children of The Night, Shaddup!" - Episode 53 -10/28/16
This episode of CreatureGeek, Frank and I talk Dracula and Vampires. We chat about the original 1931 Lugosi joint as well as our favorite (and no so favorite) Vampire films. We also chat about a lot of other stuff that...
10.21.2016
The Norm Show - Episode 52 -10/21/16
This episode of CreatureGeek, we talk to Norm Chan, the man behind Tested.com! We chat about my visit to Robert Kurtzman's Creature Corps Studio and The Paranormal Penitentiary, about the haunted house season and we get into it in our...
10.14.2016
The Character Known As Tory - Episode 51 -10/14/16
On this week's episode of CreatureGeek, Frank and I welcome Tory Belleci formerly of the show Mythbusters and of the upcoming Netflix show "The White Rabbit Project" - starting December 9th. Tory chats about his time being a model maker...
09.23.2016
We Went Back to Ohio with Robert Kurtzman - Episode 50 - 9/23/16
On this episode of CreatureGeek (due to a misnumbering error is actually our 50th show!) we talk to legendary SFX makeup artist, Robert Kurtzman. Robert is the original K of KNB EFX, one of its original founders, and is now...

What's CreatureGeek about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

CreatureGeek episodes:

Back From The Endtimes: Episode 99 - 6/21/21

Jeff Jingle's Little Miracle - Episode 98 1/26/20

Reboot CreatureGeek Go! - Episode 97 -9/5/19

Miles Teves and Everett Burrell Talk Umbrella Academy - Episode 96 4/10/19

Doodlin' For The Devil: Mark Tavares - Episode 95 -1/29/19

Jamie Kelman Chats Vice - Episode 94 - 1/10/19

The Silent Time of Mark Viniello - Episode 93 12/19/18

Growing Out Of The Garage With George Frangadakis - Episode 92 - 12/8/18

Don't Milk It - Episode 91 - 10/5/18

How To Ask For A Job -Episode 90 - 7/9/18

Battlin' Bots and A Trip to AP English Class - Episode 89 - 5/24/18

The Dark Art of Chet Zar - Episode 88 - 5/18/18

Ask Steve Anything - Episode 87 -4/4/18

Neill Gorton: Who Cares About Brushes In Your Mouth? Episode 86 - 3/23/18

Nora Hewitt <3's Thingery - Episode 85 - 3/20/18

Bart Mixon's Monster Fixins' - Episode 84 - 2/22/18

How To Work At WETA - Episode 83 - 2/15/18

Ben The Ploughman – EPISODE 82 – 1/26/18

Len and Frank's 2017 CreatureGeek Wrap-up – EPISODE 81 – 12/31/17

Tim Shea's Amateur Hour - Episode 80 -11/17/17

Mike Hill Takes On Werewolves - Episode 79 -11/10/17

Mid-October Pop Culture Wrap Up - Episode 78 -10/20/17

Kevin McTurk and The Haunted Swordsman - Episode 77 -9/29/17

Puppet Master Mark Bryan Wilson - Episode 76 -9/15/17

Michael Westmore: Excerpts From Makeup Man - Episode 75 - 8/28/17

Leonard Engelman Gets Our Vote - Episode 74 - 8/18/17

Battling The Biz Battles, Volume 2 - Episode 73 -7/28/17

Bendy Bonnie Morgan Bends In - Episode 72 -7/14/17

Peter Abrahamson <3's Robots - Episode 71 -7/7/17

Chinbeard Is In The House - Episode 70 - 6/30/17

The Westmore Ep - Episode 69 - 6/9/17

Thanks For All the Pickles, Rob Burman! - Episode 68 - 6/2/17

Frank. Foot. Mouth - Episode 67 -5/19/17

The Gabe Bartalos Experience - Episode 66 - 5/5/17

From The Bridge With Kerry O'Quinn - Episode 65 - 4/28/17

American Horror Story's Eryn Krueger Mekash - Episode 64 - 4/14/17

All The Silicone Feels With Jo Holland - Episode 63 -3/31/17

Bela Meriwether, The Future of SFX Makeup - Episode 62 -3/17/17

A Visit with Beth Hathaway - Episode 61 -3/10/17

The Ridiculous Tools of Vincent Van Dyke - Episode 60 -2/24/17

Keeper Of The Keys: A Chat With Andy Clement - Episode 59 -2/10/17

Revisiting The Wild West With Norman Cabrera - Episode 58 -2/3/17

Crossing the Pond with Stuart Bray - Episode 57 - 1/20/17

Respect The Mold: A Chat With Rob Freitas - Episode 56 -1/13/17

Remote Viewing With Jordu Schell - Episode 55 -1/6/17

The World According to Jeff Levine - Episode 54 -11/25/16

"Children of The Night, Shaddup!" - Episode 53 -10/28/16

The Norm Show - Episode 52 -10/21/16

The Character Known As Tory - Episode 51 -10/14/16

We Went Back to Ohio with Robert Kurtzman - Episode 50 - 9/23/16