In the world of FX’s “What We Do In The Shadows,” the quest for life creation is anything but subtle, as exemplified by the character Lazlo Cravensworth, portrayed by Matt Berry. Paul Jones, the show’s prosthetics makeup and creature effects designer, emphasizes that the mockumentary style of the series influences their work to be bold and comedic. Jones explained that the energetic filming style necessitates larger-than-life designs that can be easily understood on screen.
As Lazlo pursues a unique storyline in Season 6, aiming to animate lifeless flesh, the creation of his monster, played by Andy Assaf, required imaginative and detailed prosthetics. Jones aimed for a look that was visceral and immediately recognizable as assembled body parts. His team faced a challenging design process, crafting multiple versions of the monster to suit various scenes while ensuring they were user-friendly for the actor.
Due to the repetitive application and removal of prosthetic pieces, Jones had to create many durable sets, employing innovative methods to reduce actor preparation time. The use of special materials, such as lead tape coated to mimic metallic staples, was crucial for maintaining visual appeal without the daily hassle of painting.
While the team began working with Assaf promptly, their comedic production schedule meant they had to adapt designs rapidly, sometimes modifying on the spot to achieve the best fit. Among the adjustments was a section added to the monster’s suit, necessary to cover an unanticipated gap in the design.
Jones and his team, comprising a small group of sculptors and fabricators, worked intensively to produce unique designs for each episode, adapting to the varied scripts and the comedic tone of the show. The challenge lay in encapsulating humor through the monster’s features while ensuring it remained grotesque and visually engaging.
The final creation aimed to depict a bizarre patchwork of body parts, reflecting Lazlo’s whimsical yet artistic approach. The team strived for grotesque beauty, achieving a blend of humor and horror characteristic of the series. “What We Do In The Shadows” is currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.