Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1514620
28 • THE ARTISAN SPRING 2024 The final knockout involved a broken cheekbone and severe split in the cheek with bloodwork which became quite operatic in its application and use. The damage on Damian was slight bruising and swelling around the eyes executed with silicone appliances. The final showstopper fight involved Creed going toe-to-toe with his childhood friend, Damian. It was important for our director that we kept the application time swift due to his directorial duties. Stevie Martin and I applied several appliances to a cut above the eye and nose which evolved throughout the fight into slight swelling. The blood dressing became key as continuity dictated that it matched perfectly throughout so we would constantly be taking photos and texting each artist as the sweat was a battle. Damian's damage was handled by Glen and Connor. A specific gag that Michael wanted was a shot where Damian pulls out his mouth guard. In the guard, his tooth stays lodged in it while the nerve was still attached to the gum. We handled this with a clear vacuform of the actor's teeth where a socket and gum portion were sculpted with the missing tooth. A small resettable nerve was strung between the tooth and empty gum pocket. On action, he pulls the nerve clean out for a total gross-out factor. We had three sets ready for replacement to keep the momentum in the moment. In addition, he had swollen cheek appliances and above-the-eye swelling which evolved throughout the fight. In the end, we took a bit more of a minimal approach to this fight as it wasn't about the violence as much as it was about two friends, brothers really, who as Michael put it, were having a conversation. Communicating with a language that came from the heart and the only way they reached each other was in the ring. This was a beautiful film to be a part of. Creed III has allowed the franchise to be more independent and to stand on its own apart from the world of Rocky finding its own soul and footing. We couldn't have done this without our sculptors, Len Burge and Eric Koo, mold shop supervisor Aaron Globerman, silicone runners Steve Haggiag and Gabe Acero, with design work by Madison Burger, all from the Autonomous FX, Inc. team! • Clockwise from top left: Four stages of make-up for José Benavidez as Felix Chavez