If you have told me one of my favorite shows would be special-effects makeup competition hosted by a former soap opera star, I'd have begged to differ.
But Syfy's Face Off, now in its fourth season, has turned out to be a brilliant series awash in spectacularly creative, character-driven artistry; human drama; definitive and personable judges - Glenn Hetrick, Ve Neil, Neville Page; Hollywood-royalty guest stars; and McKenzie Westmore, the most elegant woman on television.
Contestants are tasked with elaborate sci-fi/fantasy/horror character challenges, designing and executing full body paint make-up, and demonstrating a wide range of skill sets including prosthetics, 3-D design, sculpting, casting and molding.
Each episode involves colorful and sweeping reveals of the contestants' finished work, and the drama of one contestant being sent home by the panel of expert and celebrity judges. It all culminates in a $100k+ winner package that has real career consequences.
Joining us tonight are stunning and charming host McKenzie Westmore; mentor/coach Michael Westmore, legendary makeup supervisor with 42 Emmy and four Oscar nominations (Star Trek, Mask, Raging Bull) to his name and McKenzie's father; and Glenn Hetrick, whose eloquence has made him de facto lead judge on the show.
Glenn is owner of Optic Nerve Studios, and has done amazing, award-winning work for Buffy, Angel, X-Files, Babylon 5,Heroes, CSI: NY, Spider-Man 3, and costume design for Lady Gaga.