INTERVIEW • LEARNING CENTER
AN EVENING WITH... BURTON LeBLANC
The Art of Resilience and Dystopian Design
|
"The Handmaid´s Tale" by Bruce Miller / Elizabeth Moss ©Hulu |
There are artists whose work visually defines an era, and Burton LeBlanc is undoubtedly one of them. As the Makeup Department Head for "The Handmaid's Tale", Burton has been responsible for depicting the oppression, pain, and strength of Gilead, earning three Emmy nominations for a design that is as raw as it is masterful. But his impact on the industry goes far beyond the red robes.
Burton has forged one of the strongest creative alliances in the industry with Elisabeth Moss, serving as her personal makeup artist on critical successes such as The Invisible Man and the AppleTV+ series "Imperfect Women". From his experience in second units of major Marvel productions like "The Incredible Hulk" to leading gothic horror in "Hemlock Grove", his career is a testament to versatility and technical precision. Today we discover the man who knows that sometimes the most powerful makeup is the one that tells a story of survival in every pore of the skin.
THE EPIC OF GILEAD: "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"
|
Burton, you've led the makeup department for all six seasons of "The Handmaid's Tale". How has June Osborne's look evolved as she transitioned from submission to active resistance, and how do you reflect that psychological change through her skin? - Burton: I reflect that shift through every day details and within each scene. Her skin has to reflect what she is going through for each and every scene and if that’s done properly it will reflect the storylines accordingly.
|
Which specific sequence or design from these years do you consider to have been the biggest technical challenge for your team and for the narrative of the story? - Burton: I feel it’s been a challenge since day one actually. I am watching and keeping track of all the most minute details in the story and hence on all of the characters faces throughout the day and each and every season.
|
"The secret is really just being yourself"
THE CREATIVE ALLIANCE WITH ELISABETH MOSS
|
You are Elisabeth Moss's personal makeup artist on very diverse projects, from the suspense of "The Invisible Man" to the drama of "The Veil". How has your visual communication grown over the years, and how do you adapt your technique to the different characters she plays? - Burton: I feel it’s about having a conversation about the character she is playing and what that entails for makeup. Once that is established then techniques can be developed and played out for the character.
|
In productions like "The Invisible Man", makeup must interact with complex visual effects. What is the process of collaborating with the VFX department to ensure that the on-set work is the perfect foundation for the final result? - Burton: As far as collaboration with VFX I don’t really think about it too much, I do my job and they do theirs and make it work cohesively. It all works in the end.
|
|
"The Handmaid´s Tale" by Bruce Miller / Elizabeth Moss ©Hulu |
LEADERSHIP IN ELITE AND SECONDARY UNITS
|
You've worked in the entire department and second units on massive productions like "The Incredible Hulk" and "Pompeii". What specific skills are required to coordinate the aesthetic of a second unit so that it is indistinguishable from the main design of the film? - Burton: When I’m doing work on a second unit we have clear instructions for what the looks are for the show and go from there. Keeping good communication lines open between the units is important so everyone is on the same page.
|
In genre projects like "Hemlock Grove" or "Witch Mountain", the design is often more stylized or fantastic. What is your philosophy when approaching makeup in worlds where the supernatural is part of everyday life? - Burton: My philosophy is always less is more. Unless you are doing something like blood effects which is fun and sometimes more is needed and required especially a show like Hemlock Grove. One of the shows that I’ve had the most fun on most likely since I had to deal with lots of blood and makeup effects.
|
|
"The Invisible Man" by Leigh Whannell / Elizabeth Moss ©Universal Pictures |
GLOBAL VISION AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY TECHNIQUE
|
In science fiction series like "12 Monkeys", the passage of time and different timelines are key. How do you manage continuity and subtle aging when characters jump between decades? - Burton: "12 Monkeys" was probably the most difficult show I’ve done up to this point since we were block shooting and each episode had at least three or four time jumps. You just do your job and do the makeups accordingly in keeping with each period and in these cases production has to plan accordingly with the schedule. I mean they have to try and keep the talent comfortable since they have many makeup changes in one day. There is of course much to organize for myself and my team.
|
In "Luckiest Girl Alive", you worked with a stellar cast including Mila Kunis. How do you make beauty makeup in a contemporary drama feel fresh and editorial without losing the character's humanity? - Burton: In "Luckiest Girl Alive" I ensured the makeup felt fresh with still keeping the characters humanity by not going to far or too heavy with the makeup applications. Accentuating each cast and character’s faces with the right amount of makeup, making it believable and real.
|
" Stay on top of your craft and keep learning"
|
"The Handmaid´s Tale" by Bruce Miller / Elizabeth Moss ©Hulu |
PHILOSOPHY AND VALUE FOR THE NOVICE MAKEUP ARTIST
|
With nominations and decades of experience, what is the most important thing you look for in an artist when you are putting together your team for a long-running series? - Burton: The most important quality i look for when choosing my team is trust worthiness. That each person on my team is bringing it and getting the look for the show that I have envisioned. Making that happen is super important.
|
For makeup artists who dream of becoming "Personal Makeup Artists" for big stars, what is the secret to building such a lasting and successful professional relationship as yours? - Burton: The secret is really just being yourself. Do your homework with research etc and perfect your makeups. Stay on top of your craft and keep learning.
|
|
Listening to Burton LeBlanc is understanding makeup as a language of resistance and truth. His ability to navigate between the biggest action blockbusters and the deepest dramas of our era places him among the current pantheon of designers. Thank you, Burton, for reminding us that every mark and every light on an actor's face is a word in the story we are telling. Your vision continues to be a beacon for all of us who aspire to excellence on set. We invite you to continue exploring Burton's impeccable work on his projects through his social media instagram and Imdb. See you on the next shoot, Makeup Artist.
|
|
