Karina Espinoza
She is the Art and Makeup Direction in Albert Hamilton‘s Fletcher Dollar Baby film.
SKSM: Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Karina Espinoza: Hello to all Stephen King fans! My name is Karina Espinoza and I live in the southern city of Punta Arenas, in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica region.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Fletcher Dollar Baby film?
Karina Espinoza: Well, I have supported Albert Hamilton’s Productions since the days of his production company Digital Films, now Hamilton’s Films, since we met over 25 years ago. So Fletcher was no exception.
SKSM: On this film you worked as a production assistant and makeup designer. How was that? Is this something you want to delve deeper into in the film industry?
Karina Espinoza: This project required strong support in production, but makeup would be an additional challenge. The experiences in production and makeup have been very enriching, and I am interested in perfecting my skills in this area every time I can participate in audiovisual fiction productions.
SKSM: What was the most difficult part of your job and what did you feel most comfortable with?
Karina Espinoza: Our main character required special care in terms of continuity, with the handling of his wounds, blood and clothes being especially difficult. In fact, he had three identical changes of clothes. The wound on his knuckle caused by the electricity was made of a material that lasted only a short time and we had to be careful with that. It was very comfortable working with the whole team, actually. I liked deforming the face of Ramón’s character, but in the end one is always left with certain dissatisfactions that are not bad, they only drive you to improve much more for the next occasion.
SKSM: How do you start a project? Is it based on anything in particular?
Karina Espinoza: First I read the final script, I keep an eye on any changes that occur, I meet the actors, I check the sets, I go to the location. I like to plan logistical details such as transfers, work spaces, delay times, try things out as far in advance as possible and do test make-ups. I do my own designs, but I also look for similar scenes to visualise shapes, textures, appearances, etc.
SKSM: What standards should a makeup artist take into account in the professional sector?
Karina Espinoza: In my opinion, hygiene and sanitary care come first. For example, I find out from each actor if they suffer from any kind of allergy and I ask them to do tests well before filming to ensure that they do not have any kind of problem that could cause them any inconvenience and delay in shooting. For me, hygiene and care of the eyes, nostrils, mouth and ears are essential. Each element that is going to be used must be known in detail. I always try to have a place as professional as possible, good dressing rooms, light, mirrors, work space, quality toilets, this makes a basic difference and comfort for the team.
SKSM: You worked with Albert Hamilton on this film, how was that?
Karina Espinoza: Well, we have been married for 24 years and we have worked not only in our family, but also in different audiovisual projects. I could mention that over the years he tries to create pleasant work spaces for everyone. I think and see that he is very concerned that everyone feels comfortable within the work team. He listens to suggestions and makes the entire team participate in all stages of production. I would say that with age he is very democratic (hahaha). People believe in him a lot and support him. I think he knows this, and he always hopes that in the end everyone feels proud of what they did.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Karina Espinoza: I remember that our protagonist was being given a type of blood that is only for external use, but should not be used for lips or nose. I had the right type of blood in another container, but he was so excited to go out on the set that day that he took one of my syringes of blood, and while he was putting a huge amount on his nose, he said to me: “Put more, so I can see more blood! There it is, what do you think now?” A few seconds later he discovered that it was not the most suitable blood for his nose. Well, when he went out on the set, his eyes were even irritated. It was between us, but Albert, seeing him arrive on the set, said: “Hey, what a good makeup! Excellent eyes.” (hahahaha). On another occasion, I had to try a makeup of a cigarette in the eye socket, my model was the director who enthusiastically lent his face for the tests, his patience was not the same as the actors. Clearly that test was not useful and another one was chosen. We had many moments like that. This happens when the team is very good, with very nice people to get along with.
SKSM: How do you communicate with the director to carry out your work?
Karina Espinoza: I just yell at him. (hahaha) No. Seriously, we have excellent communication, I usually call him when everything is ready to find out if it is what I had in mind, and if everything is ok, he will be recording it shortly. That’s how he is, it’s hard to keep up with him, he works very fast and does many takes each day.
SKSM: What did you think of the film adaptation? Are you happy with the final result or would you have done something differently?
Karina Espinoza: We are very satisfied with the result, because no one knows better than us how things were done. Obviously, we are critical enough with ourselves to know what things we need to improve. This is the most motivating thing. We always have new challenges for the next one. There is always something that I don’t like so much, and I say, “why didn’t I do it in a better way?” or “what was I thinking?” Well, that is the beauty of audiovisual art, we are not perfect, but we enjoy making films, because it allows us to surpass ourselves.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Karina Espinoza: Yes, we are all fans at home. We recently watched the adaptation of The Outsider as a family, and we loved it.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Karina Espinoza: Preparing some designs to improve bullet wounds and blood types for future projects.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Karina Espinoza: I am like many people in the world. To develop our art we work in completely different areas and outside of working hours, or sacrificing time for other things, in this case we venture into audiovisual production. In my particular case, I have had an online travel agency for several years, my other great professional passion.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Karina Espinoza: Some time ago on an Internet platform, I was watching an old Stephen King interview where he mentioned something like we are united in words and literature, and in that sense we are family. I also share that idea, we do not have to know each other, but we share ideas and reflect on various themes that our favorite writer has said. We hope that our adaptation is well received by fans from all over the world.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Karina Espinoza: I would like to thank Mr. King for the opportunity he gave us, for encouraging us to never lose our imagination, for inviting us to dream and be part of his wonderful world, from our small, southern city at the end of the world. Thank you very much!
