BEHIND-THE-SCENES : TUVOK'S VULCAN EARS

Pictures showing Tim Russ in make-up for Vulcan ears.

(Kate Mulgrew and) Tim Russ descend from the make-up trailer

the finished result:

The following information describes the application by Fred Philips, make-up artists, of Vulcan ears to Leonard Nimoy for his role as Spock in [TOS], and comes from Poe writing as Stephen E. Whitfield in his book co-written with Gene Roddenberry 'The Making Of Star Trek' about [TOS]. The book's author accepted Philips' invitation to sit in on the make-up session. This was about 1966 (possibly 24th May 1966 which I infer from the source 'Star Trek: Aliens & Artifacts' which provides a much abbreviated version, though there are one or two discrepancies e.g. as to time of day). Techniques have probably moved on since then, but it gives an idea, as well as information about the use of make-up generally (e.g. for a three-dimensional effect).

The foam rubber ears go on first. Since the ears have been made from molds of Leonard's own ears, there is no problem with the basic fit. Working very slowly and very carefully, Fred adjusts the position of the rubber ears over Leonard's own ears, making sure they are "seated" properly. Then, working with spirit gum as an adhesive, Fred Philips begins the delicate operation of joing the wafer-thin edge of the false ear to Leonard's own ear. This is a critical part of the operation. No line of joint must show. The camera would pick up and and record it immediately.

Working first on one car and then on the other, Fred gradually smoothes out the thin edge of the foam rubber until it fits perfectly. Next, he places a small piece of double-faced tape behind Leonard's right ear and presses it against the side of his head, below the hairline. He then removes the tape, leaving a thin film of adhesive. The ear is pressed against this adhesive, which holds the ear flat against the side of Leonard's head. The same process is repeated for his left ear.

After this step is completed, yellowish body makeup is applied to the exposed areas behind the ears, as well as all skin surfaces surfaces inside the ears.

By now it is about 7:00 A.M. Charlic Washburn (at the time, an apprentice assistant director) comes in and Leonard orders breakfast: orange juice, grapefruit, and an egg sandwich. Charlie departs for the studio commissary. A few minutes later De Forest Kelley comes in and sits in one of the vacant barber chairs. Three actors are now being made up simultaneously. There is the normal amount of banter back and forth. Fred, meanwhile, continues to apply Spock's makeup.

He carefully shaves the eyebrows, removing the upper half on each side. This leaves a small tuft of hair on either side of bridge of Leonard's nose. With an eyebrow pencil, Fred begins at the eyebrow tuft and draws in a line that swings outward and upward. This becomes the base line for Mr. Spock's slanted eyebrows. Spirit gum is carefully applied over is carefully applied over the eyebrow pencil line. Fred brings out a long strand of hair (yak - from the belly) and starting at the outer, upper point of the eyebrow, he presses an eighth of an inch of hair on at one time, cutting it off from the long strand as it sticks to the spirit gum. Working downward, he repeats this process until the line of hair joins the eyebrow tuft. This procedure is repeated for the other eyebrow.

The wardrobe man (key costumer) comes in and asks Leonard if he's had his new shirt fitted yet. Leonard says no. The wardrobe man says he will leave the shirt in Leonard's dressing room and departs. The new eyebrows are trimmed with scissors and straightened with a comb. Fred touches up the edges with an eyebrow pencil

Next, the face and neck are covered with a base coat of makeup. This provides the basic color to the face. Highlights and shadows are then worked in around the eyes, chin, nose and cheekbones. This is necessary in order to give the appearance of a third dimension, since the camera sees flat. Finally, a coat of powder is applied all over the face. This sets the makeup in position and prevents it from shifting due to action of body oils and the effect of the hot lights on the set.

George Takei comes in. It is now seven-thirty. Coffee is brought in by a makeup assistant Lemard's hair is combed forward, the bangs are straightened and smoothed. Fred applies a good coat of hair spray to hold the hair in place.

Leonard's breakfast arrives. He eats while Fred applies the finishing touches to his makeup.

Kelley is now applymg the finishing touches to his own makeup. I think to myself how strange it looks to see a man using a hand mirror and an eyelash curler.

Leonard says, "Okay." Fred replies, "I'm ready." Leonard stands up and leans in close to the wall mirror to examine the mak-eup job closely under the strong lights. He spots a defect on one ear and sits down again in the chair. In moments Fred has the problem corrected. Leonard gets up from the chair again and eats the rest of his egg sandwich. He walks out, saying he'll be back. It's been one hour and fifteen minutes.