Born and raised in Pittsburgh, the special effects artist known solely as “Benzy” has established himself as one of the region’s top industry professionals. Since graduating from Tom Savini’s Special Make-up Effects Program at Douglas Education Center (DEC) in 2004, Benzy has added his unique...
Melanie Licata Tom Savini Special Make-Up Effects Program Graduate – January 2015 If you’ve been following SyFy Channel’s Face Off then you know Melanie (Mel) Licata. She’s one of our favorites this season and we've thoroughly enjoyed watching her this season! Mel attended Douglas Education Center (“DEC”) in the...
Douglas Education Center Student Matters Brittany Fontaine Tom Savini Special Make-Up Effects Program Graduate - September 2011 Dorian’s Fantasy Art Program Graduate - May 2012 [caption id="attachment_4014" align="alignright" width="300"] Brittany Fontaine[/caption] Have you seen Suicide Squad? How about Deadpool? Surely you’ve seen the American epic fantasy war film 300: Rise of...
2015 was quite a year for Douglas Education Center graduate Jason Baker. He had his creative hand in so many projects that the list seems never ending. From editing movies, touring with a rock band, and producing a movie, he has been so busy, but...
On Tuesday, October 27, 2015 students, faculty, staff, and members of the community gathered at Douglas Education Center to wind down season 9 of SyFy channel television show Face Off. The finale ended with 3 short films which included creatures made by each contestant to...
Recently 2nd semester Tom Savini Special Make-up Effects student Allyson Mae had the opportunity to work on the set of a See No Evil Pictures production of their Indie pilot titled “Ad Astra”. Ali arrived on scene ready to do make-up but also ended...
On Tuesday, July 22, State Secretary of Labor and Industry Kathy Manderino visited Douglas Education Center. Her visit focused on what DEC offers to our students while in school, as well as after. “Really what I am interested in how are career and technical schools...
From DEC graduate to reality star, Tyler Green unleashed his passion and creativity in special make-up effects, finishing second in the SyFy channel's breakout reality competition series, Face Off. Face Off showcases some of the best special make-up effects talent in the country. Competitors prove they’ve got the skills to...
DEC welcomed State Senator Tim Solobay to campus. The senator met and interviewed with students from Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program, including Alexandra Ley, Matthew Stahura, and Ricky Brennan. Tom Savini also stopped in! Special thanks to students Matthew, Ricky and Alexandra who were...
DAY 1 The first meeting was terrifying for me. Being in a large group, despite knowing everyone in the room, made me quite uneasy. At first I felt unsure of my abilities, which always seems to be the case when a person’s skills are put to...
