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AWARD-WINNING PROSTHETICS DESIGNER NEILL GORTON

ONLINE & IN PERSON SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP & PROSTHETICS COURSES

BROWSE ONLINE COURSES MASTER'S DEGREE
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PROSTHETICS COURSES AND CONSULTATIONS WITH A MASTER OF THE CRAFT

Gorton Studio is Europe’s original prosthetics and special makeup effects school. Founded in 2003 by multiple BAFTA and RTS award winner Neill Gorton, it has been at the forefront of teaching the subject ever since.

We offer comprehensive online courses for all skill levels, deliver a master’s degree in partnership with Falmouth University, provide online learning and research content for colleges and universities, and consult on their curricula, materials, and equipment.

EXPLORE ONLINE COURSES

REACH YOUR GOALS IN PROSTHETICS AND MAKEUP EFFECTS

gorton studio online prosthetics courses

ONLINE COURSES

Suitable for all skill levels, each course comprises step-by-step lessons with Neill Gorton that are available on demand so you can learn at your own pace.

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Gorton studio prosthetics masters degree

MASTER'S DEGREE

A one-year course at Falmouth University teaching a hybrid skillset of traditional and digital techniques that’s in demand in today’s film industry.

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prosthetics magazine

MAGAZINE

A collection of 23 superbly designed magazines full of authentic industry insight, tutorials, and features, for everyone who’s passionate about prosthetics.

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ABOUT NEILL GORTON

Neill is a multi award-winning prosthetics designer with a long, prestigious film industry career that began in Hollywood in 1987. He is CEO of Millennium FX, one of Europe’s largest and most successful screen prosthetics companies, and is probably best known for heading up the prosthetics and makeup effects for most episodes of Doctor Who since its relaunch in 2005.

Also internationally renowned for his teaching, Neill is currently a business partner and lecturer on MA Prosthetic Effects at Falmouth University, a visiting professor of SFX at the University of Bolton, where he also holds an honorary doctorate, and an honorary fellow of AUB (Arts University Bournemouth).

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POPULAR ONLINE COURSES

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ADVICE FROM NEILL

PROSTHETICS AS A SECOND CAREER

Lots of people come into the industry later in life and often bring other valuable skills with them from their former careers, so with talent, training, and commitment, a change of direction into prosthetics is possible.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL SKILLS IN PROSTHETICS

Currently digital skills are not essential, but the increasing crossover between digital and traditional techniques means having skills in both mediums makes you a more versatile technician. Digital skills are valuable to employers, and there are already more opportunities for artists who have them.

FOCUS YOUR LEARNING

Having advanced skills in one area is beneficial in the workplace. Every department needs specialists, so if you’re interested in a particular subject, prioritise developing the skills to excel in that. For example, highly skilled mould makers and sculptors are always in demand.

WHAT TO SHOW IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

Populate your portfolio with detailed, clear photos of your work. Not just finished pieces, but pictures of the process – designs, sculptures, and moulds – presented cleanly in a way potential employers can see and evaluate.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are no set rates and many variables that affect artists’ pay. Rates vary widely according to skills, experience, and level of responsibility, as well as the size of the production and which country it’s in. There also tend to be different rates for workshop and on-set work.

Neill has loads of advice for beginners covering everything from techniques to practice at home and which school exam subjects to choose, to whether YouTube tutorials are a reliable learning resource, and how to gain valuable experience.

No, but having a qualification proves that you’ve studied properly, preferably under experienced, knowledgeable teachers. This means you’re more likely to understand the industry, and graduating from a reputable course can give you credibility with potential employers.

If you’re getting something from it and not losing money then yes. A student film where nobody on the crew is getting paid for example is ok, but if others are being paid when you’re not, that’s exploitation. As a minimum, all out of pocket expense such as materials and travel should be covered.

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT

We’ve worked with colleges and universities for 25+ years, helping them design and deliver industry-aware courses that teach the skills required by today’s employers, and providing online learning content directly to their learners and staff.

Advances in technology are changing prosthetics practice. Digital techniques are now a significant part of the workflow in most professional workshops, and it’s essential that education mirrors these developments. Having devised the first course in Europe to teach prosthetics as a hybrid subject comprising traditional and digital skills (MA Prosthetic Effects at Falmouth University), Neill is uniquely placed to advise on future-proofing courses by integrating the teaching of digital subjects into existing curricula.

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prosthetics tools

SUPPORTING EDUCATION PROVIDERS FOR 20+ YEARS

Our education sector clients include these institutions, plus many more.

AN INSIGHT INTO THE GORTON STUDIO EXPERIENCE

GALLERY OF WORK
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND CUSTOMERS SAY

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

ONLINE COURSES

“I am definitely very happy with my subscription and grateful to have easy access to online affordable learning. The videos are super clear, easy to understand, great camera angles, we can see in detail what is being done, and your explanations cover all your hand moves and great hints. And the download transcripts are brilliant and to be able to print them and go back to them whenever needed. These videos and transcripts are excellent.”

PROSTHETICS MAGAZINE

“It’s the single best publication that focuses on prosthetic makeup. Every issue is a knockout.”

MASTER’S DEGREE

“I wanted to thank you for all the support and help throughout this amazing academic year. The immense amount of knowledge I gathered this year is unparalleled and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

“SFX pioneers don’t come more experienced or diverse than Neill Gorton. Not only is his experience in the SFX industry as comprehensive as it gets, but his clear passion for sharing his experience, talent and common-sense approach is a rare and gracious one.”

DICK SMITH: THE GODFATHER OF MAKEUP

“If you haven’t already ordered it do so now and quickly. The complete history in text, photo and anecdote of one of the greatest Makeup Artists to ever live. A Superlative work.”

ONLINE COURSES

“All my prosthetics skills and knowledge are due to the Gorton Studio Online Courses. They were so resourceful…my skills have improved a lot, which has strengthened my work portfolio, and I am getting hired on great projects. All credit to Neill Gorton and the knowledge he has shared in his online classes.”

PROSTHETICS MAGAZINE

“Best mag on earth!”

MASTER’S DEGREE

“Brad and Neill, I wanted to let you both know that you have absolutely changed my life – coming onto this course was the best decision I’ve ever made. You have both been an endless source of inspiration throughout the year, while de-mystifying processes I never thought I would learn… my brain has exploded with new ideas, and I feel like I finally have direction. I am a huge advocate of you both & the course and your work. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

ONLINE COURSES

“I have recently purchased access to your online courses. I wish to thank you for providing these videos. These have been the best I have seen online and are such an asset to me and fantastic value. I’ve never reached out to an online provider to compliment them, so this just shows how impressed I am!”

PROSTHETICS MAGAZINE

“A must read. Best magazine in the trade, hands down!”

MASTER’S DEGREE

“Neill and Brad, I have just been reflecting upon the last year and how amazing the opportunity to study with you was…thank you. It has been a pleasure to have studied under you, and I have taken away so much from the year. Both of you were fantastic tutors, and always so patient!”

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

“Neill Gorton and his amazing team came up with a prosthetics module for us and the students always engage with every aspect of it. Gorton Studio instils the highest technical, creative and professional standards.”

DICK SMITH: THE GODFATHER OF MAKEUP

“No one has contributed more to the art of movie makeup and makeup effects than the Godfather of makeup Dick Smith. This book takes an in depth look at his career, his extensive technical innovations, and why he still inspires generations of professional makeup artists all over the world. For anyone interested in movie makeup this book is a must have.”

ONLINE COURSES

“These courses are fantastic! For someone who is new to prosthetics Neill provides a clear path from idea to final product. It’s great to have online prosthetics courses based in the UK, as the materials are far easier to obtain.”

PROSTHETICS MAGAZINE

“This magazine is beyond what I hoped it would include, from hints and tips to life stories.”

MASTER’S DEGREE

“Coming onto the Prosthetics MA has been a really positive experience, it’s allowed me to refocus my career prospects towards something I’ve always wanted to get into! My best takeaways from the course are the friends and connections I have made and learned from throughout the year and hope to work with in the future in industry.”

ONLINE COURSES

“Love the new service Neill!!! I’ve been watching the online lessons and like your magazine articles, I learn more each time I watch and read. Greetings from the USA.”

PROSTHETICS MAGAZINE

“Love this magazine, it has many helpful articles and tutorials!”

MASTER’S DEGREE

“My time on the MA Prosthetic Effects course was fantastic, and throughout the year and its three projects I was able to build a diverse portfolio and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the effects industry. Coming from BA(Hons) Film, the course and its tutors enabled me to turn my interests into reality and gave me the confidence I needed to achieve my personal and academic goals. I would recommend the course to anyone who would like to do the same.”

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

“Neill is an outstanding teacher; he took us through the important areas we needed to know about, including the importance of understating the materials. He is a fountain of knowledge and gave us so many tips on all aspects of the industry. He really built our confidence and gave us an excellent foundation to work from.”

DICK SMITH: THE GODFATHER OF MAKEUP

“Outstanding service, great book, highly recommend.”