Film directors searching for fantastical creatures, aging effects and gut-wrenching gore know they can count on Ohio natives Robert Kurtzman and Marcia King. The partners in business are also a husband-and-wife team. Kurtzman’s award-winning makeup special effects have appeared in hundreds of blockbuster films and series including: “Wishmaster,” “Tremors,” “Evil Dead II” and Wes Craven’s “Scream” trilogy. The duo has worked on new classics including Stephen King’s “Gerald’s Game,” as well as “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Doctor Sleep” on Netflix.

Raised in Crestline, Ohio, Robert was set on monster-making from an early age. In 1984, at the age of 19, he moved to Hollywood, contributing to over 500 film and television projects. Marcia (Marcy), who also grew up in Crestline, joined the crew in 2014 as a photographer and an appearance agent, and then under Robert’s tutelage, she earned her first makeup credit just a year later. Together they helm Robert Kurtzman MUFX in Atlanta, and a second company, 222Flix, located in Ohio near family. 

Robert also writes, directs and produces. His work on his film “From Dusk Till Dawn” — where he crafted the original story, served as co-producer, and created the effects — is a standout. “There’s no way I could function without a creative outlet,” he said. “Outside of film, I write, sculpt and paint.” Business, though, is a rollercoaster: “Dry spells followed by gangbusters. Still, I wouldn’t trade it.”

Marcy thrives on the collaboration required by a special effects makeup artist. “I love the coordination between departments — costumes, hair, stunts, props. When everything comes together on screen, it’s a dream come true.” Robert agreed: “Connecting with other creatives who grew up as monster kids like me is one of the best parts.”

The team’s secret to success is professionalism. “We do not want to be the department that holds up production,” said Marcy. “We strive to be the first in and the last out,” Robert added. “In filmmaking, there are a lot of moving parts. If there is an issue on set, we think on our feet and solve the problem.”

Though passionate about the craft, Robert and Marcy acknowledge the shift toward AI and computer graphics has impacted the profession. “Makeup effects as a career won’t vanish, but it will shrink over time,” Robert said. “Even with decades of experience, it’s tough — and tougher still for newcomers.” Marcy added, “You need passion, thick skin and the resilience to go months without work. But it’s so worth it when you get to sit in a theater and watch magic you helped make.”

Did you know…

The visual effects and makeup artists crafts in the movie world include a number of professionals with Ohio connections. Here are a few of them and just some examples of their work:

• John Andrew Berton Jr. from Ada in Hardin County. Visual effects, director, “The Mummy” (1999), “The Mummy Returns” (2001), “Men in Black II” (2002).
• Brian Demski from Crestine in Crawford, County. Makeup department, special effects, “Battle: Los Angeles” (2011), “Ra.One” (2011), “The Avengers” (2012).
• Katie Hooten from Columbus in Franklin County. Visual effects, “Spider-Man Homecoming” (2017), “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), “Alien: Romulus” (2024), “Dune: Part 2” (2024).
• Steven Hubbard from Cleveland in Cuyahoga County. Visual effects, “R.I.P.D.” (2013), “Allegiant” (2016).
• Kayla Lane from Elida in Allen County. Visual effects production assistant/coordinator, “The Irishman” (2019), “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (2023).