Mike Elizalde

Mike Elizalde first became interested in monsters and creature effects as a young child watching films like Universal Studios' Frankenstein and Dracula. Armed with these early inspirations, he put together a portfolio of original makeup designs and, in 1987, joined the world of creature and makeup effects. Mike quickly established his career as a makeup effects designer, sculptor, and as one of the top animatronics engineers in his field. In 1994, Mike and his wife Mary established Spectral Motion, Inc. as a means to serve the film, television, and theme-park industries independently. Their company is now a recognized world leader in makeup and creature effects design, and boasts global installations in major theme-park venues. Mike and his team were nominated for an Academy Award® for their work on Hellboy II: The Golden Army, for which the team also received their second Saturn Award nomination, and first award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Memberships include: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Screen Actors Guild, IATSE Local 706, and The Academy of Magical Arts/Magic Castle.