“Face Off” is back! I may not be able to say that as charismatically as soap opera star and host McKenzie Westmore, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less excited for the hit SyFy series that showcases amazingly talented special effects artists. “Face Off” first hit viewers in 2011 and now in 2015 it is returning with season eight. As a way to spruce things up a bit, executives behind the show have brought back three former champions to guide teams of five on their journey to become this season’s best of the best. Despite having the champions return, this season is still all about the contestants.
So, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Logan Long, one of the fifteen competitors who you’ll see on SyFy when “Face Off” returns on January 13, 2015. He seems like a really down to Earth guy and has a calm confidence about him, and more importantly – as you will read – Logan stands to lose a lot if he doesn’t become the next big name in make-up magic. In my interview with Mr. Long, you’ll get to read about his life before special effects, his thoughts on the upcoming season of “Face Off,” and more. Afterward, I think you’ll be routing him on just as much as I am!
HS: I read that you were in the National Guard for nine years. What was life like for you before you took up the craft of special effects?
LL: I’ve always appreciated the art of special effects, but chose to pursue a career as a pilot. I spent nine years in the California Air National Guard with these aspirations. It was the sole reason I went to college and achieved my private pilot license. After seven pilot interviews, I decided I was no longer moldable (pun?) and was not a good fit for the military. It was a tough decision, but I finally feel free of stagnation and am eagerly chasing a career in this industry.
HS: When you decided that special effects was definitely something that interested you, how did you get started with pursuing the dream?
LL: I started by making a Halloween mask. The process from sculpting to painting grabbed my interest ‘hook, line, and sinker.’ I knew I had a hand for sculpting and painting, but I was still not sure how to best apply these skills. I’ve been a fan of creatures in films for as long as I can remember, and I am now able to contribute.
HS: Who inspires you the most as an artist and creator?
LL: Classically I draw inspiration from Salvidor Dali, Frantisek Kupka, and Ralph Steadman. Currently I pull inspiration from H.R. Giger, Clive Barker, Steve Wang, Chet Zar, Adrian Smith, Eric Lacombe, and Peter Gric…to name a few!
HS: Had you worked on any film/television productions previous to appearing on national television?
LL: Probably not any productions that anybody would know about yet, but I was the production designer on my brother’s recent feature film, Point B.
HS: Had you auditioned for “Face Off” in the past or was season eight your first shot?
LL: I auditioned for seasons six and seven as well as eight.
HS: What was your first reaction when you found out you were chosen as cast this year?
LL: A combination of excitement and relief. There are those in the industry that talk a lot of trash on the show and those that choose to try out. Those opinions begin to wear a guy down, and it was especially annoying to hear it when I was failing to get on the show. So, to be accepted was to have an allegiance to the pro “Face Off” community.
HS: Why do you think that the pro-“Face Off” community gravitates to the show so much?
LL: “Face Off” is a unique show, in that it places very low value in the “drama” that reality TV is historically known for. The audience wants to see cool shit, not cry babies.
HS: What is one quality you possess that makes you a competitor to watch out for on the show?
LL: I’ve thrown away a promising career as a pilot for a chance at the life of an artist. I’ve everything to lose.
HS: For long time viewers of “Face Off,” such as myself, fans want to know why they should tune in for this new season after eight years? What makes it stand out?
LL: This season is designed for the long time viewer. I can’t say why, but I think you guys will dig it. Rick Baker kicks the season off as the first guest judge. If that doesn’t excite you, you’re watching the wrong show!
Make sure you tune in for the premiere episode of season eight of “Face Off,” Tuesday, January 13, 2015 to see Logan, the judges, the champions, and all the kick ass character designs that’ll be brought to life! You can find more of Logan Long’s work samples, links to merchandise he offers, services he offers, and more at his official website www.LoganLongCW.com. To chat and to get updates, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
