Here For Blood Concept Art: Spinhead (demonic)

 

My designs for the demonic cult members were meant to transform the actors without obscuring too many of their features. We wanted their performances to be the focus, and shooting constraints didn't allow for heavy prosthetics. I worked closely from photos of the actors, referencing Marqus Bobesich who was cast as Spinhead. His character has several lines, which I needed to consider for any alterations around the mouth. I had been instructed to make it look as though the transformation had been painful, taking inspiration from Event Horizon (1997), The Evil Dead (1981), Hellraiser (1987), and Firefly (2002-2003). 

Spinhead in the storyboards. I had toyed with the idea of a second mouth starting to form in his forehead, suggesting the upside-down mask which he removes. It was a little over-the-top, even for this film.

Marqus Bobesich as Spinhead, as seen in the official trailer for Here For Blood (2022). It's amazing to see a character that I've drawn come to life like this. 

*Source: Toronto After Dark YouTube page. 

With Marqus Bobesich (left) on the set of Here For Blood in 2021. It was great to work with him and to be able to see how much personality he brought to his character.