Ghanaian special effects makeup artist Nathaniel Amewugah, also known as Kruz K, has raised concerns about the need for a dedicated industry for the special effects aspects of movies

He said that most film producers face disappointments due to the small number of professionals in the field, noting that they struggle to obtain equipment and products because most of the necessary items are not available in Ghana.

According to Kruz K, the materials are imported from other countries, making them expensive and challenging to obtain, which limits their creativity. Although it is a lucrative business, few people are practicing it." 

“Currently in our country, we’re facing challenges like availability of materials. So, it takes creativity and a lot of thinking because not getting the materials and trying to do stuff like this (referring to a human head he’s created), I now have to blend. Instead of probably using silicon only, I had to use Styrofoam, shape it, and use the silicon to do maybe the facial part because I want more of the details of the person,” he said while speaking on Joy Prime’s Changes show with Roselyn Felli.

The unavailability of materials requires them to put in extra effort to achieve a perfect and successful outcome for their makeup effects.

For this reason, he has taken on the responsibility of holding training sessions and helping others acquire the skills needed to establish the sector. This will enable them to gain support from the government and other industry players. 

“It’s giving me more pressure because now everyone would have to be calling you, and at the end of the day, you’ll disappoint people because you’re stuck on maybe one job. So, that’s why we’re also trying to train and recruit more people. Then we can also get help from bigger companies and even the government because the government can’t come to just you only. Once it’s more like an industry, we can also get help from them.”

However, Kruz K believes he cannot do it singlehandedly. Therefore, he is pleading with his few skilled colleagues to help recruit others to join the effort."

Recently, he held a workshop for interested individuals from September 1st to 5th and plans to hold another session to train more people.

With eight (8) years of experience in the special effects makeup field, Kruz K has worked on several movies, stage plays, and music videos, including Stonebwoy’s ‘Le Gba Gbe’ music video, ‘The Legend of Aku Sika', and ‘The Gods Are Not To Blame’ stage plays directed by George Quaye and many others. 

Special effects makeup is the term used for the team who are applying the pre-made prosthetics or smaller on-skin effects. The makeup can include creating the appearance of things like wounds, scars and wrinkles for ageing effects applied directly onto the skin.

It is one of the crucial aspects of movie production, enhancing the realism of characters, their personalities, and the scenery