INTERVIEW: McKenzie Westmore divides and conquers on ‘Face Off’
Face Off is one of the most successful shows in Syfy history, and it shows no signs of stopping. The competitive reality series will begin airing season 12 Tuesday, June 13 at 9 p.m., and at the center of the action is host McKenzie Westmore.
On the Hollywood makeup show, McKenzie ushers in new candidates, all vying for a top spot in the world of movie special effects. The contestants’ creations over the years have been breathtakingly scary and beautiful, and on the new season, two design shops must compete against each other, hence the subtitle of the season, Divide & Conquer.
McKenzie comes with some impressive pedigree. She is the great-granddaughter of George Westmore and daughter of Michael Westmore, two names that help put her family on the Hollywood map (and on Hollywood Boulevard with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame). Michael Westmore, of course, is the iconic makeup artist responsible for many Star Trek aliens and monsters.
McKenzie acted at the age of 3 in Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull (she played Robert De Niro’s daughter). Her later films and TV shows include Weird Science, Star Trek Voyager and Star Trek: Insurrection.
Recently, McKenzie exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox and gave details on the new season. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans of the show expect in season 12?
This season we really shake things up and show even more real world of not just individual artists but SPFX shops and how they may vie for a job.
What do you think is the secret to Face Off’s continued success?
This isn’t a show about drama or who back stabbed who. There’s plenty of that on TV these days. I feel the success to Face Off is that it’s a positive and a true reality show. It’s about artistry, camaraderie. Also the fact you see a finished piece of incredible art within the hour of the show from start to finish. I love that this has become a family show that all ages can enjoy. I also have to give big credit to Mission Control (Dwight Smith, Michael Agbabian and Derek Atherton) for leading us all to the success the show has become.
Do you believe Hollywood has lost something with more productions using CGI rather than physical makeup and effects?
I do. That tactile realism just isn’t there. I know as an actor it’s far more fun to work with a real fabricated creature as opposed to a green screen with dots all over your body! Lol! I’m seeing fabrication make a comeback though. Even hearing some big directors of movies joke that they hope the makeup team can do things in Face Off time.
Do you have fond memories of growing up around Hollywood sets?
Oh yes! After school I didn’t want to go to the play yard. I loved going to Paramount Studios and watching my dad on set for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Everyone knew me there, and I could just sit for hours in the back of a darkened stage watching everything take place that was being filmed. To this day when I step foot on Paramount, I instantly smile to the great memories my dad and mom gave me!
What’s the best advice you can offer to a new contestant on the show?
Talent is an obvious thing but beyond that kindness, teamwork. It’s very important to remember that the people that can hire you are watching. This show can be your greatest calling card whether you go home first or win; it doesn’t matter. You have an incredible opportunity to showcase your work but more importantly how you go about doing it in a kind helpful manner to all.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Face Off: Divide & Conquer, the show’s 12th season, premieres Tuesday, June 13 at 9 p.m. on Syfy. Click here for more information.
