A renowned makeup artist and entrepreneur, Apone's passion for film began at a young age. Growing up in Culver City, he would often explore the back lots of MGM and Desilu, sparking his imagination and inspiring a future in the film industry. As a teenager, he started making amateur movies with his friends, further solidifying his interest in filmmaking.
After high school, Apone's career in film development took off. He worked as a production assistant on his first film, followed by stints on independent projects and eventually becoming a field producer with Bill Burrud Productions. He later transitioned into the hobby craft field with Western Trimming, where he honed his skills as a purchasing agent.
Apone's experience in special effects and makeup began to take center stage. He co-produced three projects with Tom Berenger's production company, 1st Corps Endeavors, from 1994 to 1997, including the award-winning mini-series Rough Riders and the feature film An Occasional Hell.
In 1979, Apone opened Makeup & Effects Laboratories (MEL),a special effects makeup facility that has since grown from 500 square feet to over 20,000 square feet. MEL has provided special effects elements on over 145 films and 25 television shows, including recent projects such as Westworld, Divergent, and Captain America: Civil War.
Apone has also founded Mel Products, a specialty makeup line used by film and television productions, as well as makeup effects and Halloween hobbyists worldwide. Throughout his career, he has served as a makeup artist on over 170 films and 150 television episodes, working with notable clients such as Samuel L. Jackson, Dustin Hoffman, and Chris Evans.
A member of the Makeup and Hairstylist Local 706 for over 20 years, Apone has received numerous nominations for his work, including Emmy nominations in 1993, 1994, and 1997, and a nomination from the Hollywood Makeup Artists Guild for his work on Three Kings and Captain America: Winter Soldier.
Apone is also a member of the Television Academy and the Motion Picture Academy, and resides in Newhall, California with his two children.
