Gabe Bartalos is an illustrious figure in the realm of filmmaking, boasting a plethora of skills that have garnered him widespread recognition. As a writer, director, and filmmaker, he has made a lasting impact with his thought-provoking and enigmatic feature films, such as the critically acclaimed "Skinned Deep" (2004) and "Saint Bernard" (2013),which have captivated audiences worldwide with their surreal and mystifying themes.
In addition to his impressive accomplishments in the world of cinema, Bartalos is also a multifaceted musician, having collaborated with an array of talented bands and artists. His impressive musical repertoire includes work with iconic punk rock bands like The Damned, Street Dogs, and The Briggs, as well as critically acclaimed acts such as David Byrne and St. Vincent.
Bartalos' career trajectory was marked by a profound influence on the horror genre, as he collaborated with the esteemed director Frank Henenlotter on a trio of cinematic masterpieces, including the cult classics "Brain Damage" (1988),"Frankenhooker" (1990),and "Basket Case 2" (1990).
In addition to his creative contributions, Bartalos also played a pivotal role as executive producer on Henenlotter's 2008 project, "Bad Biology".
Bartalos, a skilled and accomplished special make-up effects artist, has had the privilege of contributing to a diverse range of projects throughout his illustrious career. One of his most notable collaborations was with the acclaimed artist and filmmaker Matthew Barney, working on his groundbreaking and ambitious project, "The Cremaster Cycle", which spanned over a decade from 1994 to 2002.
In addition to his work on "The Cremaster Cycle", Bartalos also had the opportunity to collaborate with Barney on other notable projects, including the 1998 film "March of the Anal Sadistic Warrior", the 2007 film "De Lama Lamina", and the 2005 film "Drawing Restraint 9". Moreover, Bartalos was also part of the team that brought Barney's vision to life during the 2008 live performance of "Ren" in Los Angeles.
Noted film industry professional, Bartalos, has successfully conceptualized and brought to life an array of captivating special make-up effects in a diverse range of cinematic productions. His extensive portfolio boasts an impressive array of notable films, including the cult classic "Leprechaun" released in 1993, the eerie and suspenseful "Sometimes They Come Back" from 1991, the hauntingly atmospheric "The Hollow" in 2004, the unconventional and humorous "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" in 2012, the poignant and introspective "Jack and Diane" also released in 2012, and the thought-provoking and emotionally charged "The Wound" in 2013.
In addition to his impressive work as a special make-up effects artist, Bartalos has also ventured into the realm of film production, taking on the role of producer for the 2009 release "The Mercy Man".
Beyond his work in the film industry, Bartalos has engaged in various collaborations and projects that showcase his versatility and expertise. One notable example is his partnership with P.E.T.A. on their "Milk Gone Wild!" Super Bowl commercial campaigns, which demonstrate his ability to effectively convey important messages through creative and thought-provoking visuals.
In addition to his work with P.E.T.A., Bartalos has also had the opportunity to work with FX on their "Nip/Tuck" advertising campaigns, creating ultra-realistic stitches that are a testament to his attention to detail and mastery of his craft.
Moreover, Bartalos has collaborated with video artists Doug Aitkens and Omer Fast on projects like "Blow Debris" and "Take a Deep Breath", which showcase his ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of visual storytelling.
Furthermore, Bartalos has also had the pleasure of working with celebrity photographer Mark Seliger on multiple Rolling Stone Magazine photo shoots, featuring subjects such as Marilyn Manson, Johnny Knoxville, and Will Ferrell. These collaborations demonstrate his ability to work effectively with other creatives and bring out the best in his subjects, resulting in captivating and memorable images that leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
Gabe Bartalos is the esteemed owner and operator of Atlantic West Effects, a prestigious full-service special make-up effects production studio that excels in the creation of intricate sculptures, lifelike prosthetics, and cutting-edge animatronics. With an impressive tenure of over 20 years in the industry, Bartalos has garnered a reputation as a virtuoso of his craft, consistently striving to redefine the limits of creativity and innovation in the realm of filmmaking and beyond.
Person biography:
Gabe Bartalos was born and raised in the United States. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the art of special effects, often spending hours watching and re-watching his favorite films, analyzing the intricate details of the make-up and prosthetics. This fascination ultimately led him to pursue a career in the industry, and he began his journey by attending a prestigious film school, where he honed his skills and developed a unique style that would set him apart from his peers.
After completing his studies, Bartalos began his career as a special effects artist, working on various projects, including films, television shows, and commercials. Over the years, he gained valuable experience and built a strong network of industry contacts, which ultimately led to the establishment of his own studio, Atlantic West Effects.
Throughout his career, Bartalos has worked on a wide range of projects, from low-budget independent films to big-budget blockbusters. He has collaborated with some of the most renowned directors and producers in the industry, and has earned a reputation for his attention to detail, creativity, and ability to bring even the most complex concepts to life.
Despite his many successes, Bartalos remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always seeking new ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of special effects. His passion and expertise have made him a respected figure in the industry, and he continues to inspire and influence a new generation of special effects artists.
