Mabli Non Jones, an artist from Gerlan Bethesda, Gwynedd, recently shared some exciting behind-the-scenes secrets about her work on the sequel to the cult classic film Beetlejuice in an interview with BBC Radio Cymru. As a mold-maker, Mabli has worked on creating creatures and prosthetics for various film and television projects, including the Star Wars series. She described her surreal experience of working with A-list actors like Winona Ryder, Willem Dafoe, and Danny DeVito, admitting that she sometimes freaks out internally despite maintaining a professional demeanor.
In her role as a mold-maker, Mabli is responsible for creating molds for prosthetics, beasts, aliens, and other creatures. She explained that her job involves lifecasting, where a negative impression of an actor’s body part is created using silicone or alginate, and then molds are made using materials like fibreglass, silicone, or plaster. These molds are then used by other departments for painting, adding hair, and incorporating animatronics into the final product.
Mabli’s passion for working in the film industry dates back to her childhood, where she expressed her desire to create aliens for shows like Doctor Who. After completing a foundation art course at Coleg Menai Bangor, she pursued mold making at the London College of Arts. Her childhood love for Tim Burton films inspired her to work in the industry, and she described the experience of collaborating with the renowned director as a dream come true.
Reflecting on her journey from a young girl with big dreams to a successful artist working on major film projects, Mabli expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had in her career. She emphasized the importance of following one’s passion and highlighted the fulfilling nature of working in a field that she has been passionate about since childhood.
Overall, Mabli’s story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, talent, and a love for one’s craft can lead to exciting opportunities in the world of film and television. Her insights into the intricate process of creating prosthetics and creatures for iconic films like Beetlejuice offer a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic that brings these fantastical worlds to life on the big screen.