Olivia Louise Curto
Film Director and SFX Makeup Artist
Olivia Louise Curto is a director and special effects makeup artist based between Ireland and Italy, working primarily from Milan and Dublin, and available for projects internationally.
Her work centres on visual storytelling with a strong emphasis on tone, performance, and intention.
Across narrative film, branded content, and editorial projects, she focuses on creating cohesive visual worlds that are precise, considered, and purposeful.
With experience both behind the camera and within the makeup and effects department, Olivia brings a multidisciplinary and production-aware approach to her work.
She is highly effective across a wide range of production contexts and particularly adept in low-budget or fast-paced environments, where adaptability, clear communication, and problem-solving are essential.
Alongside her production work, Olivia leads
special effects makeup and filmmaking workshops, introducing participants to the fundamentals of practical effects, visual storytelling, and on-set thinking. Her workshops emphasise process, hands-on experimentation, and a clear understanding of how creative ideas translate into finished images.
Her practice is shaped by collaboration and trust on set, and she values projects where visual identity and storytelling are approached with care and precision.
Olivia regularly works with international teams and is open to travelling for projects across Europe and beyond.
She is available for direction, creative direction, special effects makeup, and workshops across film, commercial, editorial, and branded productions.
Recognition & Screenings
Film — Direction
My Way
(2025)
- Recognised and used as a resource by the Discalculia Network
- Selected for the Hot House Programme
- Broadcast on RTÉ
- World Premiere, Dublin International Film Festival
- Finalist, Waterford International Film Festival
- Official Selection, All American High School Film Festival
- Showcased at AMC Empire 25 Theatre, New York City
- Screened in primary schools across Ireland as part of educational programmes
CrossWind
(2025)
- Award Winner, Florence Film Awards
- Official Selection, All American High School Film Festival
- Nominated, Fresh Film Festival
- Showcased at the AMC Empire 25 Theatre in New York City.
- Showcased at AMC Empire 25 Theatre, New York City
- Selected and used by Fondazione Libera Schola within youth educational programmes, supporting discussion around critical thinking and future-oriented themes
Freequencies
(2024)
- 2nd Place, Young Filmmaker of the Year Fresh Film Festival (Ireland)
- Best Direction, REC Youth Film Festival
- Finalist, Student Los Angeles Film Awards
- Officially selected for the All American High School Film Festival.
- showcased at the AMC Empire 25 Theatre in New York City.
- Recognised and used by EHS awareness networks as a resource to support discussion and understanding of the topic
Reality Check
(2024)
- Winner, Galway City of Film – 48 Hour Challenge
- Official Selection, Galway Film Fleadh
Love Struck
(2025)
- Best Makeup Award, Galway City of Film – 48 Hour Challenge
- Best Writing Award, Galway City of Film – 48 Hour Challenge
Special Effects Makeup
Olivia works as a special effects makeup artist alongside her directing practice, with a focus on practical effects for film, editorial, and narrative-driven projects.
With over seven years of hands-on experience in special effects makeup, her practice is grounded in long-term experimentation, training, and on-set work. This experience informs a practical, production-aware approach to SFX.
Her work is rooted in storytelling and realism. She uses makeup and prosthetics as tools to support performance, tone, and visual continuity, rather than as standalone spectacle.
This perspective comes from working closely across departments on set and understanding how makeup interacts with lighting, camera, and movement.
She is available for special effects makeup and workshops across film, commercial, editorial, branded campaigns, and live projects.
Awards & Recognition
- Special Mention for The Banshees — EFFECTUS Event, Rome (2024)
(Awarded by Mark Coulier, Oscar-winning SFX artist) - Best SFX Makeup Creation — EFFECTUS Event, Rome (2023)
Selected SFX Credits
- Shackled (2024)
Special Effects Makeup Department - Reality Check (2024)
Head Special Effects Makeup - Historical DocuSeries Belgium (2025) Special Effects Makeup (Creation of period-accurate wounds and injuries for fallen soldiers)
Workshops & Live Demos
- Delivered special effects makeup workshops internationally
- Presented live SFX demos as part of festivals, workshops, and public programmes
- Workshops focused on practical effects, materials, and real-time application in production contexts
- Editorial and concept-driven SFX looks
Recognition & Mentions
From festivals, institutions, cultural programmes and press
“A talented young filmmaker from Leitrim making her mark on the Irish film scene, exploring learning disabilities through cinema with sensitivity, imagination, and emotional depth.”
“A remarkable achievement at Fresh Film Ireland, placing her among the country’s most promising young filmmakers.”
"An experience-driven film that reframes dyscalculia, learning, and intelligence through empathy and imagination.”
“A sold-out, highly engaged SFX workshop at The Dock Arts Centre, combining technical skill, creative confidence, and industry-level techniques for young creatives.”
Let’s Connect
Contattaci
Contact & Socials
