¡Saint Primo! Presents - Behind the Brush: How makeup artists shape stories, transform actors, and build lasting careers in film.
Friday May 16th at PDC Center, Rm 1406
2:00pm – 3:15pm
The Panel
PRESENTER
James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez is the visionary founder of ¡Saint Primo!, a nonprofit media organization dedicated to elevating, celebrating, and empowering Latino filmmakers. With over a decade of experience as a Producer and Head of Production at Onion Creek Productions, James has led countless commercial, music video, and film projects from concept to completion, earning a reputation for his creative leadership, sharp instincts, and ability to bring stories to life with authenticity and heart.
A proud advocate for representation, James launched ¡Saint Primo! with a mission to create space for emerging Latino voices in film and media. His passion lies in mentoring new talent, building community-driven programs, and developing a streaming network, Grito!, that centers culturally rich and unapologetically Latino programming.
James is committed to reshaping the narrative, ensuring Latinos are not only seen but heard—both in front of and behind the camera.
MODERATOR
Anna Fugate-Downs
Anna Fugate-Downs is a makeup designer, special effects artist, and wig maker based in Austin, TX. She was born and raised in Corpus Christi – home of Selena and Whataburger! Anna attended the University of Texas at Austin and the Vancouver Film School, completing their respective Makeup Design programs. She became a member of the film union (I.A.T.S.E.) in 2015 and has been working in television, film, theatre, commercials, cosplay, and content creation ever since. Anna has also been an adjunct professor of makeup design at St. Edward’s University, and is the Hair and Makeup Design for Zach Theatre in Austin. She lives outside of Austin with her beloved husband, Ash, and their pack of pets. You can see Anna’s work in movies like The Long Game, the upcoming Iron Lung – or in series like Fear the Walking Dead, Heist with Markiplier, or the Emmy-nomincated In Space with Markiplier.
Joe Rivera
Joe Rivera was born in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila Mexico.
At the age of 14 his parents moved the family to Clute, Texas a very small town next to Lake Jackson, Texas….
Joe decided to go to Texas State (then SWT) in San Marcos, Texas and got a degree in Interior Design, After waiting tables to make a living, Joe got an offer to come to work in Austin, eventually finding himself in filmmaking. Joe tried acting, but realized it wasn’t for him. But one day while acting he talked to the makeup/ hair stylist about how they got the job and they simply said “we went to beauty school”.
So armed with an idea and a background that included growing up with 5 sisters(with 3 of them working in a salon) Joe decided to move in with his sisters and learn all about hair, makeup,and nails.
While doing that, a friend called me and he was doing a small film and needed help with hair so Joe decided to help him and that was his first film experience. He started doing research and Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater, and Mike Judge were the directors shooting stuff in Austin so he decided to try to get a job with Robert Rodriguez, but there was a long list of people trying to get in to work for him
But as fortune should have it, while waiting tables his makeup artist came in to eat at the restaurant that Joe was working at, so he told him that I was trying to work in the movies. The make up artists took Joe’s number and left. A few months later he called me and asked if Joe was available to help on some movie re-shoots, so he went to help him and that film ended up being “Once upon a time in Mexico” with Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. Work on ‘Spy kids 3” “The alamo” “Sin city’, ‘Sin city 2”, ‘Machete’, ‘The lying game”, ‘Predators’, ‘Tekken’, Sordid lives”, ‘All the boys love Mandy Lane” and more followed.
After opportunities including working with Quentin Tarrantino and Robert on the movies “Planet terror” and, “Death proof” Joe mostly does commercials and tv shows these days.
Cris E. Vera
Introducing Cris E Vera, the Pro Makeup Artist whose passion for beauty has been shining since 2016. Born in Austin, Texas, and nurtured in the rich cultivating deep South Texas, Cris has always been inspired by the beauty around her. Her artistic journey has led her to mentor under and alongside the legendary Candice Johnson-Hernandez in Tennessee and Georgia, where she refined her skills and developed her unique style. With a portfolio that includes the glamour of New York Fashion Week and the creativity of photoshoots, commercials, full features and short films, Cris specializes in makeup, camera ready hair, special effects, and nails, making her a versatile asset in the industry. She prides herself on her ability to connect with clients and talents of all ages and ethnicities, ensuring everyone feels beautiful and confident. Always eager to learn and grow, Cris E Vera is on an exciting journey that’s just beginning—stay tuned for her next masterpiece! Written by — Creative House @ The Foxhole
Lainie Garcia
Lainie Garcia is a self-taught makeup artist specializing in beauty, editorial, and special effects for TV, film, photo shoots, music videos, commercials, and much more. A proud Latina from a small town, Lainie moved to Austin 13 years ago to pursue her passion. Her journey began in 2012, learning from various artists and working her way up through retail cosmetics. In 2019, she made the bold decision to branch out on her own, expanding her skills and clientele. By 2021, Lainie’s passion for TV and film makeup led her to the industry, where she has worked on numerous indie films and feature projects over the past four years. As of December 2024, she officially transitioned to full-time makeup artistry, dedicating herself to creating stunning, transformative looks for every project. Lainie’s love for TV and film makeup is unmatched—she thrives on the opportunity to bring others’ creative visions to life and to contribute to the storytelling process.
To attend this panel, please purchase a Conference Badge.