How do you create the ultimate horror movie mask?
That really did drive a lot of my determination to make something iconic.
The development of the mask was a whole complex process."
The Black Phone.Universal Pictures
Derrickson and executive producer Ryan Turek approached five different companies to come up with the concepts for the mask.
“Out of the blue we got a message from Ryan Turek, the producer,” says Baker.
We need some creepy masks for a movie and would you guys be interested?'
Tom Savini.Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
“It was the hockey mask from Jason, it was the vampire fromSalem’s Lot.
So [Derrickson and Turek] probably saw that.”
Savini came up with an initial design for the mask, which met with approval.
The Black Phone.Universal Pictures
“He’s Tom Savini, you know.
[Laughs] I thought we would get something more unique from someone younger.
It’s the old legend that still delivers.
The only reference I gave him wasThe Man Who Laughs, for the smile mask.
Other than that, I didn’t really have any reference.
He came back pretty quickly with a sketch that’s basically the mask that you see onscreen.
As soon as I saw it, I went, ‘My God, that’s it.'”
Savini further refined the concept in collaboration with Derrickson.
“We would send sketches to Scott and he would make suggestions,” says Savini.
“Jason took over and actually physicalized the looks of the mask.
He wound up dealing with Scott after I gave up the designs.
I did my thing and then [Jason] had to deal with the creation.”
“Ethan is so sweet and accommodating.
I show up and Ethan’s got, like, a soy latte and a vegan muffin for me.
It’s broad daylight and he’s doing little maneuvers and whispering and talking.
I was like: This is terrifying.”
“If that’s not a childhood dream come true, I don’t know what is.”
Watch the trailer forThe Black Phonebelow.
