MEMO

Date: November 7, 2016

To:
Zachry Smith, founder and owner
KAZ Creations
From: Caroline Muoz, Special Effects and Makeup intern
KAZ Creations
Subject: Recommendation Report for a company strategy to improve KAZ Creations
Attached is the report for my study: Establishing a company strategy for improving KAZ
Creations : A recommendation Report. I completed the tasks described in my proposal of
October 26, 2016: familiarizing myself with special effects use in the medical field, assessing
student and client attitudes toward MESA classes and KAZ Creation services, and determining
whether the current exterior and interior design of Alamo City Studios affects the success of the
company.
To perform these tasks, I performed secondary and primary research. I studied the success of
merging special effects into the medical field, conducted interviews and distributed a survey
regarding KAZ Creations and special effects, and observed the company in action at work. Then,
I collected and analyzed my data and wrote the report.
My findings suggest that that both MESA students and KAZ Creation clients are satisfied with
the classes and services the company offers, and in continuing the MESA program, the students
would like to see more variation in class topics. A client recommends changing the companys
business strategy when it comes to passing on a job. The survey results show that the 12-17 and
18-24 group ages are more aware and interested in special effects, specifically in hero, horror,
supernatural, and action film genres. Observations on KAZ Creations presentation in the work
environment show that there is a need to strengthen the unity of the employees. Further, I found
that the design of Alamo City Studios show negative effects on the companys success,
especially regarding MESA students.
On the basis of these findings, I recommend that KAZ Creations proceed with its study of the
cost and benefits of taking on the UT Health and Science project, adopt a company uniform,
offer a variety of theme classes, and help improve the Alamo City Studios look for the well of
the MESA students.

Establishing a company strategy for improving

KAZ Creations : A recommendation Report
Prepared for: Zachry Smith
Prepared by: Caroline Muoz
November 7, 2016

ABSTRACT
Establishing a company strategy for improving KAZ Creations : A
recommendation Report
Prepared by: Caroline Muoz
In 2012, Zachry Smith founded KAZ Creations, a company based in San Antonio that offers
full-service special effects, makeup, wardrobe and costuming. Working independently, Zachry
Smith began his services in San Antonio, later expanding to other areas in Texas and eventually
nationwide. KAZ Creations joined Alamo City Studios in 2015 in hopes to re-establish and build
the San Antonio film community. The purpose of this proposal is to review the success of KAZ
Creations and research opportunities to strengthen and expand the company. To perform this
research, I have devised interview and survey questions regarding the companys services and
awareness of special effects in films as well as looked into the success of merging special effects
into the medical field. I found that both MESA students and KAZ Creation clients are satisfied
with the classes and services the company offers, and in continuing the MESA program, the
students would like to see more variation in class topics. The survey results show that the 12-17
and 18-24 group ages are more aware and interested in special effects, specifically in hero,
horror, supernatural, and action film genres. Observations on KAZ Creations presentation in the
work environment show that there is a need to strengthen the unity of the employees. Further, I
found that the design of Alamo City Studios show negative effects on the companys success,
especially regarding MESA students.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary.......5
Introduction..........6
Research Methods..........7
Task 1a. Interview with a KAZ Creations client.....7
Task 1b. Observing KAZ Creations in a work environment7
Task 1c. Success of Special Effects in the medical field..8
Task 2a. Interview with a MESA workshop attendee..8
Task 2b. Survey general audience on knowledge of special effects used in movies....8
Task 3a. Observing Alamo City Studios design...9
Results........9
Task 1a. Interview with a KAZ Creations client.....9
Task 1b. Observing KAZ Creations in a work environment...9
Task 1c. Success of Special Effects in the medical field..10
Task 2a. Interview with a MESA workshop attendee..10
Task 2b. Survey general audience on knowledge of special effects used in movies10
Task 3a. Observing Alamo City Studios design...10
Conclusions......10
Service....10
Class.........10
Building.........10
Recommendations..........11

References........12
Appendix A: Special Effects Survey........13
Appendix B: Interview with MESA Student........19
Appendix C: Interview with Client.........21

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 23, 2016 I, KAZ Creations intern Caroline Munoz, presented a proposal to KAZ
Creations owner Zachry Smith regarding the start of research on improving the company.
Currently, KAZ Creations is based in Alamo City Studios and has 2 interns, Caroline Munoz and
Baylee Giles, and an assistant, Rosie MacDonald, working under Zachry Smith. The company
works hand-in-hand with Altered Vision Studios, a digital effects company, under Miguel Cantu.
Zachry Smith and Miguel Cantu lead the MESA classes and have decided what topics to offer as
time goes. Concerning the companys look in the work environment, under Zachrys instructions
the employees dress in all black but have no official uniform. The next big job assignment weve
been offered is to make props for the students at the UT Health and Science Center in San
Antonio. Alamo City Studios has been up, open, and active for about a year now and has
received some remodelation but still needs improvements.
To perform this research, I studied the success of merging special effects into the medical field,
conducted interviews and distributed a survey regarding KAZ Creations and special effects.
I found that both MESA students and KAZ Creation clients are satisfied with the classes and
services the company offers, and in continuing the MESA program, the students would like to
see more variation in class topics. The survey results show that the 12-17 and 18-24 group ages
are more aware and interested in special effects, specifically in hero, horror, supernatural, and
action film genres. Observations on KAZ Creations presentation in the work environment show
that there is a need to strengthen the unity of the employees. Further, I found that the design of
Alamo City Studios show negative effects on the companys success, especially regarding
MESA students.
On the basis of these conclusion, I recommend that KAZ Creations proceed with its study of the
cost and benefits of taking on the UT Health and Science project, adopt a company uniform,
offer a variety of theme classes, and help improve the Alamo City Studios look for the well of
the MESA students.

INTRODUCTION

On September 23, 2016 as a KAZ Creations intern, I presented a proposal to KAZ Creations
owner Zachry Smith regarding the start of research on improving the company.
Currently, KAZ Creations is based in Alamo City Studios and has 2 interns, Caroline Munoz and
Baylee Giles, and an assistant, Rosie MacDonald, working under Zachry Smith. The company
works hand-in-hand with Altered Vision Studios, a digital effects company, under Miguel Cantu.
Zachry Smith and Miguel Cantu lead the MESA classes and have decided what topics to offer as
time goes. Concerning the companys look in the work environment, under Zachrys instructions
the employees dress in all black but have no official uniform. The next big job assignment weve
been offered is to make props for the students at the UT Health and Science Center in San
Antonio. Alamo City Studios has been up, open, and active for about a year now and has
received some remodelation but still needs improvements.
I have divided this project into the following three sections:
1. KAZ Creations special effects services
2. KAZ Creations in collaboration with MESA classes
3. Alamo City Studios design on KAZ Creations success
First, I studied the success of merging special effects into the medical field. Next, I wrote the
interview and survey questions, checked them with peers, and performed the interviews and
distributed the survey. After, I observed the company in action and the building design and took
notes. Finally, I collected and analyzed the data, and then wrote this report.
I found that both MESA students and KAZ Creation clients are satisfied with the classes and
services the company offers, and in continuing the MESA program, the students would like to
see more variation in class topics. The survey results show that the 12-17 and 18-24 group ages
are more aware and interested in special effects, specifically in hero, horror, supernatural, and
action film genres. Observations on KAZ Creations presentation in the work environment show
that there is a need to strengthen the unity of the employees. Further, I found that the design of
Alamo City Studios show negative effects on the companys success, especially regarding
MESA students.
On the basis of these findings, I recommend that KAZ Creations proceed with its study of the
cost and benefits of taking on the UT Health and Science project, adopt a company uniform,
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offer a variety of theme classes, and help improve the Alamo City Studios look for the well of
the MESA students.
RESEARCH METHODS
To acquire the information needed to create a company strategy for success I broke the project
into the following sections and tasks:
1. Service
a. Interview KAZ Creations client Stephen Villela from CineVeliz
b. Observe KAZ Creations presentation in work environment
c. Research success of special effects in the medical field
2. Class
a. Interview MESA student Liseth Vazquez
b. Conduct special effects survey
3. Building
a. Observe Alamo City Studios
In the following discussion of how I performed each task, I explain the reasoning that guided my
research.
Task 1a. Interview with a KAZ Creations client
Stephen Villela is a client of KAZ Creations. He is the creative producer for CineVeliz, a
film company also based in Alamo City Studios. The transcript of the interview can be
found in Appendix C, page 21. CineVeliz hires KAZ Creations to serve as [their] hair
and makeup artist for a lot of [their] shoots in San Antonio, both commercial and
corporate. Stephen believes Zachry Smith is one of San Antonios best makeup artist
and that the only negative thing about Zachry is that he is frequently booked. But when
Zachry is booked he does a great job of providing a reliable replacement such as an
intern. When asked what Zachry can do to improve KAZ Creations Stephen said he
believes that in order to succeed as a business Zachry should be charging a finder's-fee
for the shoots he passes on to others. This factor will be recommended to review for the
companys success.
Task 1b. Observing KAZ Creations in a work environment
Through observing the KAZ Creations team at work I noticed that the employees get
confused with other services such as craft. When a member of our team gets mistaken for
another service they tend to do what is told if possible. We have been complimented on
our behavior and help in making the shoot go smoothly. At the end of the work day crew
members on set often ask for Zachrys contact information along with the company
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name. KAZ Creations employees do not wear uniform but do wear the standard on set
blacks to camouflage into the darkness of off-set.
Task 1c. Success of Special Effects in the medical field
According to Nancy Flieslers article, Hollywood SFX take medical training to a new
level of realism, special effects artists can make props and simulators more realistic
which can improve medical students training. From the artist's view it is more difficult to
make props for medical use than for film because they need to fully understand the
anatomy. From the medical students view the realism of the props helps create an
environment close to reality.
Task 2a. Interview with a MESA workshop attendee
To better analyze the MESA classes I interviewed Liseth Vazquez whom attended the
Special Effects 101 workshop. Although she worked under CineVeliz, a film company
also based in Alamo City Studios, at the time of the workshop, the questions asked
mostly concern the quality of the class. The transcript of the interview can be found in
Appendix B, page 13. Liseths overall class experience was positive. She believes the
class was reasonably priced. Being that it was a beginners class, some history and
background information on the career was given. Special guests with different careers
(Director, actor, and on-set medic) that have worked with Zachry Smith were also present
and talked about their experiences with makeup artists. Liseth said the guests made the
workshop very informative by allowing her to understand not only the work of a makeup
artist but how it goes hand-in-hand with other jobs on-set. A special effects kit was also
provided for hands-activities, which Liseth really liked. When asked if she would be
interested in attending another class led by Zachry Liseth said she liked his way of
presenting and how approachable he is. She also added that she would most definitely be
interested in a beauty makeup class. Having worked on-set with Zachry, Liseth said the
class helped with understanding how to work better alongside makeup artists. From this
interview, it can be concluded that with respect to MESA classes, KAZ Creations is
doing well. The interest of Alamo City Studios staff attending MESA classes will be
looked into.
Task 2b. Survey general audience on knowledge of special effects used in movies
The special effects survey I conducted was taken by 21 people. In this survey, which is
presented in Appendix A, page 13, I asked questions concerning the respondent's gender,
age range, film experience, their knowledge of special effects used in films, and to list
films they believe have a heavy use of special effects. The results show that age groups
from 12-17 and 18-24 watch more movies and are more aware of the special effects used
in films than the 45-54 age group. When asked what types of special effects theyve seen
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in movies, the top 3 choices selected were Practical Effects, Prosthetic Makeup, and
Computer-Generated Imagery. The responses show that those 3 type of effects are the
most popularized and used effects in films. KAZ Creations should continue practical and
prosthetic makeup services because they will continue being demanded in future films.
When asked to list movies in which a significant amount of special effects have been
used, the top 3 movie genres listed were sci-fi, horror, and superhero movies. Being that
sci-fi, horror, and superhero movies are released mostly during the fall (Halloween),
further observations of the companys demand during this time will be conducted.
Task 3a. Observing Alamo City Studios design
Alamo City Studios is located in downtown San Antonio. Before it was named Alamo
City Studios, the building was closed down for quite some time. Due to the atmosphere in
the building being very dark and uninviting before opening, Alamo City Studios was
under remodeling. The most concerning problems have been dealt with but there is still
room to better the building for both the employees and the guest. Outside concerns of the
building are the numerous homeless people who sleep in the corner of the parking lot and
under the steps. The building isnt that obvious in that it the Alamo City Studios sign is
fairly small. Design concerns inside the building are that it is not obvious that the
warehouse is downstairs and the offices and classrooms are located upstairs. When
upstairs, the restrooms are also not obvious as they do not have signs. The restrooms are
not in the best condition. The offices are often dusty.
RESULTS
In this section, I present the results of my research. For each of the tasks I carried out, I present
the most important data I acquired.
Task 1a. Interview with a KAZ Creations client
KAZ Creations received an overall positive feedback from Stephen Villela, the creative
producer at CineVeliz, with the only negative comment of Zachry being booked
frequently. Stephen recommends charging a finder's-fee when booked.
Task 1b. Observing KAZ Creations in a work environment
The KAZ Creations employees often get confused for other services on set but still
manage to keep great behavior and complete tasks for a smooth shoot.

Task 1c. Success of Special Effects in the medical field

Special Effects are in demand in the medical field but require research and knowledge of
the human body. Because many artist find it difficult to adapt there are not enough artists
available for these medical schools needs.
Task 2a. Interview with a MESA workshop attendee
The MESA workshop received overall positive feedback from Liseth Vazquez. She
recommends offering more beauty classes.
Task 2b. Survey general audience on knowledge of special effects used in movies
According to the survey results, the age groups from 12-17 and 18-24 are more interested
and aware of special effects in film. They are more interested when it comes to special
effects in superhero, horror, supernatural, and action film genres.
Task 3a. Observing Alamo City Studios design
From observing inside and outside the Alamo City Studios building Ive noticed that
there are homeless people outside the building and that the building is difficult to find
due to the small sign. Inside the building it is difficult to find the offices and classrooms.
The restroom upstairs are difficult to find and tend need cleaning. The offices and
classrooms also tend to be dusty and in need of cleaning.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Service
KAZ Creations needs no change in their work ethic but need to better their look and unity
as a team when on set.
2. Class
The quality of the MESA classes is great and should not change. The variety of the class
topics and quantity should change according to the students need and demands.
3. Building
The Alamo City Studios building needs further improvements outside and inside. The
outside presentation must change heavily for the better of the employees and students.
Navigating in the building should be made easier.

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RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that KAZ Creations proceed with its study of the cost and benefits of taking on the
UT Health and Science project. Adopting a company uniform such as a makeup apron belt with
the company logo would unify the team. I also recommend conducting further research on the
student's interest of future MESA classes, along with offering a variety of theme classes
scheduled during events. Lastly, I recommend improving the Alamo City Studios reception
room, adding a calendar/schedule board for company events, remodeling the restrooms, and
looking into hiring a cleaning service.

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REFERENCES
Alamo City Studios. Home Page
Retrieved from: https://alamocitystudios.com/
CineVeliz. Home Page
Retrieved from: http://cineveliz.com/
Fliesler, N. (2015, Nov. 9). Hollywood SFX take medical training to a new level of realism.
Retrieved from https://vector.childrenshospital.org/2015/11/hollywood-sfx-take-medical
-training-to-a-new-level-of-realism/
Makeup Education San Antonio. (2015). Classes
Retrieved from: http://www.makeupeducationsa.com/classes.html
KAZ Creations. Home Page
Retrieved from: http://www.kazcreations.net/
Vazquez, L. (2016, Oct. 9). Personal Interview.
Villela, S. (2016, Oct. 11). Personal Interview.

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APPENDIX A: Special Effects survey

This is the special effects survey which was distributed to the general public.

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These are the results from the 21 people who responded

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APPENDIX B: Interview with MESA Student

Name: Liseth Vazquez
Class: SFX 101 Workshop
Terms:
SFX- Special Effects
MU- Makeup (basic/beauty)
Q: What SFX and MU knowledge or experience did you have prior to the class?
A: I had no SFX experience prior to taking the class. I knew what SFX was but not the
techniques. As for MU, I had average MU experience prior to taking the class. I learned
self-taught and through makeup tutorials..experimenting. I once did makeup on set and
the person who gave me advice used to work at the mortuary- she did the makeup
there.
Q: How did you find out about the class? What made you want to take the class?
A: I went because I was curious. Because I had previously worked with the instructor,
Zachry, on set. I was in the same office space as him (ACS)
Q: What did you think of the class?
A: I thought it was super informative and my favorite part was the hands-on experience.
Q: Did you think you got your money's worth?
A: yes, I think I got my money's worth. I think it waSs beneficial that the supplies were
provided being that it was a beginners class.
Q: How has the class benefited you?
A: Because of the type of job I did, Production assistant/ production coordinator, I was
able to understand the time frame sfx/mu artist take to do their work job, details and
equipment to get the job done. It gave me a lot of perspective on their role, because
there is a common misconception that in film all the work is the same, and it's not, it's
made up of different teams working together and I feel like after taking this class I
understood the differences what happens, specifically between the makeup. Personally,
it's not that I didn't benefit in any way but when am I going to do blood makeup on
myself? I mean, besides Halloween (laughs)
Q: Dont the FX techniques still apply to basic makeup? (foundation)

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A: Yes because I think that in any job you need to prep, execute and clean. and sfx and
regular that is not an exception. the principals are still there.
Q: Do you have any comments regarding the class?
A (teachers): I liked the fact that the teachers had diff sfx experiences and were able to
cover a bigger spectrum of sfx techniques. I liked how they were able to give their own
pov but still have a similar outcome- like how Zach can do prosthetics and Miguel does
something different.
A (guests): the highlight of a guest being there was to emphasize the need of sfx artist
and
producer/director: didn't have sfx artist and did things that weren't safe. could've been
avoided if they had a professional.
Understand what a sfx artist does- UNDERSTAND how their job is done
Q: Based on your overall experience would you be interested in attending another
class- what topic would you be interested in (classes listed)?
A: Yes I would take another class- specifically a class that covers more beauty makeup
because that is what I'm most interested in. as much as I like sfx in film and other
mediums. I think that having in beauty makeup can go a long way, for example like
helping someone get ready for an event or show or just going out.

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APPENDIX C: Interview with Client

Name: Stephen Villela
Title: Creative producer for Cineveliz media group
CM: If you could please state your name, title and how you've come to know Zach.
SV: Stephen Villela. Well, okay, so my title is- I am the creative producer for Cineveliz
media group, and I've worked with Zach Smith several times. We've hired his company,
KAZ Creations, to serve as our hair and makeup artist for a lot of our shoots in San
Antonio, both commercial and corporate. So that's why we've hired him.
CM: Great, thank you. Now, if you can talk a bit about Zach- regarding his work, the
quality of his work and how he can improve his services.
SV: Yeah, no, Zach is one of the most top-notch makeup artists in the city, not only with
special effects makeup but with beauty makeup and hair as well. And so that's the
reason why we've continuously booked him for all of our shoots. But sometimes he
stays pretty busy and has other conflicts, or obligations, on some days that we would
request for him to be on set with us, but he does a great job of being able to have a
database of other professionals in his field who he can supply us with and so we have
no worries when it comes to like who Zach is going to provide for us because he's
always going to provide us with someone who has just enough skill and knowledge that
he does personally. So that's always a great thing. It's always great when he's on set,
like, it's always fun to have him on set and we always try to like to get him on when we
can but sometimes he has to send us some of his other..Uhm, I guess his other.. I don't
know what you would classify them as, like his employees maybe? but not really,like, to
serve in his place, so that's always a good thing. As far as maybe something that he
could work on, like, I don't think that he needs to but he does mention that whenever he
sends a makeup artist in his place he doesn't charge any type of finders fee or anything
like that, like off their rate. They get the full rate from the production which is cool, but as
a business maybe that's not the best model to gain a profit, you know? I think it's the
best model for exposure, of course. His company name is still going out to these
productions but in return maybe he doesn't get anything, but he gets his name out so I
bet it works for him.. and that's a good thing, but maybe that's one change I would see
maybe he takes a little off top but I know he wouldn't want to do that to his girls, or to his
people, you know? But from a business mindset maybe? I don't know? But I know that's
one thing he mentioned to me that he does but I mean he could do whatever he wants
(laughs). Does that work for you?
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CM:Yes, thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it.
SV:Yeah, sure thing.

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