About Oracle FX
Built on Craft. Led by Experience.
Oracle FX is a UK-based practical effects and prosthetic makeup studio led by Emmy-nominated special effects artist Thea Mulvey and prosthetic makeup designer Max Payn.
With over 28 years of combined experience across film, television and theatre, they bring proven industry expertise to every production — delivering prosthetic makeup, creature effects and practical builds for projects across the UK and internationally.
- International production experience.
- Studio-based in the UK.
- Trusted by film & television productions.
From Theatre to Global Film Production
Both founders trained at leading University of the Arts London institutions — Max at the London College of Fashion and Thea at Central Saint Martins.
Their careers converged at Robert Allsopp & Associates, where Max spent 12 years as a senior artist. During this time, they contributed to major theatrical productions at:
- The National Theatre
- The Royal Opera House
- The London Palladium
Including internationally recognised productions such as Wicked and The Nutcracker, with work also featured in American Vogue.
This foundation in large-scale theatrical prosthetics and character transformation continues to shape the precision, durability and performance-led design of Oracle FX’s film and television work today.
Film & Television Credits
Oracle FX’s founders have contributed to major international film and television productions, including:
- Werwulf
- Cold Storage
- Outlander
- Hamnet
- Bugonia
- Men in Black: International
- Jurassic World Dominion
- The Marvels
- True Detective
- The Beekeeper
Their prosthetic and character work has supported performances by acclaimed actors including Mark Lewis Jones, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Emma Stone, Imogen Poots and Saoirse Ronan.
Craftsmanship Meets Production Awareness
Beyond technical excellence, Oracle FX operates with a clear understanding of production realities. Practical effects are delivered efficiently, aligned with schedules and budgets, without compromising quality or realism.
With experience spanning film and theatre environments, the team understands that successful effects work is not just about design — it’s about integration, timing and reliability.
We design practical effects solutions aligned with production budgets — maximising value without compromising craftsmanship or realism.
Budget Frameworks
We work closely with performers, directors and crew to ensure seamless integration and dependable on-set support throughout filming.
On-Set Collaboration
Our workflows are structured around demanding schedules, ensuring reliable fabrication, clear communication and on-time delivery.
Production Timelines
Our team collaborates across art, costume, hair & makeup and VFX departments to ensure continuity from initial concept through to final screen result.
Department Integration
Leadership & Creative Direction
Thea Mulvey
Company Director – Prosthetic Makeup Designer
Thea Mulvey is an Emmy-nominated prosthetic makeup artist with over 12 years of experience across film and television. Specialising in sculpting, painting and on-set application, she delivers camera-ready work with a strong command of continuity, performance and production efficiency.
Known for her calm, solutions-led approach, Thea works seamlessly across makeup, art and VFX departments — ensuring cohesive, high-quality results delivered on schedule and within budget.
Max Alan Payn
Company Director – Prosthetic Makeup Designer
Max Alan Payn is a makeup effects designer with over 23 years of industry experience across film and television. His expertise spans prosthetic design, concept sculpting, mould making, fabrication and specialty prop construction.
With a strong technical and design-led foundation, Max develops production-ready concepts that move seamlessly from initial design through fabrication to on-set delivery. His collaborative approach ensures practical effects integrate seamlessly within wider production teams.
Together, Thea and Max lead Oracle FX with a shared commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration and production-ready execution.
Working Within Production Departments
Oracle FX collaborates seamlessly within established production structures. Projects may originate through producers, prop masters, production designers or hair and make-up departments seeking specialist prosthetic expertise beyond general scope.
We regularly support lead designers and department heads, delivering focused prosthetic and practical effects solutions that integrate efficiently within existing production frameworks.
Our team has contributed to productions requiring dedicated prosthetic oversight, including complex character transformations, deceased body fabrication and specialist creature builds, operating as trusted collaborators within larger effects teams.
Practical Effects With Purpose
At Oracle FX, practical effects are never spectacle for spectacle’s sake.
From hyper-real prosthetic makeup to complex creature builds and animatronic integration, every project is crafted with purpose, grounded in performance, storytelling and cinematic credibility.
Every effect we create is designed to:
Support
Performance integrity
Enhance
Storytelling impact
Integrate
Seamlessly with cinematography and VFX
Withstand
The demands of production
UK-Based. Globally Collaborative.
Operating from the United Kingdom, Oracle FX supports domestic and international productions requiring high-end practical effects solutions.
Whether contributing to independent cinema or large-scale studio projects, the studio maintains the same attention to detail, craftsmanship and professional standard.
From workshop to set, we collaborate closely with performers, directors and department leads, refining every detail in real time. Our on-set presence ensures practical effects perform seamlessly under pressure, adapting efficiently to the evolving demands of production.
Work With Oracle FX
If you are developing a production requiring prosthetic makeup, creature effects or practical builds, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate and explore how Oracle FX can support your vision.