When Halloween rolls around in Nashville, many families focus on candy and costumes, but for Ben Rittenhouse and his 13‑year‑old son Isaac, the holiday is a chance to carry on a multi‑generational love of monsters. Ben, a seasoned makeup effects artist who teaches at the Academy of Makeup and Arts, has spent his career creating creatures for film, from Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes to Men in Black II. Now he’s sharing that craft with Isaac, who eagerly answered, “Horror!” when asked about his favorite genre.
From classic monsters to modern tech
Ben’s fascination with monsters began with his own father, who introduced him to classics like Creature From the Black Lagoon. Inspired by pioneers such as Lon Chaney – the “man of a thousand faces” – and legendary makeup artist Rick Baker, Ben pursued a career that blends traditional sculpting with cutting‑edge technology. “We’re kind of state of the art in the film industry,” he explained, noting the use of 3‑D printing and computer‑aided design in modern effects work.
That blend of old‑school artistry and new tools is now part of the father‑son project. Isaac helped mold his own face, after which the duo sculpted a detailed mask, adding intricate designs to capture the iconic look of Freddy Krueger. The result is a striking, hand‑crafted piece that showcases both Ben’s professional skill and Isaac’s youthful enthusiasm.
A family tradition of monster‑making
Ben recalls making Halloween costumes with his own dad, a tradition he hopes to pass down. “It’s truly beautiful to share the same experiences I had with my father,” he said. “It’s insanely unique and special to me.” The collaboration with Isaac is more than a fun project; it’s a tangible link between three generations of monster lovers.
Isaac, who has already helped create several Halloween creations with his dad, described the process with excitement: “He’s gonna mold my face, then we’ll sculpt on that mold and put intricate designs in it to match the character I want to do.” The pair spent hours sculpting, painting, and perfecting the mask, ultimately producing a nightmare‑worthy Freddy Krueger that will turn heads on the neighborhood’s trick‑or‑treat route.
Community impact
Stories like this highlight the creative spirit thriving in Nashville’s arts community. By showcasing local talent and family collaboration, the Rittenhouses inspire other parents to engage with their children’s interests, reinforcing the value of hands‑on learning and tradition. Their work also underscores the importance of supporting local arts education, such as the programs offered at the Academy of Makeup and Arts.
As Halloween night approaches, Isaac plans to walk the streets of Nashville with his meticulously crafted mask, offering a reminder that the city’s cultural fabric is woven not just by big‑screen productions, but also by everyday families who keep the art of monster‑making alive.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
