COVID-19 Update: Marvel, DC Effects Studio Shifts Work To Creating Face Masks During Coronavirus Shutdown

Ironhead Studio, a movie costume house that has done work for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe, has shifted its production. From creating visual effects and costumes, it is currently producing face masks for use by those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to CBR, the design house announced their shift of operations in a Facebook post. It has crafted handmade cloth masks which is to be sold to the public while its main business, making costumes for movies, is closed down.

In their Facebook post, the studio said that the creation and sale of face masks weren’t for money. For every created mask that they sell, they will donate another one to a local hospital or health workers who are in need. The studio reiterated that the sales they will get from making the masks will allow them to cover costs in making more masks for those in need.

The double-layered masks are a combination of 100% cotton fabric inside and a blend of cotton and fabric on the outside. The decision to push for this initiative came while their staffers are researching on how cloth masks can reciprocate the “maximum filtration” needed to keep virus droplets out.

While, other businesses elsewhere are closing down, according to Comicbook, Marvel Studios had to rethink their entire “Phase Four” plan for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, that doesn’t mean all their shows are off the air or production has stopped. One such show under Marvel’s slate is the Disney+ series “What If…?”

Stephan Franck, head of the animation for the series, said that they shifted from working in Disney’s facilities to a wholly-remotely operated production. He praised the studios for adjusting to the situation quickly, while he lamented that a lot of other productions have been halted or even cancelled completely.

Meanwhile, Ironhead Studios’ face masks are made from fabric that had been leftover from work on movies such as “X-Men” and “G.I. Joe.” Cloth suppliers are closed down, so they are making the most of whatever material they have on hand.

The proceeds from the mask, which will sell at $30 apiece according to the company’s website, will go to medical frontliners and into the production of more face masks.