By Ayo Onikoyi

Ruth Harcourt, professionally known as RuthEffects, continues to solidify her position as one of Nigeria’s leading Makeup, Hair, and Special Effects designers through her company, QloneFX. Since beginning her career in 2018, RuthEffects has evolved from a beauty artist into a dynamic creative force, recognized for blending artistry with technical precision across film, television, and commercial productions.

Founded in 2021, QloneFX has become synonymous with innovation in Nigeria’s special effects space. The company gained early recognition in 2020 as one of the pioneers in producing realistic breakaway bottles for film, later advancing their durability to withstand challenging filming conditions, including high humidity.

Expanding its technical capabilities, QloneFX has now incorporated pyrotechnics into its service offerings. This was successfully tested and executed on the upcoming 2025 production IWA AKWA, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth in practical effects.

RuthEffects’ portfolio spans major platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Africa Magic, and cinema releases. Her credits include Jolly Rogers (directed by Walter Banger), the first Nigerian film screened at the Essence Festival in the United States, which also earned her a Best Makeup Artist nomination at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Additional works include Madam Koi Koi, Gang of Lagos, The Blood Covenant, Kasanova (her first Netflix-acquired project), and Son of the Soil, which secured her a Best Special Effects nomination at the BON Awards 2025.

She recently earned a Best Makeup Artist nomination at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for her work on SUKY, directed by Ola Cardoso. Her film credits also include The Other Side of the Bridge, Pink Butterfly, and Kill BORO. Additionally, she served as Special Effects Artist on CLARISSA (directed by Arie and Chuko Esiri), an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.

Beyond film, RuthEffects has contributed to multiple Africa Magic series, including AMAjoche (2018), AMEnake (2020), Hook, Line and Sinker (2023), and Daughters of Water (2025), as well as commercial campaigns for brands such as MTN, Moniepoint, Dano, Peak Milk, Oraimo, Skechers, Adidas, FilmOne, Inkblot, Nemsia Studios, House Gabriel, Something Unusual Studios, and Greoh Studios.

In March 2025, she co-led a training program for emerging SFX artists, reinforcing her commitment to developing talent and strengthening the industry’s future.

As CEO of QloneFX, Ruth Harcourt continues to push the boundaries of makeup and special effects design in Africa, expanding into advanced practical effects while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, safety, and storytelling impact.