Thom Shouse a.k.a. the "Tail Man" has been a special effects artist for thirty years and has specialized in mermaids and aquatic effects for over twenty years. Thom is a native Californian. He was raised in the South Bay of Southern California. As a youngster, Thom frequented the local beaches and became an avid bicyclist, surfer and skin diver, and is currently a certified scuba diver.

Growing up so close to the ocean, Thom acquired a great love of the sea and became interested in the folklore and sightings of “mermaids”. Little did he know that years later he would become an aquatic specialist!

Thom’s career with mermaids began in 1983, when he headed the team that created the mermaid tail for the movie “Splash”. Thom went on to create the mermaid tail for the television movie “Splash Too”. Because he would show up on the set with one or more mermaid tails over his shoulder he was given the nickname “Tail Man”.

Thom’s mermaid tails have appeared in music videos (Incubus and Filter); commercials (Twix, Bugles, Nescafe Frappe); television (Charmed, Baywatch); Print Ads (Pacifico Beer, Swatch Watch, Jean Paul Gaultier Parfum) and magazines (Playboy, Conde Nast).

Most recently, Thom was honored to have a “Wet Tail” featured in the 2003 Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog . In October 2003, Thom was invited to travel to New York with 2 mermaid tails for a segment of the “Today Show”.

Thom’s list of celebrity “Mermaids” include: Mischa Barton, Alison Eastwood, Shannon Elizabeth, Leeza Gibbons, Daryl Hannah, Jaime King, Alyssa Milano, Gena Lee Nolin, Jaime Pressly and Anna Nicole Smith.

Thom the Tail Man is known worldwide and his mermaid tails have traveled the globe! Thom has sent or accompanied tails to: Australia, Canada, England, Malaysia, Mexico and Spain.
 

 Thom has thirty experience in effects coordinating and supervision; sculpting and moldmaking in all mediums; knowledge of plastics and rubber materials; lifecasting, prosthetic design / makeup and appliances; as well as air brush painting. Thom is also experienced in welding, miniature construction, radio and cable control; has a full range of foundry knowledge, specializing in ceramic shell molds; pyrotechnic assistance, weapons handling; and a NAUI certified diver, familiar with special problems relating to underwater props, costumes and makeup.
 

I have twenty years of experience in making Mermaid Tails. It has taken extensive research and development methods necessary to achieve the quality of my current Mermaid Tails. 

I do not recommend construction of any kind without understanding the many safety issues that are involved when in the water. I cannot stress enough the importance of SAFETY! Remember, humans are not used to swimming with their legs confined in a "tube". Any restriction of normal human movement runs the risk of potential danger. Special training and safety people are an absolute must!