While you may not realize it, makeup and hair are a crucial aspect of every film and TV show you watch. Some people imagine that skilled makeup artists are only required for transforming an actor’s appearance — think prosthetics, ageing, and wigs — the makeup department is actually vital for each and every production, no matter how minimal the makeup look may be.
If you love the magic of cinema and you consider yourself skilled at makeup, learning how to become a makeup artist might be the right path for you. In this article, we’ll be discussing what you need to know to take your first steps in the industry and start landing jobs on film sets.
What Is the Role of a Makeup Artist in Film?
Hair and makeup are usually separate departments on a film set, though they can be combined on smaller productions. The two departments work together and are often interconnected. You may find that smaller productions use only one person for both hair and makeup, so it’s probably useful to learn skills in both areas if you’re just getting started.
Film Hair Stylists
Film hairstylists are responsible for styling the actors’ hair. Usually, the hairstylist will work with the director to come up with a hairstyle plan that suits the character and the aesthetic look of the film.
This may involve cutting and dying the hair for the role, and then styling the hair for different scenes throughout the shoot. For instance, if a character is attending a dance, they might need a fancy hairstyle. In another scene, the character might have just come in from the rain and will need wet hair. Or, if the character has been in a fight, they may need specks of blood in their hair. The list of situations is endless, and it’s the hair stylist’s job to come up with innovative ways to create realistic hairstyles that will hold in place throughout the shoot.
Film Makeup Artist
The makeup artist is responsible for designing and applying makeup to the actor’s face and, in some cases, body. For many modern-day films, a minimalist no-makeup makeup look is required. In some scenes, the actor might need regular “party” or “going out” makeup.
However, other films require more specific makeup looks. For instance, if the film is set in the 1920s or 1940s, the makeup artist should have a good understanding of period makeup trends and techniques. Or, if the character isn’t human, they may need makeup to make them look otherworldly. In some cases, the actor may be playing a character that needs to look different from their usual look — for example, they may need realistic wrinkles if their character ages.
How to Become a Makeup Artist for Film
Like many jobs in the film industry, makeup artists can come from a range of backgrounds. Here are some of the ways you can get into the role.
Training
While there are no official film makeup artist qualifications, most makeup artists get professional training at cosmetology school. While it’s possible to teach yourself makeup techniques and skills, or to learn on the job, getting professional training can give you the confidence and the edge you need to start working in the film industry.
Skills to Learn
Cosmetology school will teach you:
- How to work with different skin types
- Which brushes to use
- How to create a flawless “no-makeup look” that even HD cameras won’t detect
- How to select makeup for specific looks
- Techniques to create common looks
- How to highlight the individual’s best features
Experience
Whether you attend cosmetology school or not, you’ll likely need to get some experience on a film set before you get hired as the primary makeup artist on a production. Try contacting local drama schools or film schools and find out if they are working on any productions. Often, their makeup artist will welcome a volunteer assistant.
By volunteering as an assistant makeup artist, you’ll pick up skills and knowledge about what the role requires. You learn:
- The schedule and pace required on set
- The brands of makeup that tend to work well on film
- Specific makeup techniques that create the “invisible” makeup look for film
- Touch-up techniques for after lunch or between takes
- How to re-create a makeup look for continuity
Tools to Acquire
If you intend to work as a makeup artist on films, you may need to start acquiring your own set of tools and products. Most productions won’t provide these for you, especially smaller productions. You will need to start collecting:
- A variety of brushes
- A wide range of foundations for all skin types
- HD translucent powder for touch-ups and shine
- And any other makeup you tend to use
When you attend cosmetology school and start to get some experience on film sets, you’ll begin to learn which types of makeup you like to use on actors. As you become more and more familiar with makeup brands, you’ll naturally begin to grow your own collection.
Finding Work
So, how many years does it take to become a makeup artist for film and tv? Because you’re self-employed as a makeup artist, seeking work will be a lifelong job for you as a film makeup artist.
Once you’ve started volunteering on small film sets, you’ll begin to meet production teams. Be sure to ingratiate yourself with directors and cinematographers — hopefully, they’ll want to work with you again in the future! Networking at every opportunity will help you advance in your career and obtain more and more jobs.
You can also use social media to seek out movie makeup artist jobs. Join Twitter pages and Facebook pages where productions seek crew members, such as @Film_London, @londonfilmcrew, or @thecallsheet. Facebook pages like London Film Crew Jobs and Crew Me Now are great places to start your search.
Finally, use websites like Mandy or FILMD (?) to apply for makeup artist roles as they are posted.
Final Thoughts
While it may feel like there’s no way into the film industry, by getting experience and by networking at every chance, you’ll quickly earn yourself a reputation. The more work you do as a film makeup artist, the less you’ll have to actively seek out work. While finding movie makeup artist jobs may feel difficult at first, remember that you’ll find it easier as your network expands.
