Film Job Profiles, Make-up and Hair Trainee
Make–up and Hair Trainees are recruited onto productions at the Designer's discretion, usually near the beginning of principal photography. They may be employed on feature films and in television on commercials, pop promos, corporate productions, light entertainment programmes, documentary dramas, etc. They must be competent in basic make–up and hair techniques. Make–up and Hair are key elements in the overall design of films or television productions, creating a look for the characters in relation to social class, and time periods, and any other elements required to create the desired illusion.
Responsibilities vary depending on the amount of work involved in each production. On some productions Trainees carry out basic tasks, such as setting up workstations and observing more experienced staff. On others, Trainees may take care of basic make–up and hair for crowd scenes, and may be given responsibility for some minor characters. Trainees must be confident in their make–up application and hairdressing skills, and should be prepared to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. An understanding of script, schedule, continuity, and set etiquette is useful, and they must be able to work tactfully and diplomatically with performers.
Trainee positions enable individuals to familiarise themselves with how Make–up and Hair departments work, the different chains of responsibility, and how to work as part of the team. These positions also provide opportunities to work with different Designers and Make–up and Hair Artists, and to build a network of useful contacts, which may help them to get work in the future. Make–up and Hair Trainees may be employed throughout pre–production and production, and usually work on a freelance basis. The hours are long and the job can involve long periods working away from home.
What is the job?
Increased multi–skilling in the UK film and television industries has meant that personnel are required to be proficient in both make–up and hair, and the departments are often merged. Make–up and Hair Trainees are usually involved in the basic set up and maintenance of make–up and hair workstations, including: keeping the workstations clean and tidy, cleaning and laying out brushes and products for the day ahead, making sure product levels are maintained, assisting with the purchase of supplies, and moving make–up and hair kit between buses or locations.
Trainees also assist Make–up and Hair Artists in their work, handing them brushes or products, helping to affix prosthetics, running errands, and making sure that performers are well looked after, and provided with cups of tea and refreshments. Trainees may be involved in setting up for crowd days, when large numbers of extras must be dressed and made up. They help to prepare facilities, check with the Make–up and Hair Artist in charge that all make–up and hair products, including wigs, hair pieces, facial hair, etc., are properly set out, and that all reference materials, notes, etc. are available for Dailies who are booked on a daily basis to look after supporting artists or crowds.
During crowd days Trainees may help to style the crowd, making them look dirty, or bloody and battle–weary, making basic scars and wounds, helping to fit wigs, applying make–up and powder, and putting on facial hair. After the scene is shot, Trainees stand by on set to maintain the crowd's appearance between takes.
Working under supervision they may also be asked to look after stunt doubles, or even minor characters. Working from continuity notes, and overseen by senior staff, they apply make–up and cut or style hair. They are responsible for the continuity of their characters during production, and must ensure that notes are updated using either digital or polaroid photographs for visual references.
Typical career routes
Make–up and Hair Trainee is an entry level position into the Film and Television industries. Having achieved college qualifications Make–up and Hair Trainees may acquire their first jobs by various routes, e.g., working in theatre, or opera houses; working for one of the wig and facial hair companies; low budget productions; assisting on Student films (often unpaid). Highly competitive opportunities for work experience on TV or Film Productions provide useful contacts and may lead to employment as a Trainee in the Make–up and Hair Department. Make–up and Hair Trainees should maintain a portfolio of their work, and keep all letters and witness testimonies as evidence of their work and experience. They may progress to become Make–up and Hair Assistants. After several years in this role, they may become Make–up and Hair Artists working on larger and more complex productions. Progress through the department is usually based on skills and experience, which is acquired by on the job training, while assisting established Make–up and Hair Artists.
Essential knowledge and skills
Make–up and Hair Trainees must be self–assured without appearing over–confident – this is their opportunity to be noticed by senior personnel and rehired on another production, and the right attitude is the key to making a good impression. As Trainees must learn on the job, whilst at the same time blending in with the smooth running of the production, they must be sensitive to each situation, and evaluate when to ask questions and when to stay quiet.
They should be enthusiastic and willing to contribute to the smooth running of the department, and to carry out basic tasks. The ability to cope with stress, and a positive attitude are paramount, as they work long hours in pressurised, often cramped environments. The work can be physically demanding, as it involves many hours of standing or bending over Actors. Trainees work very closely with Actors in a physical sense and must therefore be tactful, sensitive, patient, and able to put people at their ease. Creative problem solving skills, and flexibility are essential, as is the keen eye for detail needed to oversee continuity.
They need manual dexterity, and must be proficient in hair cutting and styling, and applying false hair. Language skills may be helpful for foreign shoots, where the team may include local Make–up and Hairdressing personnel. All members of the Make–up and Hair Department are expected to have their own basic kits. Consumables, including wigs, facial hair, etc., are supplied by production companies.
Key Skills include:
- effective communication and diplomacy skills;
- excellent organisational skills;
- good presentation skills;
- ability to work effectively as part of a team;
- ability to work under pressure to external and departmental deadlines;
- good IT skills;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Competition for Trainee placements is fierce and most new entrants have – or are in the process of obtaining – a vocational qualification at Level 2 or equivalent in Media Make–up, and a level 2–3 NVQ in Hairdressing or the equivalent of two years experience. Make–up and Hair Trainees may achieve these by attending a full or part–time course, or by applying to a salon as a Trainee and attending college on day release. Short course vocational qualifications are also available at levels 2 and 3. Their qualifications must include both Make–up and hairdressing components.
As it is essential that all Make–up and Hair personnel keep up to date with new methods and materials, further qualifications and additional skills may be acquired by attending specialist, industry approved short courses. Experience of working in a theatre or wig makers is also advantageous. At all levels, personality and the right attitude are extremely important. A full EU driving licence is essential.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
Publications
- Broadcast – the weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry
- Televisual – the business magazine for the broadcast and production industry
- The Make–up Artist Magazine
- Stage Screen and Radio
- Screen International
- The Technique of the Professional Make–up Artist – Vincent J.R. Kehoe ISBN: 0240802179
- Special Make–up effects – Vincent Kehoe ISBN: 0240800990
- The Complete Make–up Artist – Penny DelemarISBN: 1861528906
- Fashions in Hair – Richard CorsonISBN: 0720610931
- Fashions in Make–up – Richard Corson. ISBN: 0720611954
- A Colour Atlas of Diagnosis after Recent Injury, P.D. London. ISBN: 0801662958
- Make–up Continuity Sheets – Linda Morton
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Make-Up & Hair Trainee - Film & TV - Job Profile
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