Jobs in makeup for film and TV
Trainee
Most artists start as trainees on film and tv sets. Makeup trainees are there to learn whilst on set, as well as help out, usually doing running jobs such as getting food and drinks, loading and emptying the washing machine, and other basic tasks that help the production go smoothly. Trainees should still bring their kit in case the department gets busy and the artists need extra help.
Trainees need good organization skills, common sense and quick thinking to ensure there are minimal problems while on set.
Average pay: £22K per year according to Glassdoor.
Assistant
Makeup assistants work under the makeup artist. They are responsible for setting up and maintaining the artist’s work stations. They usually get the artist teas/coffees and lunch. They also keep records and deal with paperwork. Assistants will sometimes help with the makeup itself if needed.
Average pay: £29K per year according to Glassdoor.
Hair and Makeup Artist
Hair and makeup artists apply makeup and style hair based on the designs created by the designer, mainly to non-lead actors and the supporting cast. They ensure the makeup is executed well and on time for filming. Some productions have separate departments for hair and makeup, but many have people trained in both hair and makeup to save money.
Average pay: £55k per year according to Slinky Productions
Special effects artist
Special effects makeup artists create the appearance of wounds, bruises or other injuries, as well as creating creature effects, making them as realistic as possible so that it can be believed on screen. This can be with makeup, body painting or prosthetics. They work with directors, makeup and costume designers to decide how to best create the look to fit the scene.
Average pay: £43,141 (entry level), £68,723 (experienced) per year according to Salary Expert.
Hair and Makeup Designer
Also referred to as the key artist. In pre-production, hair and makeup designers work with the director, breaking down the script and deciding exactly how each character should look on screen. Makeup designers also work with the camera and lighting departments to see what needs to be changed to look right with the different lighting being used. They are responsible for keeping continuity, making actors’ appointments for wig fittings, dental makeup appointments, and prosthetic appointments.
References:
https://myfirstjobinfilm.com/UK/resources/careers-guide/detail?page_id=7
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/special-effects-makeup-artist
Set Etiquette
- Be professional- be polite, don’t discuss personal things, don’t bring up wages, don’t gossip, don’t give out business cards because it won’t help you get future jobs.
- Dress appropriately- all black, dress for the location you’re filming in.
- Health and safety- keep things clean, keep kit bag on at all times, don’t leave stuff around because it could cause accidents.
- Touch ups- only go in when necessary to fix things, director sometimes makes the decision.
- Stay professional at wrap parties- it could be held before filming finishes due to delays and you might still have to work the next day, don’t drink too much.
- Don’t share production details before release.
- Stay out of people’s way- can be dangerous and annoying.
References:
Things we’ve talked about in lessons.