WHAT IS THE MAKEUP DEPARTMENT? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Make Up Kit / Photo Credit: Aly Hazlewood - One of Us

WHAT IS THE MAKEUP DEPARTMENT? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

WHAT IS THE MAKEUP DEPARTMENT?

The process of transforming actors, adding that palpable authenticity to their character allows us as an audience and the actors themselves to fully invest in a character. The work of the Makeup Department can be undetectable in one film, as they eradicate blemishes, create perfect pore-less skin, even out skin tone, and hide tattoos and the signs of a late night away from the camera. On other productions their artistry can be unmistakable, MUAs create supernatural beings, monsters and replicate injuries that have us squirming in our seats.

The makeup team work tirelessly through the day, from the initial application in the early hours of the morning until the last touch-ups before the camera rolls on the last shot of the day. MUAs are rigorous in their work ethic and are permanently on standby either onset or in the makeup room/bus. Despite the long hours and workload, the Makeup Department can be one of the most enjoyable places to work; teamwork is the watchword as the department functions best when everyone is pitching in to get the job done. It’s not uncommon to see the makeup designer or supervisor putting on a wash or cleaning their brushes. The Makeup Department are responsible for:

Design and implementation of makeups for all on camera talent. Every man, woman and child who appear on camera will need a basic application of makeup or spot painting.

Special effects including prosthetics, latex and animatronics. Most makeup artists can create many types of SFX from ageing, burns, scars and lacerations out of their makeup bag if needed. SFX makeup, which includes prosthetics and animatronics, is incredibly specialized and will take many years to progress in. Some of the work can fall into the remit of the SFX Department rather than makeup depending on the project. 

Body makeup. A dedicated makeup artist will provide cover for any marks or tattoos and give the skin a beautiful finish that will register on camera.

Facial hair. Anything that falls on the face is the responsibility of makeup, sideburns, beards or stubble can all be created using false hair or makeup technique.

Contact lenses. The makeup designer will have these made for the production from specialist contact lens makers.  

Dental prosthetics. These are ordered before the production begins shooting and will require actors to have a cast and molds made.

Hair and wigs. On large budget features, the Makeup and Hair Departments are separated. On more modest budget features and other areas of the industry, makeup artists will take responsibility for hair styling and wigs.  

Makeup artists are in demand all over the industry and can be found working on: 

• Film: all budgets…
• TV: drama, light entertainment, studio news, children’s TV, some factual…
• Corporate films… 
• Music videos…
• Commercials…
• Digital content… 

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, How Stuff Works, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Bright Hub, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Liberty Me, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection, My Job Search, Prospects,

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Make Up Kit / Photo Credit: Aly Hazlewood - One of Us