[01:16.45]MAN:Hello and welcome to the film making podcast.
[01:20.09]In this week's episode, Claire Lemarre talks to us about how to become a makeup artist.
[01:26.05]Claire's been working as a makeup artist in the film industry for over 20 years and has lots of useful advice about how to get started.
[01:35.36]WOMAN:Thanks Ian.
[01:36.76]Well, before you can become a makeup artist on films you have to spend about 2 years working as a makeup trainee.
[01:45.40]A good place to get your first job would be on a low budget short film.
[01:50.68]Of course, this means that you'll be working for free.
[01:53.96]But it's often worth it for the experience.
[01:57.08]Make sure your transport costs are covered - and remember, there's very unlikely to be any catering provided, so bring plenty of food.
[02:08.50]If you're lucky, you might start out on a big budget film where you'll get the most useful experience.
[02:15.90]On productions like this, makeup and hair styling are separate departments - so you won't need to bring your curling tongs!
[02:24.74]But you're likely to get the opportunity to work with a range of age groups, as well as different ethnicities.
[02:32.51]Doing makeup for special effects is highly specialised, so don't expect to be offered any practical experience in that.
[02:41.78]One problem with working in the makeup department is that it's a high-pressure environment.
[02:47.19]There are very few times when you'll be bored or have nothing to do.
[02:52.41]It can be stressful but you'll see that the top makeup artists are very professional - even when they're having to work with directors who are impatient, or unhappy with the makeup artist's work.
[03:05.18]Follow your supervisor's lead and try to remain calm at all times.
[03:11.27]I've worked with many very famous actors over the years.
[03:14.91]At first, I found it overwhelming and could hardly speak, I was so in awe.
[03:20.75]That's preferable, by the way, to becoming too excited and asking for selfies.
[03:26.83]Now meeting the talent is just a normal part of the job and to be honest most actors don't look that special without all the makeup!
[03:36.63]Every makeup trainee will need a makeup kit, which they'll be expected to have with them at all times.
[03:43.65]Just the essentials will do for the kinds of tasks you'll be given - it won't be anything complicated.
[03:49.93]It's worth looking at what the other makeup artists have in their kits - but whatever you do, don't borrow anything without asking first.
[03:59.83]It's very important to build your portfolio.
[04:03.55]You should take photos of all the work you do and ideally show the different stages of makeup application if you can.
[04:11.31]But remember you'll need to get approval from the makeup designer in charge of the department.
[04:17.19]As you'll be sending your portfolio digitally, you won't need to get photos printed.
[05:11.65]WOMAN:So what does a makeup trainee actually do?
[05:15.01]You need to think about whether you're the right kind of person to do the job and whether you'd enjoy it.
[05:21.61]So, to give you some idea, here are some of the things you might be required to do.
[05:27.61]You may be asked to help prep an actor ready for makeup.
[05:31.61]Some actors will arrive having already cleansed and moisturized their skin.
[05:37.15]But sometimes you'll need to step in and get this done without wasting any time, otherwise the makeup artist will get behind schedule.
[05:47.57]Trainees play a useful role in continuity.
[05:51.33]It will be your responsibility to take photos, log them digitally and print out a hard copy to put in each actor's file.
[06:00.73]This information needs to be kept in good order as a reshoot can mean replicating makeup months later.
[06:09.10]General duties mean doing anything from getting the teas and coffees to putting on a wash.
[06:15.58]Having a positive attitude and being willing to do whatever is asked of you will help you get your next film job.
[06:23.26]You won't be asked to apply makeup to any of the principal cast, only the extras.
[06:28.98]If there are dozens of extras involved you'll need to keep up a swift pace and not spend too long on each person.
[06:36.42]It takes quite a lot of confidence to be able to do this well.
[06:40.73]OK now about terms and conditions...
