Makeup & Hair The Complete Guide to Film & Digital Production: The People and The Process Lorene M. Wales, Ph.D. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

The Makeup Department © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Key Makeup Artist Pre-Production Writes and submits the makeup and hair budget. Meets with the director to discuss the makeup requirements of each actor in each scene. Completes a makeup breakdown per character and scene. Contacts actors and reviews color photographs to determine proper makeup for each actor. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Key Makeup Pre-Production Orders makeup for each actor. May supervise makeup tests if needed. Hires makeup assistants. Meets with the Key Hair person to discuss each actor’s look. Determines additional makeup personnel needs for large cast days. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Makeup Breakdown © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Key Makeup Artist Production & Wrap May complete makeup on stars. Never leaves set, or, makes sure a makeup representative is always on set. Supervises all makeup continuity on set. Wrap Makes sure any rentals are returned to their vendors. Wraps out the budget with the accounting office. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Other Makeup Personnel Assistant Makeup Artist Additional/Extra Makeup Body Makeup © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Special Effects Makeup Meets in pre-production with the Key Makeup Artist and Director to discuss effects. Orders any fake blood or prosthetics as needed. May manufacture prosthetics as needed. May meet with actors to fit them for prosthetics, if applicable. Works with the 1st A.D. to discuss how much time each makeup effect will require to prepare. Stands by on set to supervise. May hire assistants as needed. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

The Hair Department © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Key Hair Pre-Production Meets with director to discuss looks as people are cast, never leaves set May supervise hair tests. Constructs a hair breakdown. May order wigs or hairpieces as needed. Contacts actors and reviews color photographs to determine the look for each actor. Hires hair assistants. Meets with the Key Makeup person to discuss each actor’s look. Determines additional hair personnel needs for large cast days. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Key Hair – Production & Wrap Completes hair on stars. Never leaves set, or, makes sure a hair representative is always on set. Supervises all hair continuity on set. Wrap Makes sure any wigs or hair weaves are returned. Makes sure all accounting for the hair budget is complete. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Additional Hair Personnel Assistant Hair Additional/Extra Hair Qualities of a Good Hair & Makeup Team Extremely creative, able to put the director’s vision on screen. Can do their job quickly, without loss of quality. Extensive knowledge of makeup, hair, and the proper hygiene required to use these items safely. © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Makeup & Hair Hierarchy Key Makeup Artist Special FX Makeup Body Makeup Key Hair Stylist Assistant Hair Stylist Additional Hair Assistant Makeup Additional Makeup © 2017 Taylor & Francis

Conclusion The makeup and hair team on a show could be made up of one or many people, depending on your budget and the complexity of your show. Some actors prefer to have their own personal hair and makeup people. If your project contains a lot of special effects makeup, you may have to hire a separate makeup artist who specializes in effects. Finally, you want to make sure your hair and makeup team know sanitary makeup and hair practices to ensure the health and safety of your cast. © 2017 Taylor & Francis