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

2. The Makeup Department
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3. 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

4. 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.
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5. Makeup Breakdown
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6. 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.
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7. Other Makeup Personnel
Assistant Makeup Artist
Additional/Extra Makeup
Body Makeup
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8. 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.
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9. The Hair Department
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10. 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

11. 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.
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12. 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.
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13. Makeup & Hair Hierarchy
Key Makeup Artist
Special FX Makeup
Body Makeup
Key Hair Stylist
Assistant Hair Stylist
Additional Hair
Assistant Makeup
Additional Makeup
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14. 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