Hair, Makeup, and Costumes for Movie Production

HAIR, MAKEUP,

AND COSTUMES

he proper hairstyle, makeup, and costume help actors to establish

their character. This is especially true in a historical setting, where the

structure of an authentic period costume may determine how the actor

walks, sits, and gestures, and a wig or hairstyle may determine his

posture and carriage.

Actors of sufficient rank may request their own hairstylist, makeup

artist, or costumer as part of the contract negotiation. On smaller projects,

such as a commercial, video, or independent film, the duties of hairstylist

and makeup artist are often combined. Epic productions may require

teams of stylists and artists to cope with the large number of extras.

Positions generally include:

MAKEUP DEPARTMENT

· Key Makeup Artist (Head of the makeup department): design the

makeup for each character in each scene and apply or oversee appli-

cation of makeup on principle actors.

· Makeup Artist: do the actual work of applying makeup to the actors.

· Assistant Makeup Artist: perform lesser tasks, such as applying

body makeup.

· Makeup Effects Artist: specializing in the design, fabrication,

and application of special makeup effects, such as prosthetics and

animatronics.

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