The Make-up Artist On Set Works As Part Of A Team
If you look in from the outside on the workings of a film set, you may think everyone is just hanging about doing very little. It appears this way because everyone on the set has to wait until someone else completes their task. For instance, lights need adjusting, props must be moved, or camera tracks must be put down. Each of these jobs take time, which is why when you work on set it's important that when you have a job to do, you do it immediately, so you don't keep others waiting any longer than they need to.
Make handling pressure second nature
The entire crew on a set work closely together and good teamwork is created by everyone being sympathetic towards each another and appreciating the work they have to do. It's very much a team effort in that everyone relies on everyone else to do their job well - and efficiently and fast.
When working under pressure in this way it is vital to establish good working relationships with everyone involved. And that applies to the make-up artists as much as anyone else on set. Since intense pressure is the normal state of affairs on a shoot - and often necessary to create the required energy - the professional make-up artist must learn to cope with stress. Relish it, even. Consideration towards the actors, such as providing them with coffee at the right moment, can help greatly in alleviating their tension. And if they're less tense, it probably means you'll have a less stressful and more pleasant time applying their make-up.
Use common sense to stay professional
If you're going to leave the set, make sure you tell another member of the make-up team or one of the assistant directors. The unexpected is quite common on a film set and make-up changes can be the result. You can guarantee that when you leave the set, that will be when the make-up artist is needed immediately!
Remember that, as with many industrial settings, the film set contains many potential hazards. There are trailing cables and wires, at the very least. Always wear sensible flat shoes with rubber soles. And don't wear anything that makes a noise, such as jangling bracelets or squeaky footwear. You don't want an irate sound engineer calling for a whole scene to be redone because you were clanking around behind the scenes.
"I had such a great time on the course at Delamar, I'm delighted I chose to go there. It's such a wonderful environment to learn in, and the tutors are fantastic and always keen to help you and share their knowledge. Thanks to Delamar, I have had some amazing opportunities, such as working as a trainee on 'Clash of the Titans' and they have put me in touch with make-up artists who I have assisted on commercials etc. The support after you leave the course is brilliant and I would encourage anyone to go to Delamar!"
Julie Burnett
