is a makeup artist a necessity?

J

jbrie645

Member
Hello,

Is having a makeup artist on set a must for a low budget feature? This is a very simple dialogue driven movie so I'm not talking about horror movie type effects or anything. Is it necessary to have a normal makeup artist? I would prefer not to because I'd have to pay the makeup person for 12 hour days when they'd spend most of the time just doing very slight touch ups, after the main session.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you.
 
For me it's as necessary as the director, or boom op. You will absolutly without a doubt need a makeup artist. I usually hire one, but in a pinch, I do it myself. Im self taught, but after having a ton of applications done to myself, when acting, and watching many others have their applications, I do a pretty decent job. I prefer to do special effects makeup. But sometimes you need to just do a regular app. I have a huge dislike of shiny faces, and we all know when working under hot lights, it's easy to sweat, and become oily. This is where a good powder will do miracles. Not to mention, dark circles under eyes look like crap. So the answer is absolutly.
 
If you're working with professional talent, they will expect professional make-up. On a real set, talent will arrive without make-up so you can achieve the look you want. On a budget set the Make-up person will also do wardrobe and some minor styling. A good make-up person will set the tone for the day a lot of times... they are with the talent for the start of the day and can really keep everyone's spirits up. If you work with Name Talent, they will bring/suggest their own make-up and hair people.
Just like any crew position, DP, Gaffer, Assistant Director, Props, Sound, AC.... you'll get to know the people that are fun to work with and have true talent, hire them and you'll be a winner.
 
thanks guys. do you think it's necessary for the makeup artist to be on set all day or could they leave after the morning?
 
jbrie645 said:
Hello,

Is having a makeup artist on set a must for a low budget feature? This is a very simple dialogue driven movie so I'm not talking about horror movie type effects or anything. Is it necessary to have a normal makeup artist? I would prefer not to because I'd have to pay the makeup person for 12 hour days when they'd spend most of the time just doing very slight touch ups, after the main session.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

RESPONSE: As a makeup artist, I know first-hand how having a professional on-set can cut down on post-production time and also help your audience stay focused on the characters/plot instead of being distracted by the glaring shiny forehead or over-done eyeliner of your principle actors. You can hire an artist to apply makeup and then have a crew-member do touch-ups (powder). Just make sure that you have touch-up lip color for your actors and consider providing straws so they can stay hydrated without completely obliterating their lipstick.

Also, don't overlook the opportunity to work with up-and-coming makeup artists. There is a plethora of aspiring artists who are willing to spend countless hours to gain experience and have an opportunity to obtain film credit and footage for their demo reel. These artists are likely to have little to moderate levels of experience and can vary from cosmetology students to department store associates who’ve spent years working for a cosmetic line. Even artists who you think would never consider trade due to their level of experience, may be willing to participate if your project will enhance a specific segment of their portfolio. In never hurts to ask. if you work with an amateur artist, extra effort will need to be made to clearly communication your vision (provide photos) to ensure the results are what you want. Consider visiting www.modelmayhem.com for access to makeup artists, hair stylists, and wardrobe stylists. In these cases, it's always best to budget for an artist kit fee $25+ (will vary depending on number of actors requiring makeup) as well as any travel costs the artist may incur. Do keep in mind that with trade, it's not likely that you will be able to rely on the same artist indefinitely, as it's likely that their goal is to diversify their portfolio with as many different directors/producers as possible.

If you prefer to work without a makeup artist on-set, you may wish to consider the following:
1. Pay a makeup artist one time for a training session in basic makeup artistry - a well-worth investment if you expect to do-it-yourself for future films as well. Depending on your interest, you or a permanent crew member/friend can attend the session. The makeup artist may charge the same regardless of how many people attend. Of course, the more people who know how to apply makeup, the more flexibility you have in ensuring you have an experienced crew member on every film. When hiring an artist, look for someone who has the specific experience you need (film, hi-def, etc.) and be clear as what kind of makeup application you wish to learn. Ask the artist to provide you with a list of items you'll need to purchase to stock your makeup kit (I can share a list with you if you would like). Keep in mind that most professional makeup artist receive discounts for professional-quality materials, so you may include the assembling of a basic makeup kit as part of the training cost.

2. If you do not have the funds/time to invest in training, then at minimum have a basic concealer wheel and blotting powders in several shades (Ben Nye is a good brand). Equally important is to provide actors with makeup/hair images that are appropriate, taking character age, lifestyle, and time period into consideration. Many audience members find it extremely distracting to watch period films where actors are sporting current makeup/hair trends. In my book, it ranks right up there with bad accents. :)

For tips on "How to Hire a Commercial Makeup Artist", including critical questions to ask, check out my blog post: http://wp.me/p13s2o-g

I hope this helps!
Happy Film Making.

-Patricia
www.PatriciadelaGarza.com
 
Last edited:
Nice response Patricia...

Dwelter had an interesting point about setting the tone for the day...It's also a good place for the talent to contemplate/ relax before shooting begins...
 
If I had the choice between paying a makeup artist and buying a better microphone I'd go with the mic.

For a low budget film you don't need it. Also it's one more thing to worry about. Having a huge crew so your movie feels like a real Hollywood film is how most small films don't get made.
 
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