Hair + Makeup DepartmentMake-up Assistant

The Make-up Assistant works under the direction of the make-up artist, creating various looks and carrying out wide-ranging tasks. They must break down the script with the senior make-up artist, research the characters and period in which the story is set, and create looks relevant to the story, character and genre of the project. They must apply make-up on the cast. They must be able to apply make-up for particular effects, for example making someone look sick/well/younger/older, and creating prosthetics or wounds. They are responsible for the set-up, maintenance and storage of make-up workstations, assisting with maintaining stock levels and booking supplies. They must maintain paperwork and computer records as required.

Is this role right for me?

For this role, you will need:

A great eye for detail and an ability to understand the make-up requirements for any given project.

An ability to take direction and to work effectively as part of a team.

Good interpersonal and people skills, ability to work with actors.

IT, office administration and stocktaking competencies.

Artistic and technical make-up skills.

Work with:

• Senior Make-up Artist
• Costume Designer
• Costume Supervisor
• Hair Designer
• All of the Make-up Department
• Actors

Career Path to Make-up Assistant:

There are no usual career paths to Make-up assistant, often they would have worked as a Make-up trainee. A qualification in make-up design can be beneficial. It is important to have a portfolio of work.