Wolfblood – Sept – Dec 2015
What Role did you aspire to at the beginning of your placement?
Make up Trainee with the aim of gaining an insight into the role of a make up artist in the industry.
Do you aspire to a different role now?
Yes, I would like to continue in the role of trainee make up artist with the long term objective of becoming a fully trained make up artist.
Can you give a brief description of work carried out as a make up trainee, including any examples.
During my employment on Wolfblood; I had responsibility for the principal artists and supporting roles. I completed make up and hair as required for each scene, ensuring continuity was maintained which involved topping up lips, powdering and hair styling. The work also involved assisting other make up artists by styling hair, taking pictures and keeping the continuity file / ipads up to date with the episode and scene number. I was also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the make up station at all times, and was requested on a number of occasions to set up at different locations in preparation for planned filming. My hairdressing skills were used to colour artist’s hair throughout the duration of the filming.
What have you learned, what has been most valuable?
Function of a working TV / film set and how the make up department works within the production.
The importance of all make up and hair aspects.
Knowing the right times to go in for checks on artists make up and hair during filming and ensuring continuity between scenes
Taking and storing pictures for continuity to ensure there are records of the artists make up and hair for specific scenes, so they can be used for reference if needed.
Use of an airbrush machine to apply foundation and how to clean the equipment after use.
The importance of time management for make up and hair application to ensure the filming schedule is maintained.
Learning about the other departments and how to work together to achieve the best results.
What areas do you need to focus on next, or improve further through your training in order to become employment ready?
I am currently studying Make up at college every Sunday. During my placement at Wolfblood,I believe by working on principle artists in a fast paced environment my previous make up skills have progressed and developed. I believe I have become more efficient and have a wider skillset with the required make up and hair application. I was extremely interested in the technical aspects of special effects make up and would like to further develop my skills and understanding of this specialist area. Additionally, I am currently working towards completing my level 2 in barbering which will improve my capabilities which could be used in future employment.
Supervisor comments
Rachel was a valued member of the make up department, hard working, reliable and conscientious. Although still very new to the industry, with the correct support and guidance she would benefit any make up department.
Michael Birtley/ Make up Designer – Wolfblood 2015