Nadine Al-Samarraie (Make Up & Hair Trainee)

What made you decide to apply for your trainee position on the Northern Routes Training Scheme?
I decided to apply as I thought this would be the next step in my career. I think there is so much more I still need to learn and I think as a trainee I will be able to work and learn and hopefully the scheme will be able to help me further my career.

Please give a brief outline of your previous experience, related to this training position.
I trained at college in Media Make-Up and Special Effects, then went onto to be a Make-Up Artist for two top cosmetic houses. I began working as a Freelance Make-Up Artist in 2006. Since becoming freelance I have worked mainly for a photographer and got the opportunity to be a trainee on a drama last year, this is when I knew that this is exactly what I wanted to do. I then went on to fund a Media Hair Course in order to help me progress in my career.

There were nearly 500 applications for 22 places across the north of England, how did it feel to be chosen?
I honestly can't believe I got chosen, but I am so happy and excited. This is such a fantastic opportunity and I am really lucky.

What have you been up to so far on your placement?
The first couple of weeks have been really good, I am learning so much and just taking in as much as I can. So far I have been learning the basics of the make-up department and what goes into a production, the preparation and everything that needs to be done on day to day basis. I have also been helping and getting ready the Supporting Artists and making sure their hair and make-up is done and keeping it checked throughout the day.

What's been the best bit(s)?
Well first of all it is being picked to be a trainee and also being given the responsibility of looking after the Supporting Artists and making sure they are ok for the camera!

What are your long term career aims and how do you feel this scheme will help you achieve them?
Hopefully I would like to progress and become a successful Make-Up Artist and then hopefully a Hair and Make-Up Designer. This scheme is giving me the opportunity to carry on being a trainee, which is something I need to do for the next couple of years, and it's giving me chance to work with different make-up artists and learning from them.

Case StudyCaroline Silk - Hair and Make-up artist

Caroline Silk has been working as a make-up artist for several years.In January she did a two-day flawless airbrushing course thanks to Screen Yorkshire funding from Skillset.
"Continually updating my knowledge and developing new skills is important; it's also about keeping up with technology and moving with the industry. Airbrushing is an essential skill to have, especially for high definition television and, ultimately, the more skills I can offer a production, the more employable I am. Screen Yorkshire has always been helpful.My applications for funding have been dealt with very quickly and queries are answered in a friendly and professional manner."

Caroline is also listed on the Screen Yorkshire crew database which has led to work on a feature film. She thinks her future continues to lie in the region: "Yorkshire is easy to get around
and it's a short hop to other filming hotspots like the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester and further north. We've got everything a production needs from pre- and post-production facilities and kit hire companies to plenty of crew who are experienced at all levels."