UK Film & TV Craft Certificate Hair & Make-Up

Applications closed on Monday 18th January 2021

Crew for the hair and make-up department are in huge demand across the UK’s booming film and television industries. This 5 month (March to July 2021) course aims to take graduate students and give them further specialist hair and make-up training, as well as preparing them for the specific rigours of working within the film and television industries.

It is taught by industry professionals and a work experience module is intended to be included in the programme (if COVID restrictions permit), on active film or TV sets.

The course has been created in response to increased demand for hair and make-up specialists on UK-based productions, with the role identified by the BFI and ScreenSkills as an ‘in demand’ skill-set across film and high-end television production.

Students will study with University Centre Leeds. With the support of delivery partner the National Film and Television School, they will take part in two ‘boot camps’ designed to prepare them for the specific requirements of Hair and Make-Up crew in film and TV, such as their role within a department, the way departments interact with other departments during production, set etiquette and preparation for freelance life (including tax, invoicing and networking).

They will also receive valuable Health & Safety Production Passport training.

Hair and make-up artist Sophia Mascarenhas , former ScreenSkills Trainee Finder trainee, at work © ScreenSkills, Erroll Jones

What you will learn

On completion of the certificate, you will:

• Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues in both prep and on location/set
• Be able to develop and maintain good working relationships during the production process
• Understand hazards and risks in the workplace and be able to evaluate and minimise risks
• Understand relevant equipment, materials, supplies and related issues
• Be able to select, prepare, organise and manage the relevant equipment & supplies for a shoot
• Organise efficiently the workstations, other ancillary equipment & supplies, prepare set bags, prepare hair washing facilities
• Understand the characteristics of the relevant hair and make-up products.
• Have a developed understanding of hair and make-up principles
• Have an understanding of the importance of continuity in hair and make-up
• Have an appreciation of hair and make-up history – the fashion & styles
• Demonstrate an awareness of production issues related to sustainability and the environment
• Be able to operate effectively as a freelance worker

Find out more about the role from make-up artist Nusrat Bibi.

Entry requirements

The course is specifically targeted towards students who have already completed a degree or achieved another relevant Hair and Make-Up qualification. The training will be a ‘finishing’ course for those whose goal is to establish a career path in film and television and will develop their industry focused skills and experience. Training is an investment both for the candidate and the provider and so should only be undertaken by candidates with a clear commitment to achieving a high level of proficiency and dedication to the craft.

Assessment and accreditation

The qualification will be assessed on the basis of workplace performance and evidence of technical understanding. Successful students will achieve a UK Film & Television Craft Certification in Hair and Make-Up, endorsed by the National Film & Television School and ScreenSkills and recognised by film and television production and production insurers.

Fees and scholarships

There is no fee for this course but each student will be charged £250 as a contribution towards materials.

Course dates

The course runs from March to July 2021. Students should note that learning commitments throughout this period are full-time (approx. 20hrs per week), and there are limited term breaks and holidays depending on placement activity.

Application process

Applications closed at 11.59pm, Monday 18th January 2021. Applications received after this date will not be considered. If for any reason you need to submit your application by an alternative method or have any other queries then please contact NFTSLeeds@nfts.co.uk.

You may be invited to a phone/online interview during the time between the 21^st and 28^th January. Successful applicants will be offered a place in the first week in February and will be expected to accept within 3 days of the offer. We will endeavour to contact everyone by mid-February, but if you have not heard from us by then, please assume you have not been offered a place on one of the courses.

The UK film & TV craft courses are part of Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire, a ground-breaking pilot delivered by Screen Yorkshire and NFTS, supported by ScreenSkills using National Lottery funds awarded by the BFI as part of the Future Film Skills programme.