Ever wondered what it’s like to spend a day in the life of a Hair and Makeup Designer? From working on the hit show Peaky Blinders to spending days on set in the Ilkley Moors, Hair and Makeup Designer Laura shares the highlights from her career so far.
Can you tell us about your role and what it involves?
I’m a hair and makeup designer in TV and Film. My role is basically part of the visual storytelling of the script, and making sure the characters reflect the world they’re in.
How did you get into the screen industry?
I studied a media makeup and special effects FDA (Foundation Degree in Arts) at the University of Bradford. I was lucky to get a day of work experience during this time which then led me to my first paid role as a trainee in the makeup department.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
We start the day very early, typically 60-90 minutes before the unit call (main arrival time). We get the cast ready in the hair and makeup trailer and then head to set for the day.
Sometimes there’s lots of hair and makeup changes, and sometimes the cast stay in the same hair and makeup all day. Either way there’s always lots of touch ups to be had throughout the day. On wrap we typically also do a ‘derig’ for the cast.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I just love the process of creating a character. From when I get the initial scripts and the first image that pops into my head, right up to when we see the character on screen. Sometimes it can be exactly how you imagine it the first time, and sometimes it’s a real journey to find them.
What’s the most challenging part of your role?
The challenges are very different from one job to the next. One I could pinpoint would be keeping spot on continuity in challenging locations, weather struggles and multiple story days across long shooting months.
Why have you chosen to build your career in Yorkshire?
I feel really lucky to live and work in Yorkshire, my family are all here and there’s a thriving Film industry – it’s a great part of the UK with amazing crews.
Do you have a favourite Yorkshire filming location or a production that stands out in your memory?
There are beautiful locations such as Ilkley moor, and Leeds is a great city to film in. I also think Versa is a brilliant studio, and I’ve done some really memorable fun jobs there.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Just doing this as a job is a whole highlight for me.
Is there one production or experience that changed everything for you?
I think Peaky Blinders was a real moment for me. Also working on the film Maintenance Required, where the designer and I got to film out in San Francisco. It was really special!
What advice would you give to someone hoping to break into the industry?
Don’t run before you can walk. All the tasks that may seem mundane as a trainee help make you a better artist.
Listen to all the conversations around you. I came into it at a time before everyone wore radios, and so I think having a break from the radio and just tuning in to what’s going on around you is a great idea.
What excites you most about the future of Yorkshire’s screen industry?
The amount of incredible working-class creatives that are within the cast and crew, and how many great productions are choosing Yorkshire as their filming base.
Finish the sentence
“Yorkshire is a great place to make film and TV because… The people and the tea!”
Are you a Yorkshire based Film and TV crew member like Laura? Join the Screen Yorkshire Crew Directory today and let production teams find you.