Movies are more than glitz and glamor—things behind the scenes are quite different. As a professional makeup artist, I’ve work on the sets of commercials, music videos, and movies.
Regardless of whether or not you’re a movie star, hair and makeup help tell the world who you are. Anytime you’re on camera, like for professional headshots or a special occasion, NorthStar Luxe can provide on-location beauty services to help you put your best face forward.
Now, let’s go behind the scenes to learn how professionals tell a story with makeup.
BEFORE THE SHOOT
For makeup artists and hair stylists, preparations start weeks (if not months) before production. After reading the script, I start imagining how the characters will act, what they look like, and how their hair and makeup expresses their personalities. Their “look” has to represent their character perfectly.
MEETING THE TEAM
Then it’s time to meet with the actors, directors, producers, and everyone who helps influence how the look come to life. Together we are all telling a story and crafting an entirely new persona. Each detail from which shade of lipstick the character would wear to the frizziness of their hair is analyzed and decided.
For example, I worked as Head of Hair and Makeup on the recent Jumanji: Level One film, and we had to ensure that the hunter character looked like he had been exploring the jungle—no hair dye, sunburnt skin, blisters, not too clean—for a whole lived-in look.
ON SET
Once on set, unloading, organizing, and creating the styling space can take hours. My favorite is when I have a hair and makeup trailer to myself. Often, there’s no budget for that and I have to make do with a random corner of the set. I’ve even styled actors from a parked car and cut an actor’s hair outside in the rain. Yikes! But as a professional, I do whatever it takes to make their look a success. And it’s all worth it because the energy on set is contagious!
ON CAMERA
Many people are surprised to learn that when filming starts, makeup artists and hair stylists are not on break. I need to watch the monitors and be ready at a moment’s notice to be sure no hair is out of place and that the actor’s face isn’t too shiny. The days are at least 12 hours long every day of shooting. It’s a lot of work!
But in the end, it’s exhilarating seeing a character that I helped create truly come to life.
