Working on a film set, being able to watch the male and female leads of TV shows every day, may be the dream for some makeup artists to get into the industry. But what kind of physical, mental, and spiritual conditions are necessary to excel in film and television makeup? Today, let us take you through a popular science explanation.
Solid and comprehensive styling techniques
A play cannot possibly have only one actor. Besides the male and female leads, there will be characters like the "green tea bitch" (a manipulative woman), a mistress, a best friend, a boss, a robber, a police officer, a lawyer, and so on. Historical dramas are even more fun, with maids, empresses, scheming concubines, young ladies, scholars, consorts, and more. Therefore, to handle the different character requirements of each play, one must master true skills. This way, you won't make a police officer look like a robber or a maid look like an empress! In addition to character needs, sometimes the script suddenly requires a battle or a fight scene, and that's when special effects makeup comes into play. So, how can makeup and styling skills not be solid?
2. To clarify the direction of the plot.
It's not just directors and actors who need to be familiar with the script; we must also understand the plot. Why? It's simple, continuity is the most important thing during filming. The previous scene might have been shot days ago, and at that time, the actress had her hair tied up. But today's scene continues from that, and you don't know, so you let the actress's hair down. That would be terrible, and the scene might have to be reshot. For example, say there's a fight scene today, and the script says the protagonist has a bruised cheek and a bleeding lip. If you don't understand the situation, you might not have prepared the special effects makeup tools, which could slow down the progress.
Always maintain a good work attitude and mindset.
Be meticulous and constantly observe the actors“ makeup, checking for smudging, oiliness, messy hair, sweat, and so on. A positive attitude will keep the passion for our industry burning within you. The workload in the film and television industry is indeed greater than in other makeup jobs, and we often encounter ”clock-outs" (which we call overtime work). But this is also a form of training, honing your patience. Hard work and endurance are necessary conditions in any industry and field. But how to optimize your mindset and attitude is something you must cultivate yourself.
4. Punctual and efficient work efficiency
Being late is a major taboo in every industry. Makeup artists can be considered the earliest workers on a film set, as actors must arrive before the call time to have their makeup and hair done. Of course, besides starting on time, speed is also essential. Many times, you have to complete the makeup and hair styling for more than one actor within a specific timeframe, so efficient work is also very important.
Many people feel that the workload in the film and television industry is very heavy and tiring.
So many small internal struggles arise, and when opportunities come, you might miss them.
Actually, that's not the case. Although the workload is greater compared to other positions in the makeup industry, it's a great position for development.
You will hone your skills, speed, attitude, and abilities to be stronger than the average person.
Networking is the same, because on set, besides meeting the actors in front of the camera, you'll also meet a group of colleagues working behind the scenes, which can be very helpful for future work collaborations.
