Hair and make-up are closely related in film as they play a major role in the transformation of an actor into a character in a movie. When we talk about hair, we cannot fail to mention wigs, extensions, and SFX hair additions and when we discuss make-up, we definitely have to talk about SFX, essential and character make-up. The crew members involved in these two departments have duties to fulfil to ensure smooth running during production. They have to:
- Do their own script breakdown and have their own unique design notes.
Create a character breakdown per scene and if possible have a picture reference portfolio for each character.
Discuss the colour palette with the production designer.
Create a look based on or in relation to the time period, social class or film genre to fit within the production requirements.
Oversee the continuity of their departments during production. (I normally advocate for short notes to be made during pre-production after the release of the call sheets to ensure the continuity is maintained and made easy).
Create hair and make-up samples during pre-production for the director to see and approve.
These two departments are so critical in telling a character’s journey and therefore essential that the hairstylist and make-up artist stay on stand-by all the time (or assistants if available) so that no detail in the storytelling and plot development is left out.