Has anyone done the makeup for a film/video clip before?

Apr 28, 2013

Paige M.

Was it scary? Like were you nervous?
Did you get paid for it? What kind of film was it? Was the makeup provided or did you have to pay for it yourself? Etc.

I only ask because a guy my mother in-law works with is a film student who is making a horror film this weekend and he likes my work.
But I'm not really sure what to expect from it in regards to: will I be expected to provide the makeup or will I be compensated for it? Will I get offered say $50.00 or will I just get credit for the work? How much time do I have to create each style? Etc.

Obviously I will try to acquire more information from him before this weekend, I'd just like to hear from you ladies IF you have been in that situation before :)

Apr 29, 2013

Mackenzie G.

I'm sorry I haven't😔 I wish though lol! Try googling more info and ask the guy questions, you'll seem professional for asking them😄 good luck and tell me how it goes!

Apr 29, 2013

Paige M.

I actually didn't even think about googling it, thankyou for that!
Will do :)

Apr 29, 2013

Caitlin M.

I have done work on a couple of small films and one music video. Like very small and one was a student film. The school I went to had programa for film and makeup and we collaborated sometimes. I did a feature film in Pittsburgh (where I live) but I was only a fill-in for a day because the other artist didn't show. I would have stayed on longer probably but I already had a full work schedule.

I didn't get paid for either. For the student film it was easier because I was still in school and could take materials from there and I also had a makeup kit from the school so I didn't have to pay for anything directly out of pocket (the costs of materials was covered by my tuition)

But when I worked on the feature and music video I used things out of my kit and anything that was used had to be replaced out of pocket. It can be intimidating working on a film set. I would google something like "film set etiquette" and learn a little about all the people on film sets and what they do, like "director, director of photography, 1st AD, producers, 2nd AD" and things such as last looks. How a set is run is different depending on the director. The bigger the budget the more professional it SHOULD be, it doesn't mean it is. I don't want to knock student films, but I do want to caution you. Student film makers usually don't have any money to offer you for time and materials. If you really have an interest in the project and just kind of want to stretch your legs and get some pictures for your portfolio then that's a good way to do that at times. But if you're looking to be paid student films aren't the way to go. If you're negotiating with this person you should try to get paid at least a little for your time and materials. I'd ask for a flat rate for the day and then throw on some extra for a kit rental fee (that's another thing to look up if you aren't familiar with it already - it's basically a rental fee that will cover the costs of replenishing some materials, usually it depends on how much is in your kit and the price of the items. For this you could do it for just the items you use). At the bare minimum I would try to get the kit fee just so you aren't using materials and then stuck with no money for replenishing them. But even if you don't use a lot it's still a little something for your time. This isn't true of all film makers but in my experience there are a lot of them that want the best for nothing, so try to stand your ground and get SOME compensation for your work. People not wanting to pay anything or the right rate for your work is something I've run into a lot since graduating school.

As far as time goes usually it's pretty fast-paced but again it depends on the director and the extent of makeup that needs done. Usually you'll have a decent amount of time. I try to get people into makeup about an hour or half an hour before they're needed if it's just simple beauty makeup. Then they're ready and the only thing I have to do for the rest of the time is maintaining the look with blotting sheets, setting spray, anything else that needs touched up. The good thing about student films is most are laid back so you won't be under too much pressure. I hope this makes sense and is at least a little helpful. Sorry the post is so long lol. Good luck if you take on the job! :)

Apr 29, 2013

Paige M.

Thankyou so much! I don't really know what to expect so that was really helpful. :)
I was thinking I'd make up some latex molds and fake edible blood, things like that, so that on the day I won't be taking forever to do each look.
I've done gun shot wound makeup on my boyfriend and a guy I was in a Customer Contact course with, but other than that I haven't really had a lot of experience with this sort of thing.
I've spent roughly $60 on different materials for a horror themed film (liquid latex, spirit gum, different colour body paints, clay for the molds, blood, etc). I'm not entirely sure what kind of horror film it is yet, I'm assuming it will be Zombie or Slasher related.

I'm not really bothered whether or not I get a lot of money from this, but I do want credit for my work, to take photos for my portfolio and compensation for the materials I've used, even if it's only $50-$100.

Apr 29, 2013

Caitlin M.

Ah ok, my advice is just to bring up those things and see if they'll meet your requests. Those are pretty standard demands too so I don't think there will be a problem getting most of them. The only thing that may be tricky is the money depending on their financial situation. As long as you're getting most of what you want out of it I'd say it's worth the time :)

Apr 29, 2013

Paige M.

Okay great, thankyou again :)

Apr 29, 2013

Paige M.

Okay so it is a slasher/thriller film.
I'm getting reimbursed for price of the prosthetic's and makeup materials.
Fake blood will be provided.
I can take pictures for my portfolio and will be getting credited for my work.
I'm pretty happy with that :)

May 2, 2013

Caitlin M.

That's pretty good. Good for you! The only other thing I would suggest is making your own blood to bring with you just in case. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those jugs of blood from a costume store and it always looks TERRIBLE. I only suggest this because if you're putting your name on this project as the effects artist everything effects-wise is going to reflect on you, so I would bring your own. There's a really good chance they'll look at whatever you've made and like it better than what they have. Making it is almost always the way to go. To make it just get plain corn syrup and add red food coloring, and a bit of green to darken it up a bit. Blood is very rarely cherry red and should have a bit of a thickness to it, and from my experience anything that comes from a costume store never looks good, the color will be off or it will be very thin and runny. Or ask them ahead of time what type of blood they have and then just say something like 'oh well I have this blood I made and I think it would work really well for this if you would like me to bring it" If they're hellbent on using it I wouldn't be forceful but I'd at least ask them about it. In the end it will enhance your work if you have good blood involved :)