Creative Media Skills

Introduction to Makeup for Screen

Discover the art of makeup for film and television with our comprehensive foundation course designed for aspiring makeup artists. This intensive program introduces you to the essential techniques, professional practices, and creative skills needed to begin your career in the UK screen industry.

Course Overview

The Introduction to Makeup for Screen course is perfect for individuals with makeup skills who want to transition into film and television work, or for complete beginners passionate about learning this creative craft. Our experienced instructors, who work actively on major UK productions, will guide you through the fundamental techniques that distinguish screen makeup from fashion, theatre, or beauty makeup.

Training at Pinewood Studios provides you with an authentic industry environment and access to professional-grade facilities. With just 10 participants per course, you’ll receive personalized instruction, have plenty of hands-on practice time, and develop confidence in your abilities through supportive, expert guidance.

What You’ll Learn

Foundation and Skin Preparation

Creating flawless skin for camera requires different techniques than makeup for everyday wear or fashion photography. This foundational module teaches you how to analyze skin types, select and match foundation shades for diverse skin tones, and prepare skin properly for long shooting days under various lighting conditions.

Essential skills include:

Makeup Application Fundamentals

Screen makeup must look natural yet defined enough to read properly on camera. Learn the fundamental techniques of makeup application including eye makeup, contouring, and lip color that enhance actors’ features without appearing heavy or artificial.

You’ll master:

Continuity and Photography

One of the most critical skills in screen makeup is maintaining perfect continuity. A scene filmed over multiple days must look identical in every shot, regardless of when it was filmed. This module teaches you systematic approaches to documentation, photography, and note-taking that ensure consistency throughout production.

Key topics include:

Kit Essentials and Products

Building a professional makeup kit is a significant investment. This module guides you through the essential products and tools needed for screen work, helping you understand which items to prioritize as you build your kit. Learn about professional makeup brands, where to purchase supplies, and how to organize your kit efficiently.

Coverage includes:

Screen Makeup vs. Other Makeup Disciplines

Understanding the differences between screen, theatre, fashion, and beauty makeup is crucial for success in the film industry. This module explores how makeup requirements vary across different media and why screen makeup requires specialized techniques.

You’ll learn about:

Industry Opportunities and Career Paths

The UK film and television industry offers diverse opportunities for makeup artists with the right skills and training. ScreenSkills provides information about career pathways and sometimes offers funding for professional development through bursaries and scholarships. Many makeup artists begin their careers as trainees or dailies on productions, gradually building experience and professional networks.

Professional training institutions such as Iver Makeup Academy, which is ScreenSkills accredited, and schools like Charlotte Belmont Makeup Academy offer comprehensive programs for aspiring makeup artists. Understanding the industry standards for makeup courses helps you make informed decisions about your education and career development.

Who Should Attend

This foundation course is designed for anyone interested in makeup for screen who wants to develop fundamental skills in a professional environment. Whether you have existing makeup skills or are starting from scratch, this course provides the essential foundation for further development.

Ideal for:

What You’ll Practice

Hands-on practice is central to this course. You’ll work on live models throughout the training, creating various makeup looks and building your confidence with different techniques. Each day includes demonstrations followed by supervised practice, ensuring you develop solid technical skills.

Practical exercises include:

Course Details

Duration: 3 intensive days

Class Size: Maximum 10 participants

Location: Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire

Prerequisites: None - suitable for beginners and those with basic makeup skills

What’s Included:

What to Bring

While all professional products are provided during the course, you may want to bring:

Building Your Career After the Course

Completing this foundation course is just the beginning of your journey as a screen makeup artist. Most successful makeup artists continue developing their skills through:

The UK screen industry values practical experience combined with solid technical training. This course provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills to begin gaining that experience, whether through further education or entry-level positions on productions.

Industry Realities

It’s important to understand that screen makeup is a competitive field requiring dedication, continuous learning, and resilience. Success comes to those who:

Our instructors share honest insights about the industry, helping you understand both the opportunities and challenges you’ll face as you build your career.

Start Your Makeup Career

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the transformation actors undergo on screen, or wondered how makeup artists create such natural yet polished looks for camera, this course provides the perfect introduction. You’ll gain practical skills, professional knowledge, and realistic understanding of what a career in screen makeup involves.

The UK film and television industry produces an enormous amount of content, from blockbuster films to streaming series to television dramas. Skilled makeup artists are essential to all of these productions, and there are genuine opportunities for talented individuals willing to develop their craft.

Apply now to secure your place in our next Introduction to Makeup for Screen course, or contact us if you have questions about the course, what to expect, or how to prepare.

Creative Media Skills foundation courses provide authentic, practical introduction to screen industry careers. Our instructors work actively on UK productions and share real-world knowledge about the requirements and realities of professional screen makeup artistry.