FILM & HETV TRANSFER PROGRAMME FOR HMU ARTISTS

FUNDED BY SCREENSKILLS.

Work PLacements provided by companies such as NETFLIX, bbc, channel 5, PARAMOUNT + AND Sky max.

What is this programme?

This training programme is largely funded by the ScreenSkills Film and High-End Television Skills Funds made up of contributions from high-end television productions and films made in the UK. We partnered with ScreenSkills and contributors such as Netflix, BBC and Channel 5 to provide expert training from a variety of industry professionals currently working within the Film & TV industry.

At the end of the programme, 16 successful candidates will work on paid work placements in HETV Drama.

What does it involve?

You will get an insight into the world of media production, hear from industry professionals discuss their day-to-day work on set, in the studio and on location, as well as the opportunities to transfer your existing skills into this booming industry.

WhO IS IT FOR?

This course is for:

• Hairdressers/Barbers who have extensive skills and at least 6+ years of experience working with textured hair.

• Make-up artists with extensive experience and at least 6+ years of experience in make-up for people of colour.

Who would like to transfer these skills to work in Screen industries.

(Candidates are not required to have both skills to apply).

Watch HERE

Here’s what our previous cohorts have to say about the Programme!

Applications are NOW CLOSED

Previous Programme

Thank you to everyone that applied to the first ScreenSkills & MU-A Hair and Make-up Transfer Programme! We were blown away by how many of you wanted to be on this course. We loved training all 16 successful candidates and were delighted to see you all work on amazing Film & HETV productions such as:

Bridgerton, The Witcher and Top Boy!

FAQ

WHat happens AFTER APPLYING?

After we have received your CV and application, you will receive a confirmation email from us. This notification will be sent to the same email address that you used to submit your application, so please check your emails.

How will I know if I am short listed?

If you are short listed, you will be asked to attend an online interview in October. All applicants will be informed whether or not they have been offered a place on the programme by Monday 31st October, but you may hear back from us sooner.

When does the programme begin?

It begins, with twice weekly online training sessions the week commencing Monday 7th November 2022.

What does the programme consist of?

There are 3 elements to the programme:

1. Production Bootcamp – Interactive online learning sessions, which are spread over 4 weeks for 2 days per week, with 5-6 hours per day. Although you will need to do some research and prep work in between the sessions.

2. Studio Workshops – In person, practical learning sessions provided by expert hairdressers, barbers and make-up designers who all have teaching qualifications/experience and work in TV also. You will get the opportunity to focus on the skills you don’t have or need to ‘brush up’ on the most.

3. HETV Work Placement – Everyone who successfully completes both the Bootcamp and Workshop sessions will be offered a paid trainee placement on a UK based High End TV (HETV which is usually a drama) Production for up to 10 weeks as the final stage in the programme. Previous participants have worked on productions such as Bridgerton, The Witcher and Top Boy.

What will I learn on the bootcamp training?

The bootcamp training sessions focus on topics such as how the HETV and film industry works; working on-set; on location and as a trainee in the hair & make-up department. You will also work in subgroups to complete set tasks, do research and learn how to create film characters or period looks, etc.

What do I need to attend the bootcamp training?

You will need to be able to attend the classes on the Zoom App, via a suitable device (smart phone, tablet or pc/laptop). As the classes are live and interactive, you will need to be seen on camera and be able to talk through your devices microphone.

What sort of things are taught during the practical workshops?

The workshops are taught at introductory level, which will enable you to enter the HETV industry at a trainee or junior level. If your core skills are in hairdressing or barbering, we would advise you attend the make-up workshops (and vice versa). The make-up workshops focus on basic media make-up and period make-up techniques. The hairdressing workshops include working with black or textured hair and period styling techniques. The barbering workshop is an introduction to the principal techniques of barbering, all essential skills for fashion and character work for film and television.

Do I need to buy any make-up or hair styling kit for the practical workshops?

All of the professional tools, equipment and products that you require will be provided for you to use during the workshops. If you have your own tools & equipment, you can bring it with you. Some items may be given to you for your onward career, but you will be given a list of professional suppliers, so that you can ‘fill in any gaps’ in your pro-kit for TV & film work. *Providing it complies with current Health & Safety Standards e.g., PAT test evidence for any electrical equipment, clean and hygienically maintained brushes and tools, etc.

Where do the workshops take place?

All of the workshops are held in our make-up and hair studio, which is close to Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester. Lunch and refreshments will be provided and there is free parking at the studio if you wish to drive.

What if I live too far to travel to the studio and back home daily?

If you live further than a reasonable commuter distance from the studio, we expect you to travel to Salford the night before the first day of the workshop, stay in a nearby hotel, then return home at the end of the 2 nd day of each workshop.

What if I cannot afford to pay for my train and hotel costs during the workshops?

ScreenSkills can cover costs of train and hotel costs for those people who require it.

How many workshops can I attend?

ScreenSkills will pay for you to attend 2 out of 4 workshops. If you wish to attend more, you will need to pay for them privately.

Do I need to complete the bootcamp and workshops prior to being offered a paid work placement?

Yes, you must attend each session of the bootcamp and 2 practical workshops at our studio in Media City. This is for practical as well as motivational reasons. We need to make sure that your skills and abilities are appropriately matched on a suitable production. Working in HETV requires dedication and commitment, and although it is a very rewarding career, only those who have both of these attributes will become successful film and television hair and make-up artists.

What happens after I have completed the work placement?

Currently, we have a cohort of trainee’s who are coming to the end of their placements and already they have found new productions to move onto in their newfound careers. We encourage trainees to network with other industry people and show them how to find further work opportunities.

Can I work part time in TV and film, as I have other (work) commitments?

Yes, you may decide to work as a ‘daily artist’ by dipping in and out of TV work as and when it suits your schedule. Alternatively, you may decide to focus on working in TV and give up any other work commitments. Most productions tend to run from Monday to Friday, so your weekends are usually free.

What are the working hours?

Each production will set its own hours, which tend to be very early starts for the HMU department. They can be from 5am onwards, with a 10-hour shooting day. In addition, the HMU dept, which is classed as a prep and wrap may require its workers to give up to an hour unpaid prep work to get actors ready at the start of the day and 30 mins wrap work to remove wigs, make-up, etc.

Do I need my own transport for travelling to the shooting location?

You need to be able to get to the studio or location on time, often very early (e.g., between 5am to 7am) every day. Some locations may be in remote areas; therefore, you cannot rely on being able to use public transport. Whenever possible, we will try to secure you on a production that is a reasonable distance from your home. However, as productions can move around and be based anywhere in the UK, it is common for crew to expect to work away from home frequently.

How and when will I be paid?

When you begin as a trainee e.g., during your paid work placement, you will be paid as an employee of the production. Therefore, you will be taxed at source and put onto the PAYE system. As you progress up the career ladder and become a fully trained hair and make-up artist, you will be able to invoice the production for your services and will be paid between 7-30 days from the date of invoicing. This is classed as self-employed work, and as such you will be responsible for paying your own Income Tax and National Insurance to HMRC through an annual Tax Return.

How much can I expect to be paid, as a hair and make-up artist?

As a trainee, the minimum amount you will be paid is £600.00 per week for a 5-day working week, at approximately 10-11 hours per day. (Or £120.00 per day). Some productions may ‘top up’ this rate, which is being funded by the ScreenSkills Programme that you are part of. As you progress from trainee, your rate will increase in line with a set rate that is standardized and revised regularly throughout the UK.

Is there much work in the HETV industry at the moment?

It is safe to say that we are experiencing a boom, with a clear shortage of crew who have extensive skills in certain areas. For example, styling for black hair or make-up for POC. This is why we are running this training programme; to fill in the skills gaps and support the rest of the HMU Department crew with highly skilled workers to make actors look and feel fabulous in front of the camera.