North Hertfordshire College’s Level 2 and 3 Media Make-Up students enjoyed an amazing experience to work as make-up artists on an independent short film, One for the Road! The film, produced by Inclusivity Films and directed by Sarah Leigh, is a fantastic opportunity for learners to build practical experience of working on sets and the different demands that work involves.
The film is produced by Inclusivity Films, who are committed to telling stories which raise awareness, represent, and advocate for inclusion of disabled, neurodivergent, and d/Deaf communities both on and off screen. They aim for their cast and crew to include a minimum of 50% of people who identify as members of those communities.
The students were on a night shoot at Duxford for the production – something that could be quite daunting for MUAs new to working on set! However, our students rose to the challenge and gained some valuable experience from the process that will be a strong addition to their CVs and portfolio.
On the very first day of the shoot, our learners were tasked with completing hair and make-up looks on twenty actors, fifteen of which were playing vampires. They worked as a team and demonstrated a great level of professionalism when meeting the actors, and working in unconventional conditions. Our tutors even received messages of appreciation from director Sarah Leigh, actors Caitlin Sinclair (Three Little Birds) and Tara Raheim (DI Ray), and actor and producer Frank Harper (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels). The experience has left our learners with new network connections and feeling confident about future careers in the TV and Film industries.
Tiff, one of our Level 3 Theatrical, Special Effects, and Media Make-Up students, commented: “It was a really good opportunity to work with all the actors and to grow outside of some of our comfort zones, which has helped with confidence and understanding of what the industry is like after college. I absolutely loved the experience.”
Frankie, who is currently studying towards her Level 2 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-Up, also agrees. She said: “I loved it so much and it’s really made me want to get into this industry professionally, more so than I did before, because I can then work on more film sets!”
Mary Dare, Course Team Leader for NHC’s Level 2 and 3 Media Make-Up courses, told us: “I was delighted I was able to give the NHC students a real-life opportunity to work on a feature film and a great company that advocates inclusion within the industry. The students networked amazingly and have made connections with actors and crew which I hope one day will help their careers in the future.”
Congratulations to our student MUAs for their professionalism and for representing the College so well! We can’t wait to see what the finished film looks like.
If you’re interested in starting your own career as a make-up artist, check out North Hertfordshire College’s Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy courses. With NHC, you can Stay Close to home and gain some fantastic experience which helps you Go Far in your future career.