Make-up
Make-up requirements vary from the corrective (such as lightening an obtrusive beard line, removing the shine from a bald head, normal presenter make-up) to a full character make-up which may involve ageing, scars, wigs, etc.
A room set aside specifically for make-up is desirable even in the smallest installation. It should be adjacent to the studio, well lit with good ventilation and maintained at a comfortable working temperature. A well-equipped make-up room not only enables the make-up specialist to work effectively with the precision this job entails but provides surroundings that staff and performers alike will find congenial.
Typical facilities
The figure opposite shows the typical facilities in a make-up area, in this case with one make-up position. Each position should have a washable working surface, ample leg room and a foot rest. The make-up chair, complete with head-rest, should be adjustable in height and preferably of the swivel type. There should be sufficient room to allow the make-up artist to work from either side of the chair. A large wall-mounted mirror is provided at each position with peripheral lighting. Flat lighting is desirable; this can be obtained with an arrangement of fluorescent tubes and diffusers. It is useful if these can be of the high frequency type to reduce the effects of flicker and have some form of dimming system.
In all except the smallest installations, hand basins with hairdressing equipment should be provided, as well as several power and razor sockets. Where appropriate, an area of work surface should be made available for wig dressing etc.
Storage should be provided for make-up materials, hairstyling equipment, razors, cleaning agents etc. Under E.C. safety legislation all hazardous substances must be stored in a locked metal cupboard and an assessment carried out of any safety implications.
Monitoring and communication
It is essential that the make-up area has a monitor feed with studio output, including sound, to ensure that the make-up staff and artistes keep up to date with the programme. Any corrective make-up required ‘on set’ can also be detected, but because the make-up monitor will probably not be of the highest quality it is always better to use the vision control monitors for proper assessment of make-up.
The make-up room should have a telephone extension and intercom with the studio, but preferably not be fitted with production talkback: not all the director’s words may be for the performers’ ears!
Each make-up position should combine well-lit working conditions for the make-up artist, with comfort for the performer.
The make-up area should be designated a No Smoking area for safety reasons (flammable liquids) as well as for health reasons.
Floor covering: neutral colour, with a non-slip, washable surface. Wall decoration: also a neutral colour.
Storage: cleaning fluids should be stored in a lockable cupboard. If productions involve plastic mouldings (prosthetics), materials must be kept in a refrigerator.
A notice must be available in the area listing the substances that have been assessed and approved for use.