Makeup Artistry for Film and Television Your Tools for Success On-Set and Behind-the-Scenes

In this comprehensive handbook author, makeup artist, and educator Christine Sciortino offers a detailed introduction to the conceptual foundations, techniques, and on-set practices of the makeup design process, going beyond technique-centered makeup education to provide an in-depth look at the workings of the film and television world.

Through personal stories, interviews, demonstrations, and insights from Sciortino and her colleagues, this book explores the business of makeup artistry, including tailoring a resume, building a kit, self-marketing, breaking down a script, researching and creating makeup looks, working as part of a production team, and different ways to get paid. It further delves into on-set procedures and theory such as anatomy, skin science, color theory, and lighting design. With high-quality step-by-step photo tutorials, this book will help readers to learn and hone techniques for beauty makeup, character makeup, and light special effects including aging and dirtying, grooming, bruises and prosthetics, tattoos, and more. An emphasis is placed on working with actors of all ages, skin tones, and gender identities.

This approachable and engaging blend of practical techniques and professional practice is ideal for both introductory-level and established artists.

An online resource also offers downloadable templates and sample paperwork for on-set use and practice.

1. Introduction

Section I: Behind the Scenes

2. Getting the Job

3. Pre-Production

4. Production

5. Wrap

Section II: Theory

6. Color Theory

with Katie Middleton

7. Lighting

by Tony Santiago

8. Camera

by Tom Ciciura and Tony Santiago

9. Anatomy

10. Skin

Section III: Technique

11. HD "No-Makeup" Makeup

12. Grooming

13. Beauty Makeup

14. "Out-of-Kit" Special Effects

15. Burns

by Christopher Payne and Christine Sciortino

16. Applying Pre-Made Prosthetics

by Christopher Payne

17. Age Makeup

by Rochelle Uribe-Davila, Dina Cimarusti, and Christopher Payne

18. Applying Facial Hair

19. Dirt and Sweat

20. Additional Character Design Techniques

21. Conclusion

22. Appendix A: Note on Harassment

23. Appendix B: Glossary of Common On-Set Terminology and Slang

24. Appendix C: Other Positions on Set and What They Do

25. Appendix D: Where to Buy Products

26. Contributors

27. Works Cited

Christine Sciortino is a Chicago-based makeup artist and visual storyteller with recent projects including Come As You Are, Captive State, Proven Innocent (Fox), and Fargo (FX). As a member of the IATSE Local #476 Studio Mechanics Union, she designed and leads the local’s first Sexual Harassment training program, making our film sets safer spaces. She also created and instructs the Cinema Makeup curriculum in the school of Cinema and Television Arts at Columbia College Chicago where she has the joy of educating the next generation of filmmakers.