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Make-up artist : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • The rates of the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT)  and the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)  set the recommended industry minimum for film and television work. Latest rates are as follows: £200 for a 10-hour day for junior make-up/hair assistant and £300 for make-up designer prosthetics. These rates are for peak-time drama television production and high budget feature films. Rates are negotiable and individuals who are well regarded in the industry are in great demand and are paid well above the rates listed. Low-budget feature and off-peak TV productions pay less because of budget constrictions.
  • Commercials may be very lucrative - in excess of £400 per day for experienced artists. Fashion and editorial work ranges from £250 to £2,000 per day. Top make-up artists designing for fashion shows regularly earn over £3,000 per day.
  • Many make-up artists initially work for free or for a small fee on low-budget productions or editorial shoots, to build up a record of published work and gain experience.
  • A typical working day includes long and unsocial hours. Shifts and weekend work are common. Working on a film or television project means a make-up artist is required to be on set before filming commences and to remain on set throughout filming in order to re-apply make-up. Advance fittings are required often. Working as part of a production team is integral to the role.
  • The environment varies from indoor dressing rooms to hot studios to freezing-cold outdoor locations. The work is physically demanding and requires great concentration. Most make-up artists carry around their own equipment.
  • The majority of make-up artists work on a self-employed/freelance basis. Freelancing is often an essential pre-requisite for the very limited number of permanent jobs. Professionals are contracted for projects, either directly or through an agent.
  • Potential employers will be located mainly in cities, particularly those with strong regional independent TV companies. Most opportunities are in the London area.
  • Travel within a working day, periodic relocation, absence from home at night and overseas work or travel is frequent. Make-up artists may travel overseas for film work on location.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
May 2010
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