As part of their Film Prize University series, Prize Foundation is hosting a Hair and Makeup for Film workshop on March 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the LSU Shreveport campus.
Eva Reed, also known as Eva Styles, will lead the event. Reed is a licensed hairstylist, makeup artist, and educator who has worked on films and shows for 15 years.
Reed says she remembers her first day on a film set. Nervous, unsure, and confused, Reed had to teach herself everything she needed to know about working on a set. To keep future cosmetologists from having the same experience, she shares her knowledge with newer artists.
"I want to give to them what wasn’t given to me," Reed says. "And it wasn’t on purpose that it wasn’t given to me, it just wasn’t a thing. You know, it was either you got in or you didn’t. And, once you got in, it was either you sink or swim, and I just don’t think that’s necessary."
At the workshop, Reed says attendees will learn about the differences between day-to-day cosmetology and film hair and makeup.
"So, a lot of those differences are pretty much what looks good on camera versus the everyday woman. We have to consider lighting, camera, different lenses, different angles. So, that would be the difference," Reed says.
Learning about a set’s chain of command, etiquette, terminology, and how to communicate on a set are some of the other main points Reed will discuss.
"Who’s who when it comes to producers, directors, departments, who’s in those departments, understanding scheduling, shooting times, call times as they are different from your salon appointment times, and just the salon world in general."
In addition, Reed emphasizes the importance of team work on sets. As someone who has worked on numerous sets, she says it’s important to know how to interact with other set employees no matter the size of the production.
"You don’t know who you’re speaking with or who you’re working with," Reed says. "So, it’s always best to be prepared and treat any job like it’s a big job. Every job should be treated the same because it could lead to the next big job or the next big thing."
Reed says part of the teamwork on set includes turning the script and story into visual art. For example, hair and makeup artists for film have to focus on creating the look of a character. This means artists have to work with other departments on the set to make sure it’s done the right way.
"Ultimately, you’re really following the lead of your director, you know, and your writer," Reed explains. "It’s up to you as the professional hair stylist or makeup artist to, kind of, take those visions and then bring it to life."
Makeup and hair artists have to make sure they are maintaining continuity, keep a good relationship with the actor, and take into consideration how their work would look on screen, while also following the quick pace of a film set. To make sure the aspiring artists at the workshop are prepared for working on a set, Reed says they will have an active set on which to practice.
"So, you’ll be walking away at the end of the day actually leaving the film set and applying what you’ve learned."
Reed is also a part of the International Association for Theater and Stage Employees, a union for entertainment workers. The IATSE ensures that these workers are generally treated well in their workspace, whether it’s receiving a paycheck on time or enforcing safety.
Informing the workshop attendees of the union is important to Reed. She says if they know it’s out there, they can feel more secure in their arts career.
Reed encourages artists to come to the session for what could be the start of a successful career. She says if you have the passion for film cosmetology, you should pursue it.
"Don’t be afraid to do anything that you have already made up your mind that you want to do," Reed says. "If it was placed in your heart, if the idea was placed in your mind, that means it’s something you’re supposed to tap into."
"I’m just ready for us to stand tall as a state, as a community, Shreveport and the surrounding areas as wholly as possible, you know. And letting the skill set speak for itself."
I’m Alaina Atnip with Red River Radio News.