|
Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton
Thousands of people work in hundreds of local esthetic shops, be they businesses geared to nails, facials, hair, tanning... the list goes on. More and more people are turning to those in the esthetics industry to pamper themselves. Jobs and training are plentiful.
Here's a look at some of the local education/training opportunities and a list of esthetic business and associations. As most of the positions in this industry are unregulated by government, those interviewed for stories in this issue have issued the same advice to anyone looking at education and training opportunities: make sure you know the credentials of your instructor. Someone who just graduated from a training program will not be able to teach you nearly as much as someone who has many years of work experience, they said. Additional information on the realities of doing movie makeup has also been included.
Movie makeup
While many may dream of working as part of the makeup crew for TV, TV movies or feature films, the reality is it's hard work and extremely competitive.
For one, the majority of filming for these mediums requires makeup artists trained specifically in film and TV, for them to know the stage and set terminology and protocol, and for them to be part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212 union.
As Gail Kennedy, makeup department co-chair for IATSE, responded to nextSteps: "Certificates in cosmetology are not specific enough and extensive enough to the needs of the film and television industry. The field is highly competitive and there isn't always a steady stream of work. People fare better who have had training at one of the major film and television makeup schools in North America.
"It is rare to get a 'full-time' position in the film and television industry as a makeup artist. We are hired by the job. A television series typically shoots for six to nine months. A television movie shoots for 20 days. Feature films vary from as short as one month to as long as two years with the average being around three months.
"A typical day is 12 to 14 hours for film and television shoots. A film and television makeup artist often works on location under any weather conditions. We supply all of our own makeup and equipment. A very basic kit would run at least $3,000."
Even those who do meet the above-mentioned requirements can expect to start at the bottom of the pecking order. On a film set, for instance, the key makeup artist is the highest ranking position followed by the first assistant makeup artist, the second assistant makeup artist and potentially those working to earn their union credentials.
IATSE has several helpful documents with detailed information on application criteria, makeup kit requirements, tips for success, and descriptions of the different level of makeup positions available.
Education/training
This international association dedicated to esthetics and beauty offers programs at three locations in Canada, although none in Alberta.
The Beauty Tech Esthetics School in Edmonton offers several online esthetics courses.
The Banff Centre offers a wig and makeup course for those interested in the theatre side of esthetics.
Calgary's Marvel College offers courses in several different aspects of esthetics.
In Alberta, hair styling is a two-year apprenticeship program. For more information on apprenticing in Alberta visit the Alberta Industry and Training Web site.
Bow Valley College offers a nine-month program in hair styling which will allow you to write your second-year apprenticeship test.
Businesses/associations
|
