Understand and master every aspect of preparing a work of fiction ”
Trainer
Edith Simoes-Escale
Head Makeup Artist – Key Makeup Artist
Learning objectives
- Understand and master every aspect of preparing a film or series
- Identify the role and responsibilities of the makeup department on a fiction shoot.
- Read and analyse a script to assess the technical and artistic makeup requirements.
- Produce the preparation documents needed to coordinate and track the shoot.
- Use digital tools suited to preparing a project.
- Apply these skills in a realistic simulation of preparing for a shoot.
Who it is for
Makeup artists / freelance film and entertainment technicians
Duration
28 hours – 3.5 days
Prerequisites
None
Price
€2,560 excl. VAT / €3,072 incl. VAT
Detailed programme
Introduction to preparation: the role of the makeup department
Morning
- Welcome and course introduction.
- Participant introductions: backgrounds and expectations.
- The makeup department: its role and how it works with other departments (directing, script supervision, production, costume, hair…).
Afternoon
- Stages in preparing a shoot: prep, tests…
- Review of the day and preparation for the next day
Reading, script breakdown and digital tools
Morning
- Script breakdown method: how to spot and extract the useful information.
- Practical workshops: breaking down script extracts alone or in pairs.
- Introduction to digital tools:
- Organising work on Google Drive
- Introduction to Goodnotes or similar (visual note-taking, annotations)
Afternoon
- Creating an individual makeup continuity (character by character).
- Building a day-by-day breakdown: allocating tasks per shooting day from the shooting schedule.
- Formatting and digitally archiving documents.
- Review of the day and trainer feedback.
Logistics documents and team coordination
Morning
- Shoot preparation documents and what they are for:
- Production supplies list
- Additional makeup crew (dailies) schedules
- ATA carnets (temporary export of equipment)
- Guided drafting of each type of document using a running case study.
Afternoon
- Reading and understanding a call sheet: what it contains and what it means for the makeup department.
- Simulation: preparing a typical shooting day (assigning roles, organising the flow of actors, coordinating with other departments).
- Introduction to the ITSI app
- Discovering the IMDb database and why it matters for your career.
Hands-on practice and professional simulation
Morning
- Group review of the documents produced.
- Full simulation based on a short-film script.
- Structured feedback from the trainer.
- Advice and Q&A
- Individual assessment: quiz, oral interview or reflection on the simulation.
- End of the course and presentation of certificates.
Teaching resources
Short scripts (from real projects).
Sample shooting schedules and call sheets.
Template spreadsheets to fill in (Excel, interactive PDFs).
Software/apps: Google Drive, Goodnotes, ITSI.
Technical resources
Projection screen
Flip chart
Assessment
Simulated professional situations
Practical exercises with continuous assessment
Certification
Certificate of completion
