Low-budget filmmaking tip #151
No matter how cool the makeup effects are, find out how long they take to apply and how long they last under hot lights. Factor that into your schedule. If your schedule can’t afford that, then either change your schedule, or change the makeup effect.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #51
If the makeup you want is going to take half an hour or an hour to apply, plan for that time. Don’t assume your makeup person is lying about how long it’ll take. If you can’t make that time, then talk with makeup and find a solution that gets you something you can work with in the time you can allot.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #15
If you don’t have a dedicated makeup person, try to get one. If you can’t, let your actors know as soon as possible, so they can plan ahead. You definitely don’t want them showing up thinking there’s going to be makeup, and then having to do their own at the last minute with whatever tools-on-hand they happen to bring.
And, by the way, a makeup person is soooo worth it!
By makeup, I specifically mean a person who has done makeup for movies. They understand more about what makeup has to do under hot lights. Anyone’s better than no one, and a movie makeup person is better than a talented amateur.
And of course, Crystal’s the best! (thank you for all your hard work, Crystal!)