Film London as part of the BFI’s Metro London Skills Cluster supported by the National Lottery Fund, is delighted to introduce the cohort selected for a new skills programme supported by Sony Pictures Entertainment (“SPE”) and Channel 4. The Hair and Makeup Aesthetics Academy seeks to improve the diversity of Hair & Makeup crews on UK film and TV productions, reduce industry skills gaps and ensure the long-term well-being and employability of participants.

With two tailored pathways, Aesthetics Academy is designed to support both mid-career and entry-level talent with hands-on training, mentoring and post-programme industry support.

For new entrants, the Aesthetic Trailblazers cohort supports those with hair and/or makeup experience outside of the industry in transferring to the hair and makeup department of Film and TV. Participants will engage in a comprehensive 8-session training course, delivered by Iver Makeup Academy, to develop cutting-edge skills, including special effects, period makeup, hair and wigs, and techniques tailored to all skin tones and hair textures.

The Aesthetic Trailblazers cohort are:

  • Aedita Murua
  • Dorothy Benjamin
  • Francess Adella George
  • Folake Kassim
  • Kirsty Oman
  • Lara Shwani

Film London’s Equal Access Network will also deliver on-set etiquette training, support from industry professionals and networking opportunities to enhance the employability of trainees and ensure the UK film and TV sector retains a skilled workforce. Additionally, the Aesthetic Trailblazers will be matched with mentors from the programme’s Elevation Squad, encouraging community building, growth and development for all participants.

The Aesthetics Academy Elevation Squad will equip existing Film and TV Hair and Makeup professionals with the training and support needed to progress to Designer level. The 8-session training course, delivered by BLCKSTR, covers advanced skills in budgeting, team building and management, and cross-production design, empowering participants to take on Head of Department positions in High-End TV (HETV), feature films, and scripted drama.

The Elevation Squad cohort are:

  • Aminat Bolaji
  • Emma McRae
  • Junior Green
  • Laura McGowan-Faulkner
  • Sandra Hadi
  • Uche Abuah

Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London said:

“We are delighted to welcome twelve incredible individuals onto the Aesthetics Academy, a ground-breaking programme and a hallmark of our work as part of the BFI’s Metro London Skills Cluster. Underpinning all film and TV production is our world-class crew base, who are the very lifeblood of our screen industries. A recent study from ScreenSkills and 4Skills, conducted by Ampere Analysis, confirmed that UK screen industries create jobs for over 190,000 people. Regional clusters, working in tandem with a national skills strategy are vital in ensuring that skills gaps are addressed. To ensure the UK remains at the heart of cutting-edge film and TV production, we must continue to invest in our workforce and improve the diversity of our crews. I would like to thank Sony Pictures Entertainment and Channel 4 for their funding and engagement in this programme and look forward to seeing how the selected participants progress in their careers.”

With funding support from SPE and Channel 4, Film London’s Aesthetic Academy is delivered as part of the BFI’s Metro London Skills Cluster supported by the National Lottery Fund. As Cluster lead, Film London works to ensure the capital’s screen industries retain a skilled and diverse workforce by focusing on employability, crew retention and progression, as well as curriculum development for higher education.

For more information on Film London’s Hair and Makeup Aesthetics Academy, visit here or contact equalaccess@filmlondon.org.uk.