The Stage

Make-up artists ‘need retraining for HDTV’

Published Wednesday 1 November 2006 at 15:45 by Liz Thomas

Make-up artists spokeswoman Sandra Exelby is warning that a significant proportion of the profession will need retraining in the next two years as high definition television becomes the norm.

Exelby, who is chairman of the National Association of Screen Make-up Artists and Hairdressers and an industry veteran of 30 years, explained that while some would only need to “top up” their skills, there were many who had insufficient training.

“HD needs a higher level of skill because the pictures are so much clearer, it is something like five times the clarity - virtually like being in the same room as someone. Every flaw will be visible unless make-up artists retrain in new techniques and even something as basic as what colours to use has to be adapted,” she said.

“Broadcasters are asking for HD-trained staff and within the next two years this is going to snowball. Everyone in the industry will need to be able to do it Most shows will be made that way.

“Everything has moved forward and we have all got to be open to the fact that a certain amount of retraining is necessary as new technology comes in.”

Exelby acknowledged that there had been an increase in the number of courses available but warned it was difficult to check the credentials of all tutors.

Bectu is considering creating a panel to monitor teachers while Exelby has set up her own make-up school in Shepperton for newcomers and experienced artists wanting to retrain in techniques suitable for HDTV.

She added: “If you are hired and say you can do make-up for the format and in turns out that you can’t, then that is a big problem.”

The BBC plans to produce all its output to meet HDTV standards by 2010, with shows such as BBC1’s Robin Hood, Planet Earth and big event sports programming all shot in the format. Sky currently offers simulcasts in HD alongside existing services.

Actress and broadcaster Dawn Porter said performers were relying on the whole industry to move with the times. She added: “Things have got to change but that just means there are more opportunities for everyone involved in broadcasting and the performing arts. As technology takes a step up then so should the skills behind the scenes.”

A spokesperson for Bectu said: “One of the implications for high definition is that all art and design work is up for scrutiny on screen in way that was perhaps only true before for people that worked in big budget feature films, so now such skills have to step up. At this stage we are working with colleagues at Skillset and looking into perhaps establishing qualifications or finding some way of validating people’s experience in the make-up and hair profession.”