Work on a Commercial Feature Film:
Positions: Key Hair & Make Up (Head of Department)
Rate: Up to £220 day (Breakfast and lunch provided on location)
Duration: 5 weeks (October – November 2026)
Location: On-location between Manchester and Shrewsbury (Must be locally based/commutable)
Direct reports: Hair Stylists, Make-Up Artists, Crowd Make-Up Artists, Crowd Hair Stylists, and Assistant HMUAs
Head of Department/Reporting To: Maria, Production Manager
Full Job Description:
We are seeking a visionary, highly organised, and deeply collaborative Key Hair & Make-Up to lead our HMUA's team as Head of Department (HOD). The film is a powerful, historical look at a dark chapter of British history, following the haunting true story of Alice Glaston, the youngest girl ever legally executed in England.
As a Head of Department, this role demands exceptional leadership qualities alongside an elite artistic flair for hair and make-up. You will be responsible for conceptualising, designing, and executing authentic 16th-century Tudor looks that reflect the bleak reality and social hierarchies of the era. Given the harrowing nature of the narrative, you must possess a profound sensitivity to historical themes, ensuring that grit, poverty, and period accuracy are balanced with creative storytelling. You will champion the creative vision of the Director while managing the logistical realities of a fast-paced feature film, serving as a pillar of professionalism and an inspiration for your team.
Due to this role involving direct work with child actors, the post holder must have an up to date DBS check and willingness to participate in company approved safeguarding training.
Daily tasks:
- Taking full ownership of the hair and make-up department,
- Managing budgets, tracking expenditures, and overseeing the hiring and daily management of Hair Stylists, Make Up Artists and Assistants,
- Developing and executing comprehensive hair, and make-up designs for the entire cast, utilising strong artistic flair to bring 1500s characters to life realistically,
- Crafting looks with a deep respect for historical accuracy and the sensitive themes of the film, ensuring the depictions of Tudor-era hardship are impactful yet respectful.
- Establishing rigid continuity protocols, maintaining comprehensive continuity books with photographic logs, and overseeing precise touch-ups during filming,
- Working closely with the Costume Designer, Gaffer and Director of Photography to ensure hair and make-up designs complement the wardrobe textures and camera lighting.
Essential Criteria:
- Must hold, or be willing to undergo, a valid Enhanced DBS check,
- Willingness to participate in company approved safeguarding training,
- A proven track record in a similar role in fast paced TV, Film or Theatre Productions,
- High-level technical skill and extensive knowledge in hair and make-up designs, with a portfolio demonstrating this,
- Proven ability to manage a team under tight film schedules, foster a positive work environment, oversee department budgets, and maintain meticulous continuity records.
- Full availability for October and November 2026, a reliable commute to the Manchester/Shrewsbury areas, and the physical stamina required for production schedules.
Desirable Criteria:
- Full UK driving licence with a personal vehicle,
- Previous experience working with child actors in a HMUA capacity,
- Existing relationships with a trusted network of experienced hair and make-up assistants and dailies available across the North West and West Midlands.
(Due to our work with professional child actors, this role is subject to the company safer recruitment and vetting protocols)
Pay: £180.00-£220.00 per day
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
