College Make-Up Alumni Shine on Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and 48 Hour Film Project

City of Glasgow College is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its HND: Make-Up Artistry TV, Film and Theatre alumni and students, with two recent projects showcasing the talent nurtured at the College.

Nine alumni, including two former lecturers, played a pivotal role in the hair and make-up team for the crowd scenes of Guillermo del Toro’s latest production, Frankenstein, filmed in Edinburgh. They made up nearly a third of the crew working on crowd hair and make-up, from trainees to experienced artists.

Louise Doogan, a former student and make-up trainee on the film, reflected on her journey:
"HND: Make-Up Artistry TV, Film and Theatre really helped give me a strong starting knowledge of what is expected of a trainee in the industry. The lecturers pushed for work experience, which was so beneficial for my CV. Since graduating, I have been fortunate to work on multiple shows for HBO, Netflix, BBC and more."

Kirsten Hunter, Make-Up Artistry Lecturer at the College, said:
"Seeing so many former students working on such a prestigious production was incredibly rewarding. It is a testament to the strength of the course and the opportunities it provides for students to succeed in a competitive industry."

Current students are also making their mark. Second-year HND students Eilidh Gillespie and Quinn Paterson took part in the annual 48 Hour Film Project in Glasgow, a fast-paced competition where teams create a short film in just 48 hours using required elements.

Out of 77 entries, they won the Best Make-Up award for their work on Honey…Tastes Like Funny. Projects like this give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment, be recognised for their creative skills, and develop confidence and practical expertise. They often collaborate with peers from other colleges, universities and disciplines, while still benefiting from lecturer guidance and support.

Both the alumni on Frankenstein and the current students at the 48 Hour Film Project demonstrate how the College equips its students with the skills, experience and industry connections to succeed in TV, film and theatre make-up artistry.