Horror film a valuable work experience for make-up students

Make-up Artistry students at City of Glasgow College have been working on the set of Mercy Falls, a new independent feature film from director, Ryan Hendrick.

Set in a remote region of the Scottish Highlands, the horror feature follows lead character, Rhona, played by Outlander and Vigil star, Lauren Lyle, as she and her friends set off in search of her late father’s long-lost cabin.

In traditional horror style, tragedy befalls the group, which is where HND Make-Up Artistry TV, Film and Theatre students, Hannah Daw and Christina Ritchie, come in.

“We worked on set applying a range of injury looks to the actors, from slit throat prosthetics to axe wounds,” explains Hannah. “Ryan wanted the make-up to bleed on cue, so we used our knowledge in blood rigging to carefully hide tubing behind the make-up and it make it bleed when he called ‘action’.

“We worked alongside the costume and props department and carried out tests with the Fight Co-Ordinator to make the scene work for camera,” adds Christina. “It was a challenge to apply prosthetics on location under time pressure and changing weather conditions, but it was fun and exciting to put onto practice the skills we’ve learned in class on a real film.”

Elizabeth Wayt, Lecturer in Make-up Artistry at City of Glasgow College, said:

“Working on set is an invaluable opportunity for our students. We, of course, teach them in-depth about prosthetic make-up, how to create realistic looking injuries, and how to transform an individual’s appearance, but nothing prepares you better than actual real life, first hand work experience.

“On set, the students really learn how to work under pressure, to do everything quickly and to get it right first time. Being able to add this type of work experience to your CV is a huge advantage, and it also helps develop and enhance a student’s skills, techniques and confidence.”

Altogether Hannah and Christina spent six days working with the film crew. Such opportunities are made possible by the college’s strong relationships with industry. Lecturing staff, like Elizabeth, bring with them a wealth of industry experience and contacts.

“I attended a Prosthetic Creation course, by award-winning prosthetics designer, Neill Gorton, who is known for his work on Doctor Who. This gave me the opportunity to work alongside Scottish artist, Grant Mason. One contact often leads to another, and I am regularly asked to work on features so am able to pass that industry knowledge and experience on to my students,” explained Elizabeth.

Hannah is also representing the college in this year’s WorldSkills UK skills competition which equally puts her make-up artistry skills under pressure as she competes against peers across the UK for a spot in the national finals in November.

“Make-up artistry is not only about glamour or making people look good,” adds Elizabeth, who has been working at the college for three years now. “I chose this particular area because I love to completely alter how someone looks. Ageing someone, or creating prosthetics for injuries, is exciting, challenging and hugely satisfying.”

The City of Glasgow College website provides details on all their make-up artistry courses. Be warned though, if you’re at all squeamish it’s not for you!