Students Gain Hands-On Experience on Netflix Drama Dept. Q

Last summer, four City of Glasgow College students from the HND Make-up Artistry for TV, Film & Theatre course have gained invaluable industry experience on the set of Dept. Q, a major Netflix production.

The unique opportunity came about through lecturer Kirsten Hunter, who was working on the show as a daily crowd make-up artist. With a close connection to the main cast make-up team, Kirsten reached out to explore whether students could be involved — and the production’s make-up designer was more than happy to welcome them.

During spring break 2024, four students joined the production on set: second-year students Adam French and Scarlett McKenna, along with now graduates Gracie Norris and Sandra Szcuchniak.

The students supported the professional make-up team by helping with cast hair and make-up checks between takes and assisting in the set-up and breakdown of the main cast make-up truck. Working alongside seasoned professionals on such a high-profile production offered the students a rare and exciting insight into the fast-paced world of television make-up.

Feedback from the make-up crew was overwhelmingly positive. “The team were so impressed with our students,” said Kirsten. “They described them as hard-working, talented and very keen — a real credit to the College.”

In fact, the make-up designer was so impressed with graduate Sandra Szcuchniak that she was offered a trainee position for the final four weeks of filming. Kirsten added, “I was back on set for the final day of filming and it was fantastic to see how Sandra had settled into her role — she was thriving.”

This experience highlights the strong industry connections and real-world opportunities available to City of Glasgow College students, preparing them for exciting futures in the creative industries.