Expression of Interest: Introduction to the Make-up Department in Film & TV for the Deaf Community.

Expression of Interest: Introduction to the Make-up Department in Film & TV for the Deaf Community.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

For an ISL translation of this information, CLICK HERE

Please note that by registering your interest, you are NOT applying for a course.  This is to gauge the crew's interest in attending this type of training.  We would also like to hear which elements you would like to see in this area, so we know the training is meeting the crew's needs as expressed directly by the crew.

Proposed Training: Introduction to the Make-up Department in Film & TV for the Deaf Community.

Proposed month of delivery: TBD

Duration:  2 Days

Cost: Free

Venue: In-person. Venue Dublin tbc.

Course Tutor: Deaf Make-up Artist Noeleen Cunningham

Training Proposal:

This 2-day introductory course would be designed to equip Deaf and hard-of-hearing make-up artists with the essential knowledge, confidence, and practical awareness needed to begin working in the film and television industry.

Grounded in both professional screen industry standards and lived Deaf experience in Ireland, the course would aim to demystify set environments, introduce key roles and workflows within the make-up department and wider crew, and provide strategies for navigating communication and access barriers.

Participants would gain insight into the realities of freelance life, build a foundation for career progression, and develop practical tools to advocate for themselves and succeed in a fast-paced, often non-accessible industry. In addition to industry knowledge and career guidance, the course will incorporate practical make-up demonstrations, tutorials, and hands-on exercises, allowing participants to develop core skills, gain confidence with professional tools and techniques, and experience aspects of a working make-up department environment.

Proposed Course Content:

  • Introduction to the Film & TV Industry
    • Overview of how productions are structured: hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities
  • Working in the Make-Up Department
    • Key roles (Designer, Supervisor, Artist, Trainee) and competencies
    • Daily workflow: prep, on-set, standby, wrap
    • Kit essentials and hygiene standards
  • Practical Exercises
    • Character creation
    • Live television and studio make-up techniques
    • Corrective and natural screen make-up application
    • Continuity awareness and maintaining looks across scenes
  • Communication as a Deaf Crew Member on Productions
    • Resources for securing an ISL interpreter
    • Working with interpreters on-set (when available)
    • Strategies for working without ISL support
    • Visual communication tools (notes apps, walkie adaptations, cue systems)
    • Advocating for access needs professionally
  • Cross-Department Awareness
    • Key departments to know (Camera, Costume, AD team, Sound)
    • Who’s who on set and why it matters
    • How make-up interacts with other departments
  • Set Etiquette & Professional Behaviour
    • Understanding set hierarchy and chain of command
    • When and how to communicate on set
    • Awareness of time pressure and confidentiality
  • Industry Realities for Deaf Professionals
    • Honest discussion: barriers, opportunities, and change
    • Case studies / lived experiences from Deaf crew
    • Adjusting to environments with limited accessibility
  • Freelance Life & Career Strategy
    • How the freelance system works in Ireland
    • Finding work: networking, CVs, word-of-mouth
    • Building relationships and reputation
    • Freelance resources available
  • Access & Support Organisations
    • Overview of Irish organisations supporting Deaf creatives
    • Access supports, and production placement opportunities
  • Next Steps: Entering the Industry
    • Further training & education incl access supports
    • Pathways into trainee roles
    • Approaching designers and departments
Participant Profile:

This course would be open to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Ireland who are interested in makeup and desire to work in film and television. Participants may include students currently studying make-up, emerging or established make-up artists working in other sectors (e.g. beauty, fashion, theatre), or individuals at an early stage of exploring a career change. No prior film or TV experience is required; the primary criteria are an interest in make-up, curiosity about the screen industry, and a commitment to developing a career within it.

Expression of Interest Procedure:

Please register your interest online at this LINK.

For technical difficulties with the online system, please email jade.travers@nationaltalentacademies.ie or brian.murphy@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Film & TV Crew Academy East courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.