![Composition of a woman applying makeup with a computer cursor](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023_12-digitalmakeup-01.jpg?w=1024)
THR illustration
Digital makeup artists’ work may involve computer keyboards rather than makeup brushes, but they’re behind perhaps the most closely guarded beauty secret among Hollywood’s A-listers. I’m a digital makeup artist.
This lesser-discussed art form, sometimes referred to as digital cosmetics or digital makeup, varies from story-driven requirements (i.e., one way to prevent actors from aging) to actors’ personal preferences (i.e., It has a wide range of applications, including removing the lower bag. eyes and acne scars).
“Almost every production includes some amount of this work,” reveals one source working in the field. hollywood reporter I’ll call you Bob. Still, we rarely hear about this research because of the strict non-disclosure agreements signed by those involved. This is one of the reasons these sources were interviewed. THR They spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about the work in general terms, without naming the client or project.
Story-driven uses may also include making actors look sick or giving them a “glow” when they fall in love. Other uses include technical needs such as removing prosthetic seams and visible tattoos, as well as subtle consistency corrections.
There are also works commissioned by actors. For example, a star in his 50s who appears in his big-ticket streaming dramas has stopped appearing in shows using digital makeup for several years, according to a post-production person not directly involved in digital makeup. .
1 digital cosmetic artist working with A-listers THR When I called John, he told me that based on personal preferences, my requests were “general ones that capture dark circles under the eyes, fine lines, and any highlights or shadows that you want to reduce just to make someone look like the brightest version.” Maybe,” he said. themselves. “
“I think they’re all beautiful,” the artist added. “We all have something when we look in the mirror that other people don’t see. And that’s what I’m solving for that person.”
Discretion is important for those working in this field. “This is the first time I’ve talked about what I do for a living,” John admits. “I keep it close to my vest.”
Some actors become accustomed to a particular digital makeup artist and use that artist from project to project.
John explains, “Sometimes an actor’s contract stipulates that they get a cosmetics pass,” and “Actors have a contract with the studio that specifies who will work on their behalf.” It may also be specified,” he added.
Particularly when commissioned by an A-list star, these digital artists often work closely with long-standing and trusted members of the star’s team, such as traditional makeup artists and assistants. “They may have the final approval, or the talent themselves may approve,” John says.
bob He added that in some cases, actors are directly involved. “Sometimes A-list actors will sit in on reviews and write notes,” he says.
Conversely, some actors have written contracts that state that no digital work will be done. Because such assignments do not necessarily come from actors. Particularly for story-driven uses or lighting purposes, it may come directly from the director or even the cinematographer or visual effects supervisor.
“Usually, if [an actor] I had worked on it before, so I had a good idea of what they were looking for. And I just want to make sure that the director and his VFX supervisor are on the same page. Because sometimes they don’t match up,” says John. “You have to know who you are really working for.”
So how exactly does this work? It’s primarily done using compositing techniques, and in some cases can be thought of as the video equivalent of Photoshop touch-ups. It may also be necessary to completely digitally replace a part of the body, especially if the work involves large areas.
Prices vary widely depending on the scope of work, including the number of shots required and the type of work. Bob says that for something as simple as removing a wound, companies might expect him to pay at least a few hundred dollars per shot. “If it’s very complex, it can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per shot,” Bob adds, citing the removal of difficult and visible tattoos as an example. As a last resort, companies could replace parts of the body, such as arms or necks, with digital replicas, he said. “At some point, it becomes easier,” Bob says.
John says that when it comes to facial work, the lower half of the face requires more intricate work. “Because whenever you’re working around the mouth, you need more rot.”[scoping] What must be done. “
As filmmaking technology continues to evolve, it seems likely that we will see more use of this type of work in the future. “It’s widespread. And I don’t think it’s going to go away,” Bob sums up. “That is something that will remain; [filmmaking] process. “
But for now, it remains in the shadows. “People know it exists, but it’s still kind of a secret,” Bob adds. “I don’t think it’s this bad.” [actors] Trying to pretend it’s something else. I think that’s another aspect of playing a character. It’s like stage makeup, hair, wigs, makeup, digital makeup. ”
Perhaps the true sign of these artists’ skill is that, like their work, they remain behind the scenes.
John says: “If you’re not perfect, if people know you’ve done your job, that’s worse than nothing.”