At the end of prep time, the last thing I had to do was helping out setting up the make-up bus. That’s really important because the efficiency and comfort of the work will depend on a a good setting, and on your memory of what’s where.
First, the make-up artists decide which station is more convenient for them and we unpack everything so we don’t have to lose any time the first morning of work. We need to dispatch the different bits of everybody’s kits in the shelves and drawers/cupboards of the make-up bus.
One of the trainee job is to put the stations in order at each change of locations, because before any journey, everything need to be lock down in the bus to prevent any damages. Anything that’s on the station goes back somewhere safe where it doesn’t risk to fall and break during travelling. You can leave stuff in the shelves, that’s fine and safe. Usually, stay there the things that you use more often, and the bigger pots and bottles. Everyone has their own set-up, so it’s not a bad idea to take a photo the first morning : this way you can set up your team’s stations the way they like it when you arrive at a new location.
It’s good to be able to jump and get them anything they need quickly when they need it (and even better : before they ask for it). So take a bit of time to see what is where at the beginning.
You also have to prep the station every morning : It’s a good tip to get onto the bus 15 minutes before you are needed to turn on any carmen rollers/hot sticks, clean the brushes, get the continuity photos of the day ready, check that they still have enough tissues, cotton buds, cotton pads, chemicals like IPa or surgical spirit, both on their station and their kit, put the kettle on for teas and coffees etc, …
Anything to help out and make the work/life of your designer and team easier basically !!!
Next article : film papers !
If you missed the first article, it’s here !
