Job Introduction
Sponges – check! Brushes – check! Foundation – check! This opportunity is for budding make-up artists looking for a career in TV drama.
Following the unprecedented success of our West Midlands training scheme last year, BBC Studios Drama Productions are looking for expressions of interests for Trainee Make-Up Assistant opportunities on Father Brown and Silent Witness.
Eligibility is a requirement of our funding and means we are able to offer paid placements. Please ensure you meet the following criteria before submitting an expression of interest:
• Living and based in the West Midlands
• Aged 19 years or over
• Not currently in full or part time education
Father Brown films in different locations around the Cotswolds area including places with little or no public transport options. It is the responsibility of successful applicants to ensure they are able to get to these locations as part of the training scheme.
Silent Witness is based in Digbeth. It is the responsibility of successful applicants to ensure they are able to get to the location as part of the training scheme.
Trainees will be paid (National Minimum / Living Wage or above).
Food will be provided when on location. Unfortunately travel and accommodation expenses are not provided.
The Role
We don’t mind whether you’re trained for weddings, theatre, fashion, retail, salon or special effects, as long as you have a qualification which allows you to apply make-up (HNC, HND or degree).
Working under the instruction of the Make-Up or Prosthetics Designer/Supervisor, you will see how the make-up department runs. Using knowledge and experience gained from your training you will assist the team by working with actors and preparing them for set.
You may also be on standby for touch-ups and changes throughout the shoot, cover continuity, complete and organise paperwork, order stock, shop for the department, and run errands – all contributing to a valuable insight into the world of TV drama and the role of a Make-Up or Prosthetics Assistant.
Are you the right candidate?
To be successful in this trainee role, you must have the following:
1. Expected to have own basic kit.
2. Ideally (but not essential) have a vocational qualification at Level 2 in Media Make-Up and/or Level 2-3 NVQ in Hairdressing (or equivalent).
3. A genuine interest in make-up and evidence of pro-actively seeking ways to gain more experience and knowledge
4. Experience of generating original creative ideas and opinions of your own, as well as those inspired by others, that you’re excited to share and develop
5. Experience of working to a brief within a specified timeframe
6. Experience and examples of when you have worked as part of a team and shared tasks; communicating information and taking direction from others.
7. Experience and examples of when you have worked in environments where there are conflicting priorities and problems to solve
8. Interest in TV drama including BBC Studios content
Dates
If confirmed, opportunities will last 3 to 6 weeks and run from April to August 2025.
Diversity Within Our Teams
BBC Studios is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background. More information on our D&I plan can be found here.