The Key Makeup Artist

Film Crew 101

Also referred to as a "Key Makeup" or "Key," a Key Makeup Artist assists the makeup department head and supports the department as a whole. Depending on the Head of Makeup's preferences, tasks for a key could include clerical work, taking pictures of looks and keeping track of continuity, and/or helping achieve makeup looks on talent.

During filming, the Key Makeup Artist will work with talent to help achieve the makeup looks that the department head has designed for the production. They will also act as a liaison for the makeup department when communicating with assistant directing, hair, costume, special effects, and property departments. There will be times when the makeup department will need to collaborate with these departments to make sure an actor’s look is ready for filming. The key makeup will assist the head of makeup in this capacity until production wraps.