In response to the significant lack of black and Asian prosthetic makeup artists in the UK Film &TV industry, Banijay UK is launching an intensive training course for individuals who are looking to accelerate their makeup skills and experience in the industry.

The free to join, week-long course will be run by Neill Gorton, CEO of Millennium FX and Gorton Studio. Neill has won multi-BAFTA and RTS awards as a makeup designer across his 35-year career and Millennium FX is Europe’s largest supplier of prosthetics, special makeup and animatronic FX to film & TV. He will be joined by Rebecca Butterworth, Director of Makeup at Millennium FX and Deb Watson a makeup, hair and prosthetics designer with 30 years’ experience in the film industry.

Lucinda Hicks, CEO of Banijay UK said; “There are certain areas of the TV & Film industry which are still woefully white. And make up is one of them. Talking to Lenny Henry, CEO of one of our own company’s Douglas Road, about his experiences on set, particularly when it came to specialist makeup, inspired us to do something proactive to address this disparity. Neill and his team have been amazing and having someone of his experience run this for us is incredible.”

Sir Lenny Henry added; “This is such a brilliant idea. With the advent of more sci fi/ fantasy projects filming in the UK, we need a more diverse sfx/ prosthetic work force. I applaud everyone involved.”

Neill Gorton added; “I jumped at the opportunity to be involved. The industry has seen a significant increase in demand for prosthetic makeup skills in recent years and this demand is just not matched by talent especially diverse talent. My aim is to give those selected the skills and confidence to take their careers to new levels and make way for a new generation of prosthetic artists.”

Applications for the scheme are now open and those interested should apply here Up Skill Make-Up Artists. Applicants should have some experience working or studying makeup. This needn’t be makeup for Film & TV but can be in other areas where the skills can be considered transferable.