Booking a Make-up Artist for a Commercial Campaign: A Producer's Checklist
On a commercial shoot, the make-up chair sits on the critical path and the budget line is scrutinised. This is the producer's checklist for booking the right commercial make-up artist — and briefing them so the day runs clean.
Before you reach out: define the job
- Deliverable: TVC, social, e‑commerce, print, OOH? Each implies different make-up.
- Format & camera: stills/video, resolution (4K?), aspect — it changes the approach.
- Talent count: how many people, and any background/extras make-up.
- Days & locations: studio vs. location, travel, overnight, number of shoot days.
- Look: brand guidelines, mood board, references, any "must / must-not".
A precise brief gets you accurate quotes and avoids on-set surprises.
What to confirm in the booking
- Availability & hold — prep day, shoot day(s), and a weather/contingency day.
- Rate structure — day rate, half-day, overtime threshold, travel day, agency vs. direct.
- Kit fee — a standard, expected line item separate from the day rate; confirm it upfront.
- Assistant — for large talent counts or fast turnarounds, budget a second artist.
- Buyout / usage — usually for talent, but confirm nothing unusual applies.
- Cancellation & postponement terms — essential for weather-dependent shoots.
- Call time & wrap — first face in the chair vs. first shot; build realistic timings.
Timings that keep the schedule honest
- Allow a realistic minutes-per-face for the look (clean beauty is faster than character/effects).
- Stagger call times by talent order with wardrobe and hair.
- Budget continuity touch-ups every setup — make-up moves under lights and over takes.
- Add buffer for wardrobe/look changes; they reset parts of the make-up.
What makes an artist "commercial-ready"
- Consistency across takes, days and multiple talent
- Camera and lighting knowledge (no flashback, holds at 4K)
- Set etiquette: fast, calm, quiet, schedule-aware
- Strong continuity notes and references
- Communication with DOP, hair, wardrobe, 1st AD
- Languages — German + English smooths international crews in Vienna
Documents to exchange
Call sheet, mood board/brand guidelines, schedule, contact list, and a written quote covering day rate, kit fee, assistant, travel and cancellation. Lock these before the shoot, not on the day.
Book a commercial make-up artist in Vienna
Jasmin works on commercial campaigns, TV and editorial in Vienna and across Europe — camera-ready, continuity-disciplined and fluent in German and English. See campaign work in the portfolio, the client list, and get in touch with your brief and dates for a quote.