WARNING AND DISCLAIMER

I have been threatened with Legal Action so I must inform you...

When you visit these blogs you are closely monitored.

I now have your IP Address, so...

You have read the title and the description of this blog; you therefore understand the context of posts uploaded to this blog and as such you will except the information contained herein is to be viewed in Good Faith.

If you have any concerns regarding any posts here then feel free to contact me and I will address your issues.

There are never any names mentioned here unless organised prior,  ANY attempts at using my words against me to form a case of “defamation” will result in legal action being taken against you.

I take NO responsibility for your feelings, thoughts and actions and I have not coerced you in to being here, I am not forcing you to continue being here. So I will NOT be held accountable for your own issues!

If you don’t want to see this blog, then you are welcome to leave. DO IT NOW!

MY RECENT OBSERVATION

Well, I started a new job in August 2012 of which I am a Casual Employee.

It’s now January 2013 so to date my employment with this company has turned into 5months.

During these 5 months, I have worked a grand total of 10 days at approximately 4hrs per day.

When I have investigated why this is happening I am told that there is little to no work available at this time – which is a practical response.

My next question would be “Why is this so?”

Followed by “What can we do to get more work?”

Well... of course... that’s the entrepreneurial approach and not your average plebs but it’s not exactly rocket surgery.

First and foremost, I must say, it is a complete travesty to have people (like myself) – Industry Professionals with years of experience, sitting and waiting for work which is never given, particularly when we are not even told of future employment opportunities.

To have these qualified creative’s (who are rare as hens teeth) sitting in unemployed limbo while production after production steamroll through the complex and offer them no support is absolutely putrid!

You are willing to have these people represent your company by allowing them to perform a skilled service on behalf of the company and yet you don’t have any interest in representing them in return.

You want these people to be available and on call at any given moment yet for no apparent reason.

You should be grateful that these technicians are even accessible to you and/or willing to accept these ridiculous conditions.

Hey...maybe if you were a tad inventive you would issue all new, upcoming and existing productions with an information pack including profiles of all of the crew who are available to provide their individual services to the production.

Showcase the talent we have in Brisbane, use these employees’ names and networks to build a proper creative service aimed at potential business clients.

Producers and Directors should know, first hand, what type of talent they have to choose from and what possibilities could transpire from employing them.

It’s called “ADVERTISING YOUR TALENT”. The Film Industry has been doing it for many years!

Let me tell you, once other business professionals are handed a shmicko information pack containing crew bios, images, history etc and told they can utilise these people at any time, you’ll find more positions opening up, much more employment and you’ll also improve the companies profile tenfold.

In the interim, I’ll just sit here and pick my arse while watching the same few being handed more and more hours and hope that someone with a half a brain is actually, truly creative and not just pretending to be like most.

GREAT CLASSES FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES

A lot of my clients have been saying that they’d love to learn a quick, basic makeup that suits their features, age and lifestyle.
Most women tend to own ‘some products’ they like to use and ‘some’ they haven’t been game to use and a few they don’t know how to use effectively. Some women don’t wear makeup because they don’t know how to use it well and just as importantly, don’t know the tricks of maintaining the makeup – especially in Australia’s subtropical climate.
Some women don’t own the proper tools to apply makeup and are constantly searching for the product that works for them.

So, I have stripped everything down into quick, simple steps and made a booklet. It’s a compilation of techniques and knowledge gained from years of experience and it was written while standing in front of a mirror, applying makeup to myself.
It’s easy to read as you follow simple, ordered steps and it is written from your point of view - not a makeup artists.

In addition to the book I have commenced Makeup 101 classes; they are not product based so there is no pressure selling, we only talk about products if you wish to.
Bring all of your existing products and tools with you to use in the class as well as to discuss what you do like and don’t like about them. I’ll teach you how to get the best out of your products and tools and help you find the products and tools you may benefit from owning.
Similar to how the book was written, I apply makeup to myself and you follow what I do – step by step. Together we cover all you need to know about how to apply your makeup to your face.
We start by applying a clean, barely there, day makeup that suits everyone. I’ll show you how to transform your day makeup into evening makeup with a few easy steps, using your products. We’ll discuss anything you wish to know, including how to get the best out of your products/tools and possible alternative products/tools.

You can book a one-to-one class or you can book a group class with friends.
Bring along all of your products and tools, we’ll be using those in class.
Receive my Makeup101 Booklet and luxury gift with every class and even if you book 3 friends in with you, you each receive the same gifts.
There is no theory, just simple, practical techniques shown to you by pure example.
Just watch, copy and learn.

Classes are held on Sundays and Mondays at the private and luxurious LASH BAR inside MISS SAVAGE at Stones Corner, Brisbane.

If you are interested in booking a class and you want to know more information please contact:
0411 837 208 or visit darinrose.com

GOVERNMENT TRAINING IS NOT GOING TO HELP YOU

“Registered training organisations (RTOs) are providers and assessors of nationally recognised training and can include private independent businesses.”

The two key phrases in this statement are:

1. “providers and assessors of nationally recognised training”

In Australia we currently do not require an artist to be licensed to work as a makeup artist.
Some makeup counter work may require at least a Certificate II in Makeup, but not all are like this.

2. “private independent businesses”

When a private independent business provides training it is usually in conjunction with a specific brand of product.
This limits you to using only the one brand and in most times you are bombarded by constant propaganda.

I have met and worked with some extremely talented and hard working artists who have never had 'formal' qualifications but have trained under another artist, and yet they are very successful in their field.

I myself began in the Film and Television Industry as a Makeup Artist before I studied my qualifications and the only reason I studied was because I thought it would boost my career.
I still have never had anyone question my qualifications so, in reality; it was something I didn’t really require.

After spending a short time teaching Certificate II in Makeup Services at a makeup college in Brisbane where the learning material and delivery methods were outdated, incorrect and aimed more at Beauty Therapists, I am now encouraging prospective students to also look at private tuition with respected artists.

Armed with feedback from many students regarding their disappointment in current makeup colleges, including the cost and training practises, overcrowding in classes where they do not feel they learn what they need, I am offering a great alternative in the way of personal tuition in Hair, Makeup and Special Effects.

This allows for greater flexibility in hours and obviously reduced training times and costs due to learning much quicker with personal attention.

I don’t represent one particular brand of cosmetics nor do I wish to.

I will not only teach the invaluable information of hygiene when working but also etiquette and different styles of makeup looks and products. I also specialise in Special Effects, I am experienced with hair styling, and I am in constant demand for my skills.

“Darin Rose is an experienced, qualified and professional Hair, Makeup and SFX Artist working in the Industry so he can provide you with relevant, on the job knowledge. Don’t fall into the trap of paying a government operated business excessive amounts of money to train with someone who is not even a makeup artist.”

For information about learning your skills and being a fabulous Makeup Artist send me an email at mail@darinrose.com I am happy to customise a learning package to suit your requirements.

BULLYING – A FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH A REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION

For the past 9 weeks I have been contracted to work at a Brisbane beauty training college in Milton.
I was recommended for the role of trainer by a “friend” who is the Head Trainer at this establishment. I have no formal training as a trainer and assessor but she and management felt that I would be suitable for this role regardless.
They said they could not pay me the proper award rate for my duties because I had no formal training but have expected me to perform the same duties as a qualified trainer.
I was told to take charge of the delivery of the Certificate 2 in Makeup classes and design lesson plans in order to achieve this - which I have done.
I have also written a new unit for the classes and generated many other handouts for the students covering vital topics that are not covered in any of the support materials.
I have delivered all aspects of the course on time and at a professional standard thus far.
While I have been extremely versatile in my delivery and very welcoming of feedback and input from all at the college I have had to endure what I would describe as bullying.
On one hand I have been told to make sure I am delivering all that is included in the theory aspect of the course, which I have been and then once I have been told this I have then been told to make sure I am allowing the students enough practical time, which I have been as well.
I have been questioned by the Head Trainer on numerous occasions and I accept this as it is part of her role to ensure everything is sailing smoothly, but it is the tone in which I have been questioned that has made me aware that some underlying issues may be affecting this person’s ability to remain professional.
Then a situation occurred that has proved this to me without a doubt.
I had already delivered some of the theory work for the day and everything was going well according to my lesson plan when my class was interrupted when I was pulled aside by the Head Trainer and abruptly informed that I was to make the students perform four (4) makeup applications by the end of the day. I felt as though she was speaking to me as if I was a child that had done something wrong.
This took place in front of her Beauty Therapy students - which I consider to be highly unprofessional.
With the average Makeup application taking 40 minutes, that would mean that we would have to allow 5 hours and 20 minutes for both of the students to achieve this, this is not including set up times and cleansing times. As the students have only 3 ½ hours for their afternoon practical work I fail to see how this is a reasonable request.
Regardless, the students and I revised False Lash application and Gel Liner Application as this is what they had asked me to cover because they were experiencing difficulty with it.
The students then performed an evening makeup application on the two Beauty Therapy students.
This took some time because I had to demonstrate the two concerns the students wanted covered and the I had to assess and correct a couple of mistakes.
We were then going to apply makeup to the two managers of the college as there was no one else available however, they were extraordinarily busy so I told the students to go back upstairs and continue with their theory work so they were utilising their time at the college effectively and not just sitting around waiting.
We had just begun going through some of the theory when the Head Trainer marches into my class and asks me if they had performed the four makeup’s yet – absurd question because not enough time had passed for this to occur. This made me feel extremely anxious and annoyed.
I replied by saying that they had not and that we were going through theory, which I firmly believe is my call as I am the one being contracted to train this class.
Before I could continue to explain to her that we were going to go back downstairs to complete more makeup’s she arrogantly reprimanded me right in front of my students – this was the utmost in unprofessional and immature behaviour; this type of communication is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Even though I could have mirrored her behaviour by telling her not to act in this manner, I calmly told the students to pack up their materials and go back downstairs to perform makeup on each other.
I remained calm for the benefit of the students and apologised on behalf of the college for the unprofessional behaviour they had just witnessed. Both had agreed that it was an extremely awkward situation to which they both felt very uncomfortable.
It was at this stage that I began removing all of the student’s work and assessments from my bag and placing them on some shelves, I had every intention of walking out of the college and never returning again.
The only reason I remained at the college is because of the students who were already there and the students who were attending that evening.
While I am open to input and feedback, as I have already made very clear in countless circumstances, I will not accept rudeness, arrogance or non professionalism especially when it is in a public situation.
As the owner of my own business I set the guidelines as to how much I am paid, the hours I work and how I perform the duties requested of me – not some bitchy, unprofessional Head Trainer with a lust for asserting her authority.
I believe somebody needs to explain to this person that I am an individual contractor visiting the college to deliver training according to a mixture of mine and the college’s standards, the person I am contracted by and to is not her, it is the owner.
As a visitor to the college I expect the same professional treatment as any other visitor.
If this was an issue then I should have been employed as an employee of the college which I initially thought I would be until I was told otherwise after one week of training had already taken place.
I had no other option but to agree to being an individual contractor and accept the rate of pay already agreed to, which was well below the normal rate of pay for this type of role.
I have never experienced this from the managers or any of my students but unfortunately I have experienced all of the above from the Head Trainer, who I thought was a friend and was the one person who actually wanted me at the college.
I still do not know what is going on in this woman’s mind but she had obviously mistaken me for someone else.
No doubt that I will probably be dismissed under the guise of some inane reason so that all this is swept under the rug. After all, birds of a feather flock together.
They’ll find someone else who will have to endure the same treatment and I will have been “let go” because I “wasn’t suitable for the role” or some other fabrication.
But hey, I did all that I could and I know that I excelled beyond expectation; I think that is why the bullying began in the first place. Most adult bullies are stricken by envy and self esteem issues.
Since lodging a complaint with the Principle of the college I have been terminated.
So here is another case of the bully winning again – but rest assured that, if asked, I will not hesitate to let everyone in the Beauty, Fashion, Film and Television Industry know of what has happened and who was involved.

LASH EXTENSIONS vs. FALSE LASHES

There’s a lot of fuss being made about lash extensions at the moment and to be honest, I think it’s a lot of fuss about nothing.
When receiving lash extensions, a technician uses tweezers to glue each individual extension to your individual eyelashes, one by one.
It is very important to make sure that the technician is using hypoallergenic, formaldehyde-free bonding glue.
The process involves 30 to 50 separate extensions per eye, and can take between 1 – 2hours.
The usual cost of the procedure can be anywhere from $200 to $500, with maintenance appointments starting at $50.
For the first 48 hours or so, you must be very careful not to injure the bond between your lashes and the extensions.
That means you can't get them wet at all for the first 12 hours.
After that, you should not go swimming, wash your face with any type of cleanser or go into a steam room or sauna for 48 hours after the extensions were applied.
Makeup removers and moisturizers often contain emollients that will dissolve the bonding glue, so they should be avoided.
Mascara, curling irons and cream-based eye pencils should also be avoided, as all of these can damage the extension or dissolve the bonding agent.
Some evidence suggests that some women find that their own eyelashes suffer from repeated applications, and not all women are good candidates for extensions.
The biggest problem is that extensions are expensive and must be refreshed every two weeks for those who can afford the cost and the time involved.
I find that most lash extensions look like a spider that has just been sprayed with insect spray and is left with its legs curled up and a couple missing.
As time progresses your extensions will fall out, not all at the same time but rather, one by one which leaves you looking as though you are going through chemotherapy treatments.
In my opinion you’re better off leaving the lash extensions alone, keeping your own lashes healthy, saving yourself money and time and simply using good old false lashes.
When applied professionally they won’t slowly eat away your own lashes, they will only take about 10 minutes to apply, cost about $20 and look healthy and vibrant all day and all night – then you have the luxury of simply removing them, cleaning them and using them again at a later date.
If you want to have lashes applied come in to the “Lash Bar” and I’ll do it all for you, trust me, you’ll thank me later when your friends are wowed at how stunning you look and years later when you still have your own eyelashes.
Come and visit me at the “Lash Bar” Shop 2/371 Logan Rd, Stones Corner Brisbane, Australia, 4120
I am there on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 5:30pm and I’d love to see you. Make sure you book in advance though as this is very popular and I’d hate for you to miss out.
For bookings call 07 3394 2501

SFX WORKSHOPS YOU CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE

The time has arrived for the second round of SFX Basics Workshops being held at Makeup and Glow’s brand new premises and being taught by yours truly.

The last class booked out within the first week so if you want to learn some really cool and simple little tricks of the trade then I suggest booking in fast.

The workshops are designed for everyone, whether you are just starting out or an established artist who wants to brush up on their SFX skills, all are invited to attend.

You will learn some of the following:

> Minor cuts and abrasions
> Bruising and swelling
> Burns and slashes
> Broken noses and fractured cheekbones
> Blood work
> How to sculpt directly onto the face
> Creating deep wounds
> Changing facial features
> Applying and removing prosthetics
> Seaming and blending prosthetics

Along with all of this fabulous knowledge you will receive your very own sample mini makeup kit to start you on your journey of becoming an SFX master.

Lunch is provided and the day is nothing but fun fun fun.
I would love to see you there!

For more information please call 1300 788 366 or visit MAKEUP AND GLOW

PAYING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK

Just when I thought the Australian Film Industry couldn’t possibly sink any lower I come across this little nugget of complete audacity and hilarity.

Believe it or not, there is a production company in Australia who is currently advertising for and expecting any budding makeup artists to pay them $2995 in order to work on their Feature Film.
(Sorry, but shouldn’t it be the other way around??)

It is being labelled as a “unique special effects course” and is very clever in its marketing, with tantalising catch phrases like,
“Have you done courses in the past to gain experience and a foot in the film industry door and found that you finish no closer than when you started?”

It outlines that you will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the practical side of developing special effects make up with industry professionals as they create appliances, bodies and creatures.

It all begins with an extensive 4 week pre production period where they will be casting actors, sculpting, creating moulds and casting out in both foam and silicone and painting them up.
Then you have 4 weeks of production when the filming starts.

They state that “You will experience life on set as you watch and learn the prosthetics being applied. You will also assist in the makeup removal process and help dress bodies into set as well as helping to bring the creatures to life.”

So, allow me to break this down for you, this production company wants you to pay them $2995 for a completely unaccredited course, which in this day and age means diddly swat, with the return of having your name in the credits.

They want you to do all of the hard work of creating endless SFX for the film, not only for free, but while actually paying them.

Needless to say that the film may be sold and you have worked for zilch!

The production company makes heaps of money and they have not had to outlay any money in order to have the SFX created and delivered.

In fact, they have made money from you to cover other expenses.

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!

Of course there will be some dickheads out there that are so desperate to see their little name up in lights that they will gladly pay for this “experience”.

To them I say – YOU DESERVE LOSING MONEY THIS WAY BECAUSE YOU’RE A COMPLETE IDIOT!

To the Production Company I say – YOU’RE DISGUSTING AND SHAME ON YOU FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AND CASHING IN ON BUDDING TALENT!

NO MORE EYEBROWS

Eyebrow blocking is used widely through Fashion now, but it started with theatre and drag performers many moons ago.

Heaps of people have asked me about how to cover brows and there are many products and techniques you can use to achieve the no eyebrow look without resorting to shaving them off completely.

The simplest way, the way I do it, is to use stick glue.
“Uhu” makes stick glue and it is perfect for cancelling out brows.
The stick glue is non toxic and washes off easily with cleanser and warm water.

Begin by lightly rubbing the glue straight from the stick into the brows against the direction of growth. (Starting at the outer brow and ending at the inner brow)

Grab a disposable mascara wand and brush the brows in to the direction of growth then start lightly wiping the glue stick onto the brows following the direction of growth. (Starting at the inner brow and ending at the outer brow)

Do this until you have basically glued the hairs down to your skin.
Apply some powder to the area to absorb excess moisture then continue to add more glue in the same way as before.

Make sure you don’t stretch the skin in this area as it will cause the skin to wrinkle.

Now apply some more powder and let it sit for a minute or two.
The surface should be flat to the skin and very smooth.

Lightly brush away any excess powder and then apply concealer or a high pigment pan stick over the dark areas where the brow colour shows through. Make sure you blend!

Set this with some more powder then lightly apply your desired foundation with a sponge making sure you keep blending.

Now set the whole lot with translucent powder and your brows should be completely concealed.

BTW...If the thought of using glue freaks you out then try using a simple bar of soap, slightly dampen the end of the soap and keep wiping across the brows in the direction of growth until you are satisfied that they are smooth then continue with powdering and adding concealer, foundation similar to the steps above.

A DEFINITE FOR HIGH DEFINITION!

I have to rave about this fabulous product.

I have been using the ‘Graftobian High Definition Pro powder’ palette for just over a year now and it is the best of the best.

Graftobian Makeup Co. was established in 1978 and is a manufacturer and distributor of virtually every type of makeup.

The palette has lasted for the whole year and has been used on many films and photo shoots with only two of the colours having to be replaced.

Apart from the obvious, being that it is suitable for High Definition work as it is undetectable on screen or film, it lasts for ages and can be reapplied without any hassle.

I use it for concealing, highlight and shade and keeping shine at bay.

I purchased my palette from the fabulous online store ‘Makeup and Glow’ and haven’t looked back since.

You can purchase the complete 8 pan palette and any refills from www.makeupandglow.com.au while you’re there check out all the other amazing products they offer.

COMPETITIVE CLIENTS

When a potential client approaches you to do their Hair and Makeup for a competition, think strongly about whether you wish to be a part of this type of arrangement.

Now, I am speaking about competitions like amateur Karaoke contests or other amateur performing comps.
They will leave you saying that they love what you have done and are happy with the result.
Everything will be just peachy keen.

However, from my own experience, I can tell you it’s not worth the hassle.
They usually want things done on the super cheap and expect too much bang for their buck.
They’re expectations are set way too high and as a result, they have a long way to fall.
They’re amateur performers and have very little experience with winning and losing and as a result they are usually very sore losers.

Apart from this the main reason I suggest not doing someone’s Hair and Makeup for a competition is because when or if they don’t win, instead of understanding that it could be a number of things that made them lose, they will blame you and the Hair and Makeup.

My suggestion is to steer clear of them.

A DAY AT THE OFFICE

Sometimes people ask me what it’s like to work in the Film Industry doing what I do.
Many think it’s fun and glamourous and that there’s lots of sitting around doing nothing.
Well, it can be fun and glamourous and there might be some times when you have to wait for hours while other crew members set up and such, but let me reassure you that it is NO picnic!

You see, I don’t rock up to work at 8:30am and sit behind a desk until lunch when I enjoy a one hour break then return to the desk and continue until 5:00pm when I leave and go home, cook some dinner, potter around for how ever long, then go to bed.
I don’t get to just switch everything off, including my brain, and then leave.

Of course all the people who currently work in this Industry will relate to exactly what I am saying here but there are a lot of people who aren’t aware of what we do.

So for all those who would like to know?
This is a basic breakdown of a day in my field of work on a low budget project…
(This doesn’t differ much from when you are working on a big budget project except for a few things here and there.)

3:00am – Wake up, get ready and check that I have everything needed for the day.
4:00am – Travel to location.
4:30am – Arrive to location and set up.
5:00am – Hair and Makeup begin - most of the time I am making up a couple of actors at a time.
7:00am – Be on set, which may be quite a distance away.
The next 5 hours is spent running back and forth from set - retouching makeup’s to off set - doing other actors makeup’s, keeping track of continuity, setting up any SFX rigs and doing any SFX makeup on set and off set when required. Sometimes changing locations when needed.
12:00pm – Lunch - supplied at the location.
12:30pm – Hair and Makeup revision, retouches (especially mouths) and more actors’ makeup’s.
1:00pm – Be on set, sometimes in a different location from the one prior.
Again, the next 5 hours is spent running back and forth from set - retouching makeup’s to off set - doing other actors makeup’s, keeping track of continuity, setting up any SFX rigs and doing any SFX makeup on set and off set when required. Sometimes changing locations when needed.
6:00pm – Dinner, if you’re lucky - supplied at the location.
6:30pm – Begin “wrapping” the talent, removing Makeup, any prosthetics and Hair styling.
7:30pm – Pack up, clean work area and liaise with Producer, AD’s and Director about next day.
8:30pm – Travel home or to where you are staying.
9:00pm – Clean and sanitise makeup kit, brushes, tools, wash towels and hang to dry.
– organise makeup kit, brushes, tools and anything else required for the next day’s shoot.
10:00pm – Go to bed, if you can.

Repeat this, 5 – 6 days a week for however long the shoot period is.
Add to this - very strict time pressures, handling a wide gamut of creative personalities including some really needy actors, running everywhere, carting makeup bags everywhere, having makeup, blood and hair up to your elbows, constantly washing your hands, standing in broad searing sunlight or freezing cold dark for 14 hours, hearing your name called at least 100 times a day, supervising any assistants you may be lucky to have and remaining pleasant and approachable at all times.

As you can see, to have a career in this Industry, being talented and well connected is a must but stamina, patience, passion and massive sacrifice plays a more major role.

And yet, if I ever do apply for a normal 9 to 5 job, with all my professional and personal experience – I don’t even get a reply from the employer. Hilarious!! Rude!! I say, “Work one day on set with me and see how long you can last”.

Now I am not saying that the average job is not stress filled and tiring but it does kinda make you laugh when you hear a desk jockey complain about how tired they are or how bad their day at work was.

But hey…

Apart from all of this, and call me mental if you wish, I LOVE this Industry and I LOVE working in it!

HEAVEN ON EARTH?

I get a great number of emails asking me where to buy casting, molding and sculpting products and tools as well as SFX supplies, so, in case you haven’t heard, there is a fabulous new place open in Woolloongabba that sells everything you need.

The company is ‘Barnes’ and they have been around since 1986 and they've been growing ever since, now they are in Brisbane!

If you need anything for casting, molding, sculpting and special effects this is a “must visit” place!

My dear friend Kym Sainsbury is there to assist you with all your enquiries and because she has been a prosthetics guru for 20 odd years in the Film Industry she knows her stuff.

There are also future plans for Kym to hold workshops on many aspects of casting and mold making. Learn from the master!!!

You will also get to meet my fabulous Dad who works there as well.

Make sure you say a big hello from me.

Trust me – go there, you’ll think you’re in heaven…

All the products are a really excellent price and you will get all the advice you need to use them.

But take your credit card because you’ll end up spending big time!

Visit the Barnes website for more info.

JUST FOR THE RECORD

A film producer is someone who selects a screenplay, initiating the process of film making. They oversee the entire process including coordinating, supervising and controlling matters such as fund-raising, hiring key personnel such as the film director, other producers involved on production, line producer, accountant and they arrange avenues for the films distribution.

They also advise and control creating the scenes and conditions for making movies. The producer is totally involved throughout all phases of the filmmaking process from development to completion of a project.

I have worked with a number of Producers over the years and I accept that this role is one which requires hard work and dedication – most of the Producers I have worked with have been pretty much on top of their game and I would gladly work with them again.

Unfortunately though, there is one “Producer” I have worked with recently who shall remain anonymous that was completely delusional in thinking that they were able to refer to themselves as a Producer.

This person has worked on other projects and has been demoted and even fired from most of them because of their inability to come through with the promises they made, straight up lies and deceit, theft from the production budget and apparent attempts at sabotage.

The whole project, the cast and crew were all put in highly dangerous and stressful situations due to this person simply not doing their job and when anyone attempted to resolve these situations they were met with complacency and denial.

Currently, there are Chinese whispers being spread about the shoot and certain people who worked on it and I would ask anyone who hears such rumours to take them with a grain of salt as it is just this persons attempt at covering their footprints.

If you ever wish to know the truth about people then go to the source and don’t listen to any he said she said rubbish.

I will never work this person again and I will make certain that whenever their name is mentioned I will inform those who need to know about their ongoing blunders.

If you are hired to work on a gig make sure you do some research into the person who is hiring you and have a very strict contract signed prior to any work being initiated.

PRE PRODUCTION OR PREMATURE PRODUCTION

To all the independent, low budget filmmakers, Directors and Producers out there please understand that in order to have your production run smoothly and look great you need to allocate a decent amount of time for pre production.
There is a reason why major films are in pre production for months and months prior to the commencement of principle photography and this is because when you do eventually begin filming you don’t have time to even scratch your arse let alone organise requirements for the film.
This growing trend of thinking that you can pull a film together in a week or two is not only incorrect but it is immature and mindless.
Remember, the Industry has been around for a lot longer than half of you have been alive and there is always a good reason as to why things are done a certain way – usually it’s because it has been tried and tested and it works.
The more time you allow for pre production, the better your film will be.
I know it’s hard for you to control your excitement when funding comes through and you really want to get your project out there but most of us need at least 3- 4 months to order materials from overseas and have them delivered.
In my case, because it is not just a simple fact of hiring equipment at the last minute, I actually have to design and make all of the prosthetics, hair, makeups and SFX props for the entire film – they don’t just magically appear from 'mystical makeup world' and because I am too busy during the shoot applying these items to humans I do not have enough time to continue making them on set nor do I have the facilities to do so.
So, before you venture onto your next project, please be courteous and respectful enough to realise that there is a lot of hard work that goes into making your project look good and allow enough reasonable time for us to do our jobs effectively.
Oh and while your at it, maybe try to understand that we don’t just start work on day 1 of the shoot, usually we have started work on the film months in advance and we should be paid accordingly for this.
Just a thought. ;)

IF THE SHOE FITS...

As I had predetermined, there has been a bit of a back lash from my last post.
This is to be expected as it is a very fragile topic which creates a lot of “passionate” reaction.
While most people who have commented on the post have been in agreement with it and have sent their kudos to me for saying what is on everyone's minds, there have been some people who still cannot see the error of their own ways.
If you are one of the people who were completely outraged by the post then I suggest you attempt to discover why this has affected you so negatively and others so positively.
This is something that only you can do and it will probably take you some time and research in order to resolve it.
You can make a start by visiting the government website for the arts and viewing the latest submissions regarding the recent review of the Australian Independent Screen Sector, you can find them here.
Some of these submissions are from individuals and companies who are well known and viable resources in the Industry and if you have any consideration you will be heart broken at what they have to say about the current state of the Industry and what they have had to endure.
These are your Seniors and you should be listening to what they have to say – it's called respect.
Of course there will be those of you who simply do not care and only care about yourselves, to you I say, “The Industry that you are working towards getting into will no longer be there when it comes to your time to shine. If you don't start being more considerate of what is happening and your involvement in it's future then you are not going to have the chance to work in it.”
Please try to understand that the majority of talented and professional people who work in this Industry are no longer going to tolerate professional lacklustre and the demise of their Industry due to the select few who simply cannot, or refuse to, understand.
To anyone who has taken the last post to heart I sincerely apologise, I was very careful not to mention any names so if you feel as though you have been “outed” then please realise that it is you that have “outed” yourself by reacting the way you have.
There is a massive change happening at the moment, you have the choice to be a part of that change or be left behind continuing on a broken path.

ANNOYED AND KEEPING IT REAL

I have to write this because if I don't I'm going to explode so please excuse me for being rude and arrogant but someone has to say this.
There are so many people out there at the moment who are claiming to be 'Directors' and 'Producers' that, put simply, are complete idiots.
All they do is whine about how crap everything is and that they can't get any support or government funding so they have to resort to acting like complete dick heads. Blah Blah Blah.
Get over yourselves! You are not even a zit on a real Directors/Producers arse.
You think that you can ask me to work for no money or deferred payment (which never happens) in substandard conditions and live in a shanty town on set where I have to bunk up with smelly wankers because we can't have a decent shower, I have to live on bloody 'subway' for weeks and take a dump in the nearest public restroom.
Get it together you pack of losers!
Just because you are living in a fantasy world of making pretentious little films for no money that are never going to be released and acting as though it's like a fun little school camp, doesn't mean you are in any way going to compete with real films, with real budgets and real professionals involved.
I had one little producer tell me that “Until the government is going to fund his little genre flicks that he has two options, one, to keep pushing shit up a hill or two, get a 9 – 5 job and wait until some viable opportunity comes his way”.
Well sweetheart,
1.The government will give you funding the day you prove to them that you have a commercially viable project – not some half arsed amateur art house crap which nobody wants to see.
2.Until such time you are definitely only “pushing shit up a hill” and you should refer to yourself as a “shit pusher”.
3.Instead of waiting for a viable opportunity to come your way how about you use your supposed creative intellect and entrepreneurial skills to create one yourself and maybe think that a 9 – 5 job is your answer to any money woes.
(Or how about you actually complete the two films you have already shot, sell them, pay the money you are owing to cast and crew then do it again and again until you actually have some decent capital.)
I had another silly little part time “producer” tell me that “the Australian Film Industry is only a cottage Industry and that until it changes there is nothing she can do”. She also said that “she supports the Industry the best way she can by allowing people the opportunity to showcase their skills”.
What a f%@#ing joke!!
The reason this Industry is this way, is because of complacent little users like you.
Try making the change yourself by acting like a professional and treating other professionals with respect and paying them what they deserve.
You are not supporting the Industry by using slave labour and you are not showcasing their skills if you are producing amateur crap that is only going to end up half edited and collecting dust in the Directors cupboard.
No wonder the Australian Film Industry is absolute bull shit at the moment with angry little wankers like this at the helm.

Big breath...

...calm blue ocean...

There, I said it.

I feel better now. :)

DEFERRED PAYMENT

Any one who has been reading my blog may have noticed how I feel about performing unpaid work – I think I have made it pretty clear.
However, I have not really discussed deferred payments.
Deferred payment is definitely an option for you and basically it means that instead of being paid a weekly rate per week to perform work on a film you keep record of all hours worked and once the film has been completed you are paid the money which is owing to you.
Seems like a simple concept doesn't it?
But, there seems to be a lot of very confused producers out there though, either that or they're simply dodgy, as I have been handed contracts which do not abide by the rules outlined by the 'Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance of Australia'.
You see, in order to offer deferred payments you have to apply for permission to do so and even if you are granted the right to offer this type of compensation there are many laws which govern your actions.
So that everyone is well aware of their rights and responsibilities I have included a link to the document that lists these details.
For anyone who has performed work on a deferred payment deal you may be shocked at what you read and for anyone thinking of entering into a deferred payment deal please keep a record of this document so you know what you are getting yourself into.

Here is the link,

Low/No Budget

BEND IT

I thought I would write a quick entry about something which I thought most Makeup Artists already did.
However, I have only realised lately, through people commenting on it all the time that not many seem to be aware of this or use this technique.
When I apply mascara to a client I always use disposable mascara wands for hygiene reasons but then I bend the brush so that it is at a 45 degree angle to the handle.
This makes it so much easier to apply the mascara without creating a mess and/or poking the person in the eye.
You may already know this but I just figured I’d mention it for those who don’t.

VALUE YOURSELVES!!!

I’ll let you in on a little secret which very few people may be aware of.
For 18 years I worked as a patternmaker for the Fashion Industry. As the head patternmaker and production manager in the design room it was my duty to ensure that all the new designs were drafted into correct fitting patterns for cutting and sewing the new seasons range by a specific deadline.
Most of the time my assistants and I would be able to do this even though we were under a lot of stress however, some of the time, we would require outside assistance in order to achieve the deadline.
We had the option of hiring somebody on a contract basis to help us – but that would cost money and because we had already spent our funds on the range we just could not afford this option.
Rather than accepting this and just working harder and/or cutting down on some of the luxury spending that happens we decided that we would do something which is completely immoral and very illegal – it’s something that happens in the Fashion Industry a fair bit and is also happening in other Industries more and more.
We took advantage of young aspiring designers by telling them that we were now hiring for a new patternmaker, all they had to do was come in for an unpaid trial and if they passed the trial they would have a paid job in our work room.
We would give each of them one or two designs from the new range so they could make patterns for them under the guise that this was a trial to see how they worked.
Little did they know that we had no intention of ever hiring any of them fulltime, instead what we were doing was getting them to make patterns for all of the designs that we could not complete in time.
We were getting them to help us do our paid job for free.
They went away feeling as though they might have struck opportunity, never heard from us again and continued looking for work – meanwhile we went on to continue in our role, being paid well and the range would go on to flourish and make huge profits.
This is exactly what is currently happening in the Film/TV Industry and still happening in the Fashion Industry with all talents and all job roles, not just Makeup Artists (even though they usually are the first to be used and abused).
But I here you say “Oh yes but I only work for free if I get something out of it”, you may think you’re getting experience but I am telling you it is not a real experience, you may be getting pretty photos for your portfolio but are they truly showcasing your talent or someone else’s?
When I first started Makeup I did some free work and it was not until I was on a paid gig that I realised that my experience was absolutely useless and that the photos I had in my portfolio were not close up shots of my work, they were usually showcasing the photographer, model or clothing – not my makeup.
No matter what you think the opportunity is or what you think it may lead to DO NOT EVER WORK FOR FREE!
Chances are you are being used and all you are doing is diminishing the value of your craft by setting an unrealistic ideal of the real costs involved in your Industry.