Last week, our Hairdressing and Beauty students visited the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to take part in a masterclass titled The Art of Movie Make-up where students got to see the time, craft and skills behind the Making of Harry Potter, followed by a behind-the-scenes studio tour. This experience gave students a unique insight into the creation of one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time.  

During the masterclass, students explored the powerful impact that hair and makeup have on a character’s physical appearance. They learned how distinctive features help define and identify characters, such as Harry Potter’s iconic scar and glasses, Voldemort’s nose, and Draco Malfoy’s slicked-back, platinum-blonde hair. These visual elements extend beyond the films themselves and have become instantly recognisable symbols of the franchise.  

Students were then guided through the step-by-step process used by professional makeup artists to create characters for film. This begins with carefully reading the full script and analysing character descriptions to determine the appropriate hair and makeup required to bring the director’s vision to life. This foundational stage is essential, allowing each character’s look to be developed and refined through multiple stages of collaboration and feedback.  

Throughout the session, students also learned a range of fascinating facts about the Harry Potter films and the design choices behind each character. They gained insight into the challenges makeup artists face in maintaining consistency and continuity, particularly across long-running film franchises where actors change and grow over time.  

To apply their learning, students took part in a creative activity in which they designed their own character. They selected a name, gender, species, and defining characteristics, using personality traits as a guide for their character’s visual appearance. This task highlighted how hair and makeup can help communicate a character’s background, journey, and role within a story.  

To conclude the visit, students viewed authentic prosthetics and wigs used in the Harry Potter films, bringing to life the transformative impact that hair and makeup can have on screen.  

Overall, the trip provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, learn directly from industry professionals, and develop a deeper understanding of the vital role hair and makeup play in shaping a character’s personality and backstory. This is particularly important in book-to-film adaptations, where meeting audience expectations is crucial to maintaining authenticity and enjoyment.  

The experience also allowed students to network with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain insight into potential career pathways after college. They learned about routes into hair and makeup for TV and film, and gained an honest understanding of both the rewards and challenges of working in a high-pressure industry that plays a key role in the success of modern cinematography.  

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students, benefitting not only their professional development but also their personal growth. It helped build their confidence, creativity, and determination to achieve the careers they aspire to. By giving students the chance to explore a range of pathways within the Hair and Beauty sector, we are broadening their prospects and helping them gain a clearer understanding of the careers they could pursue after completing their course. As a college, we are committed to ensuring they feel fully prepared and supported as they take their next step.”  

This curriculum trip forms part of the Hairdressing and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

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