
Diploma in
Diploma in Makeup Design for Film and Television
Vancouver Film School

Key Information
Campus location
Vancouver, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 33,950 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
02 Jan 2024
* fees for Canada region |International fees: CAD 47000
Introduction
The Diploma in Makeup Design for Film and Television at Vancouver Film School (VFS) is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of makeup design. The program covers all aspects of makeup design for film and television, including character makeup, special effects makeup, prosthetics, and period makeup. Students learn both the creative and technical aspects of makeup design, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the entire makeup production process.
The curriculum begins with an introduction to the foundational principles of makeup design, including color theory, facial anatomy, and skin types. Students learn to analyze scripts and create makeup designs that enhance characters and support storytelling.
Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to work on various individual and collaborative projects, including creating makeup designs for film scenes and characters. They learn to apply makeup techniques for different genres, such as fantasy, horror, period, and contemporary.
Students also gain practical skills in special effects makeup, learning about prosthetic application, aging techniques, wounds, and creature design. They have access to industry-standard materials and tools to develop their technical abilities in creating realistic and convincing special effects makeup.
The program includes training in prosthetics, where students learn to create and apply prosthetic pieces, such as masks, facial appliances, and body parts. They gain an understanding of the sculpting, molding, and casting processes involved in prosthetic makeup design.
Additionally, students learn about the production process and working on film and television sets. They gain knowledge of set etiquette, continuity, and collaboration with other departments within the production team.
The program also emphasizes professional development and industry practices. Students learn about networking, portfolio development, and job search strategies within the makeup design industry. They have opportunities to connect with industry professionals through events and guest speaker sessions.
By the end of the program, students will have gained a solid foundation in makeup design for film and television and a strong understanding of the entire makeup production process. They will have a portfolio showcasing their work and be prepared to pursue careers as makeup designers, special effects makeup artists, prosthetic makeup artists, and other related roles in the film and television industry.
In 12 months you will graduate with:
- A diploma in Makeup Design for Film & Television
- A comprehensive portfolio
- Access to the VFS Alumni Directory & Job Board
- Industry connections that will help guide your career
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
VFS Scholarships
VFS is excited to announce a host of new scholarships for both domestic and international applicants in the following programs.
Women in Game Design Scholarships
VFS Scholarships, Mentorships, and Work Experience Opportunities for Women in Game Design have been Relaunched
Historically a male-dominated industry despite 44% of gamers being women, game developers recognize the need for change. Equity for women in the gaming workspace should be a priority and the best way to achieve this is by supporting more women to secure careers in the game industry. Therefore, Vancouver Film School has partnered with The Coalition, Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games, Timbre Games, Relic Entertainment, and A Thinking Ape to create a scholarship fund of over $150,000 exclusively for women and non-binary persons looking to enter the game industry.
Scholarships, mentorships, and job opportunities will be offered for the Game Design program start dates from May 2023 until January 2024.
International Talent Scholarship
Show us your talent to win a scholarship to study in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver Film School (VFS) is offering, for the first time, up to 3 million dollars in scholarships so creatives from around the globe have a chance to apply, train, and begin their careers in Vancouver. Creatives from select regions have the opportunity to show us their best projects to earn a scholarship and study at Canada's premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution. VFS is proud to be ranked the #1 Global Animation School, the #1 Game Design School in Canada, and a Leading Film School Worldwide.
The International Talent Scholarship will be offered to talent from each of these four regions:
- India
- Mainland China
- Europe/Australasia/Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Asia-Pacific/Southeast Asia
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
One (1) full-tuition scholarship (100%) and two (2) half-tuition scholarships (50%), per region, for each program:
- 3D Animation and Visual Effects (12 months)
- Classical Animation (12 months)
- Film Production (12 months)
- Programming for Games, Web, and Mobile (12 months)
- Game Design (12 months)
- Digital Design (12 months)
- Sound Design for Visual Media (12 months)
- VR/AR Design and Development (8 months)
- Makeup Design for Film and Television (12 months)
- Writing for Film, Television, and Games (12 months)
The deadline for this scholarship application is July 31, 2023.
Winners will be notified on August 18, 2023.
Indigenous Peoples Scholarship
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Creative Media Arts Industries
Indigenous artists, performers, and storytellers are a foundational thread in the fabric of the Canadian narrative, continuing to grow stronger as key voices within our country's multidimensional creative landscape. At VFS, we are proud of the many Indigenous graduates from our creative arts programs working across the spectrum of media industries, finding audiences for their work at home and internationally. In support of the continued growth of Indigenous artists, Vancouver Film School is offering up to $162,000 in scholarships to Indigenous students looking to enroll in select VFS production programs.
Applications open: June 21, 2023
Application deadline: July 21, 2023
Winner announcement: August 7, 2023
Curriculum
Term 1
- Career Prep 01
- Glamour and Fashion 01
- Visual Art
- Production Skills 01
- Corrective Makeup
- Digital Media & Design 01
Term 2
- Out of Kit FX
- Glamour and Fashion 02
- Visual Art
- Hairstyling and Wigs 01
- Digital Media & Design 02
Term 3
- Bald Caps
- Character Technique 01
- Production Skills 02
- Digital Media and Design
- Prosthetics Construction 01
- Hair Laying
- Hairstyling and Wigs 02
- Production Skills 02
Term 4
- Character Technique 02
- Digital Media and Design 03
- Prosthetics Construction 01
Term 5
- The Head Masks
- Foam Latex Appliances
- Lace Wigs
- Silicone
- Digital Media & Design 03
- Ventilated Hair Pieces
Term 6
- Career Prep 02
- Career Prep 03
- Career Prep 04
- Prosthetics Construction 02
- Silicone
- Digital Media and Design 03
Program Outcome
Term 01: Learn the fundamentals of beauty makeup, as well as color theory and facial anatomy.
Term 02: Recreate classic decade looks and adapt them for contemporary application. Simulate a full range of injuries and effects.
Term 03: Learn to define character through hair-laying, wigs, bald caps, airbrushing, and advanced paint techniques.
Term 04: Pour yourself into life casts, sculpting, age makeup, and mold-making to create three-dimensional prosthetics.
Term 05: Create, apply, and paint foam latex appliances, masks, master ventilated hair pieces, and human hair lace-front wigs.
Term 06: Focus on your final portfolio project, and prepare for your career as a makeup artist.