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HMU Trainee

Entry-level hair and make-up trainee on UK film/TV units — hygiene, continuity and cast ready-times drive the day.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Observe and assist under supervision
• Learn hygiene and continuity basics
• Kit cleaning and runs

Reports to

Assigned artist / Designer mentor

Works with

HMU team

Career path

HMU Trainee → HMU Assistant

Day to day

Learn hygiene and kit layout; assist clean-down; observe applications; never experiment on principal cast.

Call times

HMU call is driven by cast ready-times — often well before unit. Prosthetic/ageing and crowd days need long early prep.

What to wear

Blacks; clean hygienic kit clothes; hair tied back; soft shoes; PPE/gloves for prosthetics as needed.

Tools & kit

Personal kit (common), brushes, hygiene consumables, continuity camera/phone.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Face chart apps / Procreate
• Photoshop / PureRef boards
• Labelled continuity photo folders
• ChatGPT for period/reference research (Designer verifies)

Related roles

HMU Assistant, Hair & Make-up Artist

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