BFI x LSA
SPECIALIST HAIR, MAKEUP, WIGS & PROSTHETICS PROGRAMME
The BFI Film Academy 16-19 Specialist Hair, Wigs, Makeup and Prosthetics programme at London Screen Academy will give a taste of key skills required in the Hair and Makeup industry, giving participants a grounding in the skills and behaviours they will need for their first role in Film & TV.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
WHAT IT IS
This is a short, practical course that teaches you fundamental skills in Hair, Wigs, Makeup and Prosthetics. Taught by industry experts, you will spend a week in London at London Screen Academy's state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to learning essential theory and knowledge, each day you will try out new techniques and products to elevate your skills. The programme is useful for both those with minimal experience and those looking to refine their skills further.
You will gain a clear understanding of job roles in the Hair and Makeup industry and gain awareness of the progression pathways to help you take your next steps.
The specialist course contains a one-day introductory online component. You will then travel to London and stay for six days of hands-on education, during which you will spend time building connections with your fellow participants and attend social activities and screenings after each day's study.
Built in direct collaboration with working industry professionals, the programme will allow you to:
Collaborate with other young people interested in working in hair, wigs, makeup and prosthetics for film and TV
Deepen your understanding of how hair, wigs, makeup and prosthetics are used to tell stories and watch some great examples of this art form
Experience live demonstrations from established industry professionals in a variety of techniques
Use industry-standard equipment and materials and understand how to use your new ‘starter kit’ which you will be given
Broaden your understanding of career routes in hair, wigs, makeup & prosthetics for film and TV.
Examples of sessions you will undertake includes:
A focus on ‘Movie Makeup’ - essential techniques and skills associated with on-camera makeup. We will utilise LSA’s purpose-built resources to showcase the effect of makeup on high-end cinema cameras, deconstructing looks and giving participants products to emulate and practice
A look at various skin tones and colour palettes, allowing our participants practise with utilising different products and matching these to diverse skin tones
Observing industry professionals demonstrating skills
Careers/next steps sessions and masterclasses with industry professionals catered to the programme by LSA’s industry team.
APPLYING
There are 25 places available and we welcome applications from across the UK. You must be between the ages of 16-19 on the date the programme commences (14th March 2026) to be eligible to apply.
You can apply for a bursary to cover your travel to and from London. Accommodation, food and social activities will be covered as part of the course.
You must be completely available for all course dates:
14th March Online
28th March - 2nd April in-person at London Screen Academy
Applications will be judged based on the participant’s suitability for the programme; their intention to make full use of the learning, and the difference it will make to them and their careers.
We will ask you if you have any special educational needs. If yes, please provide as much detail as possible and upload supporting documents if you have them.
The mission of LSA is to diversify the screen industries. Diversity can include characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, and others.
Applications open on 21st November 2025 and close on 12th January 2026. If you are successful, you will be notified shortly after the application window closes.
If you have any questions regarding the programme please email bfifilmacademy@lsa.ac.uk