Liz Tagg-Wooster

What inspired you to set up The Iver Makeup Academy? 

We were inspired to set up The Iver Makeup Academy because, as a group of makeup artists, we have been working for many years in the industry, combining our freelance film work with training the next generation of HMUA’s

How did you choose the teaching team for the new academy?

Well, we wanted to make sure that our students receive the most up to date and comprehensive training possible so getting the right mix of tutors was vital. Amongst our tutors are a wealth of highly skilled artists and trained teachers, working in makeup, hair, SFX, prosthetics, fashion and theatre. We all have a very good working relationship and promote a strong work ethic, which makes for a very dynamic & inspiring learning environment.

How do you choose your students? 

We also like to meet all prospective students for a short informal interview to make sure they understand the full commitment required for a career as a makeup artist, and that they are following the right path for their own goals. We also ask to see proof of a certain level of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio or photographs. We want all of our students to succeed, so we look for determination, creativity and a real passion for the industry.

Who have your tutors worked with? 

Some of the highest calibre acting clients our team have worked with include George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Dame Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Eddie Redmayne, Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren, Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, Matt Damon, Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Radcliffe. The fashion and sports industry clients have included David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton, Thierry Henry, George Best, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld. It’s so varied, and it’s this high level of professional experience that our students will be benefitting from.

What skills and techniques can students expect to learn with you? 

Our students will have the chance to explore all the areas of makeup and hair that the film, TV, theatre and fashion industry requires. They can choose to take our most comprehensive 30 week training programme accredited by ScreenSkills Select, or opt for one of our other courses. But we don’t just teach the practical skills; we also train them on the high standards of industry etiquette, continuity and script break down and how to work from a brief. All these aspects put together will produce great makeup artists.

How are you helping to support your students once they have graduated?

As well as the support of our agency team, our tutors always recommend students on as many productions as they can to give them even more work experience. Our track record can testify to this. Students we have taught have recently worked on productions such as Bridgerton, The Whitcher, Fantastic Beasts, Bohemian Rhapsody, Maleficent 2, The Crown, Mary Poppins Returns, Star Wars, Stan and Ollie, Harlots, Will, Darkest Hour, Entebbe, Murder on the Orient Express and Beauty and The Beast to name but a few. We see the academy as a permanent support system for our students, so even after they have graduated, they are free to return and ask advice from their tutors, or to get help practising techniques that they may need to brush up on for forthcoming work.