SET ETIQUETTE

Working on television and film sets can be a lot of fun, but this non glamorous job can be grueling with long hours and very little rest. It takes on average about 3 months to shoot a film and although you're working a minimum of 14 hours per day, the money can be quite lucrative if it's a high paying film. Television shows and commercials can have long hours as well. Sitcoms and television series shoot as long as 8 hours a day, however, you're usually only shooting 2-3 days a week. Soap operas and news are daily shoots and those hours can range anywhere from 8-12 hours.

I enjoy Access Hollywood because we only shoot 2 hours for our daily show. The show does shoot 5 days a week. Our long days are usually Wednesday or Thursday where we shoot two shows, the daily show and the weekend show. Sometimes we have set visits where we go to different television, film or music video sets and the talent interviews different stars between their shooting time. Or we have Press junkets at various hotels where stars are interviewed for their upcoming film. Red carpet movie premieres and Awards shows are also part of our job and I'm pulling my makeup bag along for the ride to make sure my talent, Shaun Robinson is always looking fresh.

With all this being said there is an etiquette that goes along with these jobs. As an artist, whether you're hair, makeup or wardrobe there is a professional protocol that you are required to adhere to. Working on music videos, film or sitcoms your days are quite long, however, you still need to maintain a very professional demeanor. I've seen artists talking on cell phones on set, sleeping, being disruptive talking with other artists, or cursing, causing the director or assistant director to reprimand them. You will lose your job. Yes, this really happens!

Unprofessional dress code such as wearing revealing clothes is also unacceptable. This can be a distraction and is just in poor taste. Always make sure you're dressed appropriately. On certain sets high heels or open toe shoes are forbidden because of the risk of falling on set with all the wires or possible equipment falling on your feet. Some sets are a little freer with their dresscode, but even still, you always want to display a professional look. Men this goes for you as well. Wearing bagging or sagging jeans is inappropriate so you too want to have a professional look at all times.
Always listen to the stage manager or assistant director and follow instructions without talking back or getting an attitude. Even if you have a difficult talent in your chair, try to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. If you are being disrespected by your talent, don't try to take the situation into your own hands, get the director IMMEDIATELY! Why? Because more than likely, the talent will usually win and you could be sent home.

Make your job as easy on yourself as possible by using great common sense and extremely good manners. These jobs are lots of fun and a real privilege so enjoy them but take them seriously. Have fun!

TELEVISION AND FILM SET ETIQUETTE

KNOW YOUR ROLE AS A PROFESSIONAL!

When I got the job working with Ms. Oprah Winfrey, I had already put in over 17 years in the business and had worked with a number of celebrities. That was in 2007 and she remains on my client roster along with Gayle King. The hardest part about starting the job with Ms. Winfrey is that she was already a household name and it was a small challenge keeping the television personality, "Oprah" separate from her then being my boss, Ms. Winfrey. First names are not an option unless they approve of such, even then ease your way into the new position. Don't become too friendly and familiar.

One thing I've learned working in the entertainment business is that before you develop a friendship, you need to develop a trusting and professional relationship. You may be required to sign confidentiality agreements by A list celebrities to keep their personal business out of the media and out of your mouth. They are trusting you to come to work and simply do your job, making them feel and look their very best. The moment you start revealing their personal information to your family and friends, you are putting your job at risk. Look at their lives the same way you look at your own and treat them the same way you want to be treated, with respect. Respect their privacy and their personal space. Don't ask ANY questions that are personal or talk about anything you've read in the media. I've seen so many hair, makeup and wardrobe stylists lose their jobs because they've divulged information to the wrong people. Once again, keep it Professional!

Watch your clients very closely and pay attention to detail. Pay attention to their moods, and always give them their space. Pay attention to how other professionals in their circle treat them, such as assistants, etc. You're most likely to see the utmost professional conduct and pattern your walk after theirs. If you're unsure, please ask someone to give you guidance. Get books that teach you how to conduct yourself around the Rich and Famous. Professional conduct may come natural to some, but not to everyone.

If you're invited to a celebrities home for the first time, trust and believe you're being watched. Don't ask for ANYTHING! Heck, bring your own water and if you must, you may use their bathroom. Don't make yourself at home or ask questions about anything in their home. Don't walk around picking up pictures of other celebrities or peering through ANYTHING! A simple compliment will suffice, because you know the home will be gorgeous! Believe it or not, this conversation has to be discussed!

Remember, hairstylists and makeup artists are still the best listeners and gossipers in the biz. The Talent love the hair and makeup room because it is where all the juice and dirt is discussed, you hear all kinds of gossip and a lot of venting, however, your job is to keep your mouth shut and don't engage...AT ALL!

When you get hired to work with clients it's because something in your personality has made them feel comfortable and at ease. They feel relaxed with your touch and with that, they begin to trust you. Your JOB is to make sure you keep them feeling trusting and respected and NOT take advantage of it. Don't initiate conversations that will cause them to become suspicious of your inquiries. In other words, just simply listen and if it gets too personal, don't become like an FBI agent or news reporter and soak up as much information as you can, just so you can say you KNOW them. It's even OK to inform your client that you're not comfortable discussing their personal business out of respect for their privacy, when in actuality you're protecting yourself. You can believe that if they tell you, they're telling someone else and if the information leaks, it could be on you even if you didn't say a word. PROTECT YOURSELF!

Friendships will be developed with your clients after you have endured a long relationship with them but this can take several years. So, don't become overly anxious to get too close and become their buddies. You have your friends and they have theirs. Know your ROLE!

MEN'S GROOMING!

Nothing like seeing a well groomed, good smelling man walking with the confidence of a stallion! When you have on a nice suite or even dressed casual, nothing is better than tying it all together with clean finger and toe nails! There's no excuse these days for not being a haute man with lots of handsome swagger. Check out www.classicshaving.com for ALL of a man's needs and wants. There's every type of shave tool imaginable and accessories that can't be beat. Their skincare is amazing and perfect for sensitive skin. See you on the street, looking tight, looking right!

ORIGINS "NEVER A DULL MOMENT SKIN POLISHER!!

GLOSSY EYES!!

MAKEUP BY ROQUE COZETTE

Glossy eyeshadows is such a fierce look even if it's not the most friendly to wear. It does move all over the place but if you're doing any type of photography with these hot looks, it works extremely well. To achieve these looks you can use a clear lip gloss if your eyes aren't super sensitive, baby oil Gel not the liquid or MAC has a product called Gloss, which is designed to turn powder shadows to a liquid. Check your local MAC store to see if they still make this product. Rosebud makes a great sheer gloss which will work as well. You can use cream liner or cream shadow and mix with your gloss, using a synthetic brush and carefully slide or pat gently along the eyelids. If you're not a pro, you can always have this look done by an artist from MAC, Stila, Urban Decay or Smashbox. These company's have artist who are very trained in doing cool, avante garde looks such as these. It's also a great look for going out on the town on a hot Saturday night. Have fun and keep me posted!



MAKEUP BY HAYDEN

EYEBROWS!

MAKEUP BY VAL! I used Esspresso eyeshadow and Blunt blush
by MAC in Oprah's brows.



Eyebrows can be your best friend or your worst enemy. I still see eyebrows that either look very drag queen, which is overdrawn and too dark with an exaggerated arch, or too thin and washed out. If you're unsure as to how your brows should look, seek a professional in a reputable salon. In the L.A. area Anastasia and Damone Roberts are two of the leading eyebrow specialists in the entertainment industry, however, the price tag ain't cheap, but worth every penny. There are many salons that do an excellent job in sculpting the perfect brow, so it's best to ask around and find out who does the best job in your hood. If your brows need an overhaul, the best thing to do is let them grow back in for a full two months with out tweezing or waxing. You're literally starting from scratch, however, continue to fill them in with either a soft brown pencil or brow powder with an angle brush to keep them looking fresh. After they've grown back, then have them done professionally and continue to see your technician every two weeks. If money is an issue, ask her to show you how to maintain your brows properly between visits. Cheers!!