What is one of the main responsibilities of a makeup artist in film production?

One of the main responsibilities of a makeup artist in film production is to create and apply looks that enhance or alter actors' appearances. This includes not only applying basic makeup to improve the actors' on-screen presence but also designing and implementing more elaborate makeup effects when a character's look calls for it, such as in period pieces, fantasy films, or horror movies. The makeup artist plays a crucial role in character development by visually conveying aspects of a character's personality or story.

While other aspects of the film production process are important, they fall outside the primary role of a makeup artist. For instance, applying special effects makeup exclusively does not encompass the full range of work a makeup artist engages in, as they also handle beauty makeup and character transformations beyond special effects. Directing the filming process is a task assigned to directors or cinematographers, while managing the film’s special effects budget is a responsibility that typically belongs to the production team or a specific effects supervisor.