Equity is in groundbreaking negotiations with the film and TV industry that could see hair and makeup equality written into performers’ contracts for the first time. The proposed new clause - which is one of our demands as we renegotiate our agreement with PACT - would require producers to provide appropriate hair and makeup for members of all ethnicities and cultures.
Too often global majority actors are forced to do their own hair and make-up on set after producers fail to provide suitable products or expertise. If agreed, the new clause would oblige producers to provide hair and make-up experts of a suitable skill and standard to all artists. Producers would also be required to work with expert consultants and designers to make sure that hair styling and make-up is not to performers’ detriment.
Equity members have driven forward the fight for hair and makeup equality. The proposed clause was co-written by Ann Ogbomo, who has also been instrumental in documenting her fellow actors’ experiences and setting best practice as part of her HMU Equality Now campaign with fellow member Cherelle Skeet. The pair met on the set of documentary film Untold Stories: Hair On Set, made by actor Fola Evans-Akingbola. Equity members Fiona Rodrigo and Peggy-Ann Fraser have also been important in raising the flag on the issue and identifying how serious and widespread it is.
Ann Ogbomo, Equity member and co-founder of HMU Equality Now, says:
“Lack of suitable hair and make-up provision risks adverse impacts to the delivery of a successful production. The proposed PACT clause is needed and important to alert producers to their responsibilities and relieve the stagnation on the issue. Producers who remain in the dark on this risk not only the full potential of their production but financial losses and damage to their reputation when they fall short of the Equality Act 2010 and fair treatment not just to performers, but hair and make-up artists too.
"When producers ensure suitable hair and make-up provision for ALL artists they will be contributing to healthier work environments leading to better work. We need to hold producers to account in order to create healthy environments where we can all do our best work.”
For guidelines on best practice or to join the HMU Equality network visit the HMU Equality Now website.
We're demanding better in film and TV
We are currently negotiating with PACT to revise and improve the collective agreements across film and TV. PACT is the UK screen sector trade body for independent production and distribution companies, from small start-ups to international indies. Our aim is to secure a new agreement with improved pay and working conditions for members working on the agreement. Find out about our key demands, including hair and make up equality. The discussions are currently ongoing.
If you would like to stay up to date with the latest on the negotiations join our Film and TV Network.
Experience: Cyril Nri, actor and Equity member
“Appropriate hair and makeup for Global Majority actors shouldn’t be an afterthought. It needs to be sourced and supplied by the production company and written into the contract. It's great when you're number two on the call sheet because the likelihood is, yes, it will be taken care of, but those conversations should be happening all the time without fear of retribution. Will hair and makeup know what’s required for working with Global Majority actors? Are they covered by the production's insurance? Or am I going to end up – as I used to – carrying an appropriate bag of makeup that I happen to have sourced because I have a sister in America.
“This is the time to ensure a meaningful consultation, to make sure that there are those who have knowledge and experience of working with afro-textured hair and darker skin tones. If it's too unspecific then we will pay the price down the line because, as sure as eggs is eggs, a producer is going to take the path of least costs. And that's not good enough. I want to make sure that it is as appropriate for me, as it is for anyone else.”
