In the behind-the-scenes world of film and television, where intricate details are crafted and characters are born even before they are captured on camera, makeup artists work quietly yet their impact is evident in every shot and scene. In a discussion, several makeup artists shared their insights about the essential role they play in Emirati dramas, along with the challenges they encounter.
Makeup artist Hussein Yazdi views makeup as more than a mere cosmetic enhancement; he believes it is a fundamental element that helps actors immerse themselves completely into their roles. He explains, “Makeup is an essential part of the actor’s connection to the character.”
As a makeup and design team, we envision the character in our minds before they come to life on screen. Therefore, I consider the makeup artist to be a true partner to the actor, as we condense 60 to 70 percent of the transformation, leaving the rest to the performance itself.
He recounts his experience working on characters like the surgeon Hamid Al-Awadi and Mabkhout played by Marwan Abdullah in a production that required portraying age stages from thirty to eighty years old through complex special effects and prosthetics.
He adds, “Time was not on our side, but through collaboration with the actors, director, and producer, we achieved results that we are proud of. What matters most to me is that the audience believes in and connects with the character.”
Makeup artist Nima Iskander, with over 16 years of experience, believes that he brings the character to life even before the lines are spoken. He states that the makeup artist is the first to shape the character’s features, setting the stage for the actor’s portrayal.
“I often start the process from the very beginning, reading the script and discussing it with the director and actor. Sometimes, an actor may not have a clear vision of their character, but after the initial makeup session, the features become clearer for them, allowing for a deeper immersion into the role,” he explains.
Also, makeup artist Basma Mubarak, who holds advanced qualifications in makeup artistry from the United States, asserts that theatrical and cinematic makeup is not merely about beautification, but rather serves as a vital dramatic expression tool. She says, “This art exists to portray realistic scenes, especially in war settings, necessitating the innovation of advanced techniques to convey authentic imagery. While the actor carries the internal performance, we provide them with the external appearance, which influences their delivery and audience interaction.”
Drawing on her experience, she shares how makeup can completely alter an actor’s performance, noting, “I’ve witnessed firsthand how an actor’s performance transforms entirely—from tone to movement—simply with the right makeup, particularly in roles requiring aging or deformities.”
However, Basma does not shy away from mentioning the challenges, particularly in dealing with faces that have undergone cosmetic procedures. She notes that these surgeries can diminish skin elasticity, complicating the accurate shaping of features. She concludes, “We are not just a team behind the scenes… we give the character its presence, and with our hands, the story begins.”