Makeup and wardrobe can have a major impact on how polished a video production looks, but deciding how to staff those roles isn't always straightforward. On a smaller corporate video production or commercial shoot, one person may be able to handle both makeup and wardrobe. As the number of cast members, looks, and costume changes increases, however, separating those responsibilities can save a surprising amount of time on set.
At Mile High Films, we look at makeup and wardrobe staffing as part of the overall production schedule. Adding crew costs money, but so does having a camera crew, talent, and client waiting while one person tries to handle too many responsibilities.
When One Person Can Handle Makeup and Wardrobe
For a relatively simple Denver video production, combining makeup and wardrobe can make a lot of sense. If there are only one or two people on camera, limited wardrobe changes, and straightforward grooming needs, an experienced professional may be able to manage both roles effectively.
This can be particularly practical for corporate interviews, testimonials, and other smaller productions where wardrobe is largely predetermined and makeup is focused on keeping people looking natural and camera-ready.
But the equation changes quickly when there are multiple cast members or multiple looks.
When Dedicated Crew Members Make Sense
On a commercial production with several actors, costume changes, or more involved makeup requirements, having separate makeup and wardrobe professionals can dramatically improve efficiency.
While the makeup artist is preparing one performer, the wardrobe stylist can be getting another person dressed and ready. They can also monitor continuity, make adjustments between takes, and prepare the next look while filming continues.
For larger productions, both departments may need assistants. It can seem like an easy place to trim the budget, but assistants can be especially valuable when the shooting schedule is tight. The goal is to have everything ready when the camera department is ready—not to have an entire production waiting for a shirt to be steamed or an actor to finish makeup.
Don't Forget Wardrobe Prep and Wrap Days
One budgeting consideration that sometimes surprises clients is that a wardrobe stylist's work doesn't begin and end with the shoot.
Wardrobe professionals will often charge a day rate for the production day plus prep and wrap time. Prep may include researching looks, shopping, coordinating sizes, pulling clothing, organizing options, and making sure everything is ready before the shoot.
Afterward, there may be another substantial block of work involved in organizing everything and returning unused clothing.
A good wardrobe stylist will also arrive with options. Even when primary outfits have already been selected, having alternatives available is important. Something that looked perfect during planning may not work as well under the lights, against a particular background, or alongside another actor's wardrobe.
Kit Fees Are Part of the Job
Wardrobe professionals may also charge kit fees for equipment and supplies they bring to set. Depending on the production, that could include steamers, racks, hangers, alteration supplies, accessories, or wardrobe pieces they maintain themselves.
Makeup artists typically don't require the same prep and wrap days as wardrobe, but they commonly charge a makeup kit fee in addition to their day rate—and for good reason. Professional makeup artists maintain a large inventory of products, tools, disposables, and sanitation supplies necessary to work with different people, skin tones, and conditions.
These aren't simply miscellaneous expenses. They're part of what allows experienced crew members to arrive prepared for whatever happens on set.
Crew Cost vs. Time on Set
Ultimately, staffing makeup and wardrobe comes down to balancing crew costs against production time.
Saving money by hiring one person instead of two can be a smart decision on the right project. But if that decision causes a cast of five people to take substantially longer to get camera-ready, the savings can disappear quickly. Now you're paying actors, camera crew, lighting crew, location costs, and potentially overtime while everyone waits.
Sometimes adding another crew member is actually the less expensive option.
An experienced Denver video production company should consider those tradeoffs during pre-production rather than simply assembling the smallest possible crew. Whether we're producing a corporate video, commercial, branded content, or another type of production in Colorado, the objective is the same: put the right people in the right roles so the shoot runs efficiently and everything in front of the camera looks its best.