Neill Gorton

Last week we had a lecture from Neill Gorton who is an award winning prosthetic artist who has worked hit films and shows such as Saving Private Ryan and Doctor Who. He Co owns Millennium FX which is a leading Prosthetic Company, and owns his own studio named Gorton Studio. This studio was the first school in Europe specifically focused on prosthetics. I particularly love his work on Doctor Who!

He started his talk by telling him about himself, but the talk was very focused on giving us a reality check and some harsh truths about the industry. Neill told us that only 10% of students will go on to be successful make up artists in TV and film and although I knew that this industry is very competitive, I didn't expect the percentage to be quite so low. I learnt that although having a degree is a great start and doing well at this course is very important, it really is the work we produce and how hard you work to develop the skills you learn here that will secure your future in the industry. He really drummed in that your motivation for this career must be that you are really passionate about what you are doing, as there are a lot of 14 hour days to come! He told us that as the competition to become a make up/prosthetic artist is growing, pay rates in the industry are going down. We were slightly shocked to find out some of the rates of pay, especially when you are having to pay your travel and kit expenses too. Make up artists these days are mostly freelance, and so you are in constant competition, and will always be applying for jobs.

Neill also talked about some of the amazing opportunities and bonuses that come from working in the Make up industry - He has been lucky enough to travel frequently for free, has a job that he knows he won't ever get bored of as it is ever changing, and most importantly is being paid to do what he loves.

Some examples of Neills work..

Kinja (no date). Neill Gorton, Millennium FX. Available at: http://io9.com/5037133/neill-gorton-millennium-fx (Accessed: 21 January 2015).