The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) has partnered with the CMU College of Makeup Art & Design to launch the Hair and Makeup Training Initiative.

The six-week program aims to accelerate the careers of hair and makeup professionals from Black, Indigenous and racialized communities with mentorship and hands-on training. The program includes experience on set and behind the scenes on CFC short film productions, with participants selected from early-career CMU College alumni.

The program is supported by NABET 700-M UNIFOR, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and is free for participants. The inaugural cohort will be announced in the summer, and the training will commence in the fall.

The Hair and Makeup Training Initiative is meant to help address the need for hair and makeup equality in Canadian film and TV. It comes roughly one year after the CMPA settled a grievance with actors union ACTRA National, which stated that its BIPOC members suffered inequitable treatment due to lack of training for hair and makeup professionals on dealing with textured hair and various skin tones.

Among the terms of the settlement was a commitment from the CMPA to “work with industry partners to explore opportunities and support the development of existing training initiatives,” as well as work on education for producers on the skill requirements needed for working with BIPOC performers.

“We’re seeing more opportunities for Black, Indigenous and creatives of colour as writers, directors, and actors yet there remains a lack of change in below-the-line creative roles that support our stories and on screen talent. Representation across all departments is crucial to a sense of belonging on-set,” said CFC executive director maxine bailey in a statement.

“We’re proud to address this gap in the industry pipeline, to build community and safe spaces for artists, and to lead the charge together with our knowledgeable program partners, CMU College, NABET 700-M UNIFOR, WBD Access Canada and the CMPA. We acknowledge this is a small step but change is going to come,” she continued.

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