1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
The origin of Makeup can be traced to a Greek actor named THESPIS. After this, during the medieval time, European theatre then introduced face paint makeup for the first time. The principles of designing and the application of makeup to Nollywood production is of great importance because Nollywood production usually entails the interpretation of a particular character. Thus, a character for a Nollywood production cannot be properly interpreted without the proper guidelines to the principles of makeup application.
The coming of Nigerian produced home video films in 1992 with Living in Bondage shot up the theatre industry and all its paraphernalia to another level. The era started the correction of the wrong opinion that those who study theatre arts, performing arts and other related courses at the university are not the not-to-do well of the society. The acting profession as well as other specialties of the course saw a kind of approval that transient even to the religious sphere of Nigerian life. The success of Living in Bondage saw the potentials of theatre arts, performing arts as both profession and business that goes beyond the four walls of a theatre building. The duplication and sales of the performances into VHS then and subsequently the VCD and recently DVD cassettes took Nigerian theatre arts beyond the shores of the country and gained for us viewership in other parts of the world that initially produced for us to consume. The Nigerian video film no doubt encouraged patronage to theatre profession in all aspects. Many people now see theatre beyond acting. Hence, many ventured into studying theatre or performing arts at the university and the effort pays bills, buy good cars, and build mansions and good houses for practitioners who are also looked up to as role models in the society.
The theatre profession holds up to the society its mistakes and helps to direct on the right path for prospect and future success. Theatre artistes are respectable members of the society. The costumier and make-up artistes are indispensable members of the team and should bear this in mind remembering that they are part of the industry and whatever they do affects the perception and formation of opinion and personnel of the viewers. Theatre as a collaborative enterprise rely on the spoken words as well as the visual elements of costume, make-up, set, light, sound and properties to communicate effectively to the audience. Hence, the use of these elements should reinforce the words and actions at all times. Most often in recent times, the place and use of the visual elements are not only misleading but contradictory and compromising to the action and the content of the work.
Makeup is a very vital ingredient through which a good Nollywood production could be achieved. Makeup has been said to be the application of certain substances to a character’s body in order to give a proper interpretation of such characters and also enhance the character’s appearance on set. It is on this background that this project work aims to highlight the principles of designing and the application of Makeup to Nollywood productions.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The problem that is evident here is that some makeup artists in Nollywood productions are solely after the application of makeup to a character’s face in a production. Whereas, makeup implies the use of materials to alter the physical features of an actor. Thus, it maybe to add a hunch back or to pad up the buttocks or to enlarge the breast and so on. This they do without taking note of the principles guiding the application of makeup which includes thus; the facial structure, skin tone, skin type and so on.
This however, has been seen in so many movies were the principles guiding makeup application are not carried out effectively.
1.3 Scope of Study
This project is intended to impact positively on the Nigerian home-made videos and especially of Nollywood, as well as to enhance the audience enjoyment and aesthetics of the performance.
Thus, the scope of this study is to focus exclusively on not just the common facial makeup on characters but also the principles of designing and applying makeup to characters in a Nollywood production.
1.4 Methodology of the Study
The methods of research used in this project are literally and historical methods. in the literally method, data{s} will be collected and analyzed. Books, Journals and other published works on this topic will be looked into. Finally, the historical method would entail the origin, development and significance of make-up in Nollywood. This will be analyzed in relation to how it affects the actors, the makeup artist and the audience at large in a production.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This research will be of great benefit to a makeup artist and designer in a film production. The students, who will want to do research in this topic, will also benefit. Thus, this work would serve as a reference material to the students and researchers of this topic. Also, it would be of great importance to the production crew, in order for them to know more on the principles of designing and application.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Principles of Designing and the Application of Make up in Nollywood Production.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Makeup Design:
Makeup design refers to the artistic process of applying cosmetics to enhance or alter the appearance of actors to suit specific characters in film or stage production. This involves creating looks that match the personality, period, and role of the character being portrayed. According to Corson (2020), makeup design is an essential element in storytelling, as it helps define the mood and authenticity of the characters within a production.
Application of Makeup:
The process of applying makeup to actors involves the technical skill of using various cosmetic products to create effects such as aging, injuries, or glamorization for the camera. The application also takes into consideration factors like lighting, camera angles, and duration of shooting. As noted by Gordon (2018), proper makeup application in film production is crucial for maintaining visual continuity and realism.
Nollywood:
Nollywood is the term used to describe the Nigerian film industry, which is known for its vast production output and its role as one of the largest film industries in the world. Nollywood’s rapid growth has led to the evolution of its technical aspects, including makeup and costume design, making it a significant player in global cinema (Okoye, 2019).
Characterization:
Characterization in film refers to the portrayal and development of characters through various techniques, including acting, costume, and makeup. Makeup helps communicate key traits of a character, making it a crucial aspect of visual storytelling (Barker, 2021).
Prosthetics:
Prosthetics in makeup refers to the use of special effects makeup to create 3D features, such as wounds, deformities, or fantastical creatures. This technique is particularly used to transform actors in ways that are not possible with regular makeup. As described by Smith (2017), prosthetics are an advanced form of makeup application used to enhance realism or fantasy in film productions.
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