Neill Gorton

Neill Gorton (@NeillGorton) (no date) Available at: https://twitter.com/neillgorton

We had Neill Gorton come in to give us a guest lecture about the industry. Neill is a high profile industry figure who has a 25-year track record in the industry to his name, he embodies the outstanding technical standards and focused attitude for which he is renowned and respected. 
A pioneer of new materials and techniques he was happy to share his knowledge on the industry with us. He is also a long-term employer so knows exactly what’s expected of the creative staff in today’s industry which was really interesting and helpful to learn.

He has won 11 major awards for his work on shows such as Doctor Who, The Catherine Tate Show, Bodiesand Being Human. Since his career began in 1987 he has worked on hundreds of productions with performers such as Sir Michael Caine and Lady Gaga, prolific directors such as Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Joe Johnston and impresarios like Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

Neill has taught at many other institutions including Dublin's Dun Laoghaire Institue of Design & Technology, Arts University College Bournemouth where he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2010, ACMUSE Australia, Leicester College, Grimsby Institute, The Israel Association of Cinema and Television Professionals in Tel Aviv, Perfect in Make-up Vienna, BBC Wales, Focal Zurich, Greasepaint, Brushstroke and the National Film & Television School. He is an advisor for their Digital FX Masters Degree at the NFTS and a Visiting Professor at the University of Bolton. We are very lucky he came to speak to us. 

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 this seemed to shock a lot of us, although we knew it was a competitive industry, we didn't think the percentage would be that low. He taught us that making contacts and persistent good work is really important and it will help to secure your future in the industry. He made a point of saying that your motivation for this career must be that you are really passionate about what you are doing, as it is hard work and long hours. 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.

Neill Gorton (no date) Available at: http://www.celebslight.com/2948-neill-gorton/ 

Neill Gorton (no date) Available at: http://www.celebslight.com/2948-neill-gorton/