A Step Up in Make-up for Hanna

Sgil Cymru recruit first trainee for Stepping Up programme.

Hanna Lewis-Jones, from Cardiff, is Sgil Cymru’s first trainee to be granted a place on the brand new training initiative for TV drama professionals in Wales.

Sgil Cymru’s Stepping Up programme is a rare opportunity for professionals already working in the industry to advance in their career, and also for those highly trained qualified specialists who want to move across to TV. The programme is tailored to the individual according to their needs, and each participant will undertake a placement or course lasting up to 10 weeks, receiving a training allowance for the entire period.

Prior to gaining her place on Stepping Up Hanna had been working as a Hair and Make-up Trainee on a variety of productions. Her CV includes theatre show ‘Les Miserables’ at the Wales Millennium Centre, the feature-length drama film ‘Their Finest’, featuring Sam Claflin and Gemma Arterton, and the 2016 remake of the 1980’s horror film, ‘Watcher in the Woods’.

As part of her Stepping Up programme Hanna is currently working on the upcoming BBC Wales and S4C Drama ‘Keeping Faith/Un Bore Mercher’. Working under esteemed Hair and Make-up Designer Claire Pritchard-Jones, Hanna is developing many new skills including script and character breakdowns as well as gaining confidence in her new role.

Claire said:

Stepping Up has been a great help for ‘Keeping Faith/Un Bore Mercher’ to be able to continue Hanna’s training from Trainee to Junior Make-up Assistant. She’s extremely talented and this is such a difficult area to get a start in. We couldn’t have done it without Sgil Cymru’s help.

Hanna said:

Every day is different – which is what keeps it interesting. Whilst some days require me to be on set, looking after assigned main cast and sometimes supporting artists; other days may involve the planning and preparation for the upcoming days/weeks – setting wigs, filling prosthetic moulds, organising and replenishing stock etc.

The ability to ‘step up’ has been crucial in bridging the gap between trainee and junior positions. I’m really grateful to now have the experience of working on a 6 month BBC/S4C drama from start to finish, developing my skills and allowing me to become more qualified in this new role – I’m excited about the opportunities that may now come my way.

Whether you’re a Production Secretary wanting to step up to Production Coordinator, an AD wanting to move up a grade, or an electrician wanting to move into television production, we want to hear from you. Tell us what you need for your step up and why.

Please send up to 200 words about yourself and a copy of your CV to lisa@sgilcymru.com.