Last month I set out to Virginia with the Double R team to shoot a client testimonial video for Cvent, a company that specializes in online software for hotels and event planners. On the shoot I happily volunteered to touch up each video participant with a shine-free makeup. I was excited to play makeup artist for the afternoon and to be able to make the speakers feel pampered, but more importantly confident before the camera started rolling. However, what I didn’t know is how important it is to apply makeup to each participant on set, both male and female. The makeup Double R Productions uses isn’t for the sole purpose of removing unwanted blemishes, but to take away shine. People naturally sweat when they’re nervous or out of their comfort zone. The bright camera lights on set generate heat, which also can contribute to this issue of having a glossy-looking face. I found myself explaining this to all the men that we’re speaking on behalf of Cvent, and we were even able to crack jokes as I applied their makeup, which created a light mood.
As I digitized tapes of interviews this week, I quickly noticed who did not have makeup and who did. The results were drastic. Those that had makeup actually looked more natural than those who didn’t because the lighting brought attention to their shine. Lesson learned: makeup matters on video shoots for the best picture results!
—Erin Doherty
