It takes a whole team of creatives behind the scenes to present a final product. Joyce Gilliard and Syretta L. Bell are two amazing people you will find there creating magic by transforming actors for the TV shows and movies you love to watch. What you witness on the screen is the result of the hard work, talent, skills, and dedication creatives like Gilliard and Bell so diligently perform in the background.
Every task is conducted by people who are assigned to perform their specific jobs, and they are all interconnected. The actor has to be transformed into their character by the set’s makeup artist, and the hair and wardrobe stylist. And just as the actors have to be prepped to appear in their designated look for the show, the movie or TV set has to be designed by a set designer to look the part.
The creatives who get the opportunity to work behind the scenes are extremely talented and at the top of their game. It is for that reason FEMI Magazine wants to shine a light on all the creatives who never get recognized for the anonymous work they do in the background.
Female creatives, we celebrate you for Women’s History Month. We want you to know―we see you and appreciate you for all the incredible work you do.
Now, I introduce to you, Joyce Gilliard (Head of the Hair Department for 2022’s SXSW Film, A Lot of Nothing) and Syretta L. Bell (Head of the Makeup Department for Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming, and Tyson’s Run) who are doing their thing behind the scenes.
Read our Discussion below with Joyce Gilliard:
You were involved in that tragic train accident in 2014 while filming, Midnight Rider, where you were hurt and the camera assistant, Sarah Jones, lost her life. How do you deal with the hazards of working behind the scenes as a hairstylist?
JG: I was hurt on the set of Midnight Rider in 2014. My arm was broken in half when a freight train came through set. Onset, I deal with safety hazards by surveying the potential hazard and speaking up beforehand if I don’t feel safe.
What was the beginning of your journey towards doing hair, and then, towards getting your big break as a celebrity hairstylist, and what are some of the biggest shows you’ve worked on?
JG: I started doing hair in my grandmother’s beauty salon when I was five years old. I watched my grandma doing her client’s hair and was inspired to follow in her footsteps. I got my first break as a celebrity hairstylist when I started doing haircuts for the family of Rev Run from MTV’s Run’s House. I have since then worked on shows like Iron Man 3, Hunger Games, Respect, Watchman, Women of the Movement, to name a few.
As a black woman, what have been your experiences working behind the scenes doing what you do?
JG: As a black woman, I have to work twice as hard to showcase my skill set and show that no one can put me in a box. I can do all hair types, textures, and barber and style the latest trends as well as period hairstyles. Sometimes, we don’t get the credit we deserve, but as a black woman, I keep pressing on. I do this because of my love for the industry, not because I am seeking recognition. My work speaks for itself.
As a creative behind the scenes, how does it feel when you see your styles on the screen and your name in the credits?
JG: As a creative, behind the scenes, I always get excited seeing my work in the credits and on the screen. It never gets old and it’s a constant reminder to me that you can do anything you set your heart out to do. Never give up! If I had given up on all of the closed doors in my career, I wouldn’t be here today. I am grateful and give God all the glory. He chose my path, not me.
You can follow Joyce by clicking the link: Instagram
Read our Discussion below with Syretta L. Bell:
How long have you been doing hair and makeup and what was your turning point from being a general makeup artist in your town to being an on-the-set stylist in Hollywood?
SB: I’ve been doing makeup and hair professionally for the last 22 years, but I truly had a passion for it my whole life. The turning point for me was actually right at the beginning of my career when I got the opportunity to work on the local news and local morning shows here in Atlanta. So, I’ve been blessed to work with everyone from my neighbors to local and national celebrities.
Tyler Perry often films so many movies, at any given time, what is it like to be a makeup stylist/department head on his sets?
SB: To work for Tyler Perry Studios as the department head of makeup, you learn very quickly to be a multi-task artist and to hire other great artists who can pivot with the productions. I always say I’m only as good as the team I’ve surrounded myself with. If not for having strong talented artists who are my Last Looks Family, I couldn’t stay on top of the responsibilities I have as the department head/designer.
What have the experiences been like for you as a black woman working as a makeup artist on some of the top movies and shows?
SB: As a Black woman working on top movies and shows, the experience has been most rewarding. It’s partly due to the fact, I have worked at Tyler Perry Studios where they have allowed me to flourish and express myself creatively and grow professionally. I have experienced some challenges as all Black women have with knowing when to speak up for myself and to advocate without feeling guilty, and when to say no and not take on more than I could handle.
You’ve also worked in the capacity as a producer, how have you shifted roles successfully and what are some shows you’ve worked on in both jobs?
SB: As a producer, you’re in charge of a whole production, not just one department, so the skills I possess in running the makeup department, I just transfer to managing a larger team. It’s a lot of problem-solving and being proactive versus reactive, and this is where I tend to strive. I also love seeing people reach their full potential, so I believe you have to lead by example and motivate them to get the best product possible. I have held the title of Producer and Head of Make-up and Hair on the series Thick Skin written and directed by Robinson Vil.
You can follow Syretta by clicking the link: Instagram
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. You can follow her on Instagram @iamdebbiestokes
