Watching a brilliant movie or a TV series can sometimes leave you awe-struck, but have you ever paused to consider the amount of work behind the scenes before a perfect masterpiece is created? An essential part of any on-screen production is ensuring each character’s hair authenticates who they are. This is precisely where the magic of wig designers comes into play. In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of how wig designers create and manage authentic on-screen characters. This insight will give you greater appreciation, especially regarding hairstyles in your favorite TV show or movie.
#1 Understanding the Roles:
Before any wig designer can start creating, they must understand each character they’re working on. What’s their backstory? What impact do they have on the storyline? Understanding the feelings better will help designers create an authentic look. For example, when Ruth E. Carter, the costume designer for the Black Panther film, created wigs for the cast, she delved into cultural research for each hairstyle rooted in African culture. Her goal was to represent Africa uniquely while honoring its diversity and authenticity.
#2 Fitting the Design to the Actor:
Once the wig designer understands the character, a cast is chosen for the role, and the designer will then craft a hairstyle that suits each actor’s face shape, head size, and personal style. The goal is to ensure the wig fits the actor perfectly; otherwise, it’ll be noticeable and distracting from the audience’s perspective. Custom fittings are done to ensure a perfect fit, and proper measurements are also taken to create a wig that looks like the actor’s hair.
#3 Creating the Look:
The wig’s creation process can begin after finalizing the design and measurements. Depending on the style and length needed, the process can take a day to several weeks. Synthetic hair is typically used to create wigs because it’s easy to manage and inexpensive. Some wig designers also use human hair, but it’s usually expensive. During the creation process, different techniques are employed, including weaving and cutting the hair, to get the desired look.
#4 The Final Touches:
Once the wig is completed, it must undergo styling to ensure it fits the character on screen. This includes trimming, coloring, and adjusting, but a good wig designer knows to do it appropriately. The wig should appear as natural as possible; any unnaturalness will distract viewers from the story. Once all requirements are met, the final product is ready for the set!
#5 Careful Management:
Creating an authentic wig is one thing, but managing it on set to maintain its natural-looking state is another. Wig designers must ensure that the actors keep the wig in a good condition through proper maintenance. Some actors may want a different hairstyle or cut for their character, and it’s up to the designer to remain steadfast and not compromise the character’s hairstyle on set.
In conclusion, wig designers have an essential role in creating on-screen characters. Their work should be noticed as it is crucial in ensuring that each character accurately represents who they are. From the design process to the final touches and management, they work hours to ensure every wig is perfect. The next time you watch your favorite TV show or film, take the time to notice the hairstyles and appreciate the effort and skill that goes into creating them.
Read other articles by us: Style Blog – BeDazzle Hair Sista
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