If a producer provides hair and make-up provision for a company or cast, they have a legal responsibility to provide equitable provisions for all artists they engage.
Unfortunately, global majority performers often experience substandard hair and make-up provision. Read our guidance to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and advance hair and make-up equality through your trade union.
What is Equity doing to improve union contracts?
- The union is working hard to modernise our collective agreements across film, TV and theatre with new clauses in Equity contracts that require producers to provide hair styling and make-up experts of suitable skill and standard for members of all ethnicities and cultures. We are currently in negotiation with the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) and remain hopeful that new clauses can be agreed.
- In theatre, our upcoming claims on the industry standard agreements for performers and stage managers working on the West End, and in commercial and subsidised theatre will include similar provisions.
- In areas where we do not currently have a collective agreement, such as commercials, corporate videos, and modelling, members can be more vulnerable to substandard treatment. Equity is in talks with the engagers and we are pushing for collective clauses, but it is even more important that you act on the guidance below and contact the union for support if you encounter resistance.
What can Equity members do before starting work?
It is the responsibility of production to provide equitable hair and make-up for artists. However, there are things members can do to ensure that they receive a suitable quality service on set. We would advise speaking with your production contact (directly or via your agent) before you start work to confirm what provisions will be in place for your engagement. Below are some questions you can ask:
- What hair and make-up provision will I receive?
- Does the make-up artist I will be working with have knowledge and experience working with afro-textured hair?
- Does the make-up artist I will be working with have knowledge and experience working with darker skin tones?
You may also wish to signpost guidance by Bectu on hair and makeup for global majority performers.
What should Equity members watch out for on set?
Consider the following questions when working across the entertainment industry:
- Have you been treated differently to your white peers when it comes to hair and make-up?
- Has the hair and make-up artist indicated that they do not have knowledge and experience working with afro-textured hair and darker skin tones?
- Have you been asked to do your own hair and make-up or seek provisions at your own cost when other members of the cast or company have not?
What can Equity members do when you experience substandard hair and make-up provision on set?
Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Document the incident
- Make a note of the date, time, and what happened. Write down what was said and who was present (including any witnesses who have offered support). If possible, take photos discreetly of the differences in treatment.
- Advocate for yourself in the moment (if safe)
- If you feel you are able to, politely but firmly ask for the same level of support as other actors, and question why you are not being afforded the same provision. Example: “I require the same professional standard of hair/makeup support as other cast members to perform my role.” We appreciate it may be difficult for some performers to speak directly with HUM departments about the matter, and you may feel more comfortable resolving this via your trade union or agent.
- Contact Equity
- Contact your trade union representative as soon as possible. We can discuss how you would like to take your case forward. This could involve Equity contacting production on your behalf to try and rectify the issue, exploring the merits of a discrimination case, and/or escalating this further with production. All the information you provide will be treated confidentially and we will not contact anyone without speaking to you first.
- Speak with your agent
- Whilst your agent would not be in a position to provide legal support or explore a discrimination case, you may wish to involve your agent in this matter to try and resolve the issue.
Who should I contact at Equity?
All Equity Officials are skilled in dealing with discrimination cases. Get in touch with us via the Contact Us page to be directed to the relevant official in your nation, region or area of work. Contact Us | Equity
How long after the incident should I contact Equity?
Contact the union as soon as possible so we can seek to resolve this issue. If this does not get resolved satisfactorily, the union may be able to pursue a legal case on your behalf. There are clear deadlines for when we need to do this by. You have three months from the date of the incident to bring a claim under the Equality Act 2010 to an employment tribunal. If the discrimination extends over a period of time, the time limit starts at the end of that period. If you have experienced discrimination in the workplace, get in contact with us as soon as possible so we don’t miss the three-month deadline. Even if you decided not to escalate to a legal case, it’s always easier for us to deal with instances of discrimination as close as possible to the incident, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What can Equity members do to work together to improve hair and make-up equality?
- Encourage other performers to join and engage with the union. Only those who are part of Equity can access our services, such as contract advice and legal support. Crucially, the higher Equity’s membership levels are, the more powerful the union and its members are in driving change.
- Stand to be a Deputy in your workplace. Deputies are crucial for building Equity’s industrial power and can play a key role in working collectively with fellow cast members to advocate for equitable hair and make-up provisions in a workplace.
- Speak with your agent. Involving your agent in this matter will also help to raise awareness of the importance of hair and make-up equality.
