Working in hair and makeup on Saturday Night Live UK: meet Jemma Clarke-Gilgeous

We recently caught up with BA Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film student Jemma Clarke-Gilgeous, who studied at our Brighton campus and is now building experience across TV, film, and theatre. Jemma is currently working as a Wigs, Hair & Makeup Trainee on Saturday Night Live UK.

In this interview, Jemma shares her journey into the industry, her experience studying at MetFilm School, and her passion for wigs, period hair, and makeup. She also talks about her work on Saturday Night Live UK and at Glyndebourne, and the advice she has for students looking to build a career in the industry.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey on the Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film course so far?

I’m Jemma Clarke-Gilgeous, a Wigs, Hair & Makeup Artist working across TV, film, and theatre. My journey started with bridal hair and makeup while I was at college, before I moved into theatre and then film. It was through those experiences that I realised I wanted to build a career within the screen industry.

Studying Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film at MetFilm School has allowed me to develop my skills across hair, makeup, wigs, SFX, and period work, while working on a variety of productions and gaining valuable industry experience.

Over the course, I’ve become particularly passionate about wigs and period hair and makeup. I’ve also grown a lot in confidence and developed a much better understanding of what it takes to work professionally within the industry. It’s been a really valuable experience and has helped me feel much more prepared to take the next step in my career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the hair and makeup industry?

I’ve always loved being creative and working with hair and makeup, but my journey really started when I began doing bridal hair and makeup at college. I loved the creativity, but also the personal connection you get from helping someone feel confident on their special day. As I gained more experience, I started working in theatre, and then on film productions, and that’s when I realised how much I enjoyed the storytelling side of hair and makeup. Being able to help create a character and contribute to the overall look of a production really inspired me to pursue it as a career.

I also love the history and creativity behind period hair and makeup, which is something I’d like to explore further as I continue my career.

You’re currently working on Saturday Night Live UK while completing your degree. How did this opportunity come about, and what’s your role in the production?

The opportunity actually came about through my dissertation. I had previously trained with Kevin Fortune on his Afro Hair and Advanced Braiding Masterclass a few years ago. While researching my dissertation on Afro-textured hair, I reached out to Kevin to ask if he would be willing to take part in an interview for my primary research. During our conversation, Kevin mentioned that he was the Hair and Makeup Designer on Saturday Night Live UK. They asked if I would be interested in joining the production as a trainee. Of course I said yes! I’m working as a Wigs, Hair & Makeup Trainee, supporting the department and gaining experience in a professional TV environment.

It’s been an amazing opportunity to put the skills I’ve developed at MetFilm School into practice while learning from an experienced team.

What has been the most exciting part about working at Saturday Night Live UK?

The most exciting part has been experiencing the energy and pace of a professional TV production. SNL UK is such a fast-moving environment, and every week brings something different. I’ve really enjoyed working alongside such an experienced Hair and Makeup team and seeing how they prepare for a live show, from the quick changes and character looks to working under tight time pressures. It’s been a great opportunity to learn, build my confidence, and experience what it’s really like to work at that level of television.

You also have experience working at Glyndebourne Opera House. What has this experience taught you about working in the industry?

After working on Series 1 of SNL UK, I went straight into working at Glyndebourne over the summer as Show Staff within the wigs, hair & makeup department. It was a completely different environment to television, which was really exciting for me. Working at Glyndebourne taught me a lot about being organised, reliable, and adaptable, particularly when working with quick changes and a large cast. I also really enjoyed being part of such a big team and learning how everyone works together to keep a production running smoothly.

For me, it was a great opportunity to experience professional opera and theatre and to take the skills and confidence I’d gained from SNL UK into a completely different area of the industry.

How has studying the BA Hair & Make-Up for Screen & Film course helped you prepare for industry opportunities?

I feel the course has really prepared me for industry because it’s given me the confidence and practical skills to walk into a professional environment and know what I’m doing. During the course, I’ve developed my skills in wigs, wig knotting and styling, hairdressing, period hair and makeup, SFX, and continuity. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to work professionally with a team, manage my time, and stay calm when things are moving quickly. These are skills I’ve been able to use straight away in my work at Saturday Night Live UK and Glyndebourne.

Looking back to when I first started the course, I’ve definitely become much more confident in my abilities. I feel the course has given me the technical foundation, but also the confidence to take those skills into real industry environments and keep learning from the people around me.

What advice would you give to students hoping to build a career in hair and make-up?

I’d say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and say yes to opportunities, even if you don’t feel completely ready. A lot of my own opportunities have come from simply being willing to have conversations, make connections and put myself forward. I’d also say don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. I started in bridal hair and makeup, moved into theatre and then found my way into film and television. Everyone’s route into the industry is different, and you can learn something from every experience.

Most importantly, keep developing your skills and stay curious. I’ve continued training outside of university, particularly in Afro hair, braiding and wigs, because I wanted to become a more well-rounded artist. You never stop learning in this industry, and I think being open to learning is one of the most important things you can bring with you.

What are you most excited about for your career after graduating?

I’m really excited to see where my career takes me, and I’m excited that I’m already starting to build that career before I’ve even graduated. Being back on SNL UK for Series 2 is something I’m really proud of, especially because it shows me how far I’ve come since starting at MetFilm School. I’m really looking forward to continuing to develop as a Wigs, Hair & Makeup Artist and building experience across TV, film, and theatre. I particularly love wigs and period hair and makeup, and I’d love to work on bigger period productions in the future. I’ve always loved history and the creativity involved in transforming a character through wigs, hair & makeup.

I’m also excited about what I don’t know yet. My journey has already taken me from bridal to theatre, film, SNL and opera, so I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities come next, meeting new people and continuing to grow as an artist.

Inspired by Jemma’s story?

Discover our BA Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film degree at our Brighton campus.

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to work on live film projects and dedicated studio sessions, collaborating with fellow students while developing your skills and learning from experienced industry professionals.

Join us at one of our upcoming Open Days to explore our campuses, meet our community, and get a feel for what studying film and screen media could be like for you.