Like many artists who work in the entertainment industry, Vancouver Film School Makeup Design for Film & Television alum Brandi Boulet dreamt of a career in production makeup from a young age. “Growing up, I loved watching movies and really connected with the excitement of ‘movie magic’,” she comments. “I thought it would be such a cool job to be able to be on a movie set making monsters or wizards or space characters.”
If her younger self only knew how successful she would become!
Over the past two decades, Brandi Boulet has become a successful makeup artist in the entertainment industry, working her way up from an assistant makeup artist to, most recently, a prosthetics department head on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. With 75+ Makeup Department credits than span film & television, she’s worked on Star Trek: Discovery, The Grudge (2019), and two-time Oscar-nominee The Apprentice, where she personally applied prosthetics to Sebastian Stan himself! She’s even picked up a Canadian Screen Award nomination along the way for her work on Riot Girls.
We were fortunate enough to chat with Brandi to celebrate her Vancouver Film School alumni success story, learn about her time at VFS, and find out what’s on the horizon for her career.
VFS Makeup Design alum Brandi Boulet has worked with some top-tier talent, including BAFTA-nominee Jason Isaacs & Oscar-nominee Sebastian Stan.Can you share your experience in Vancouver Film School’s Makeup Design program?
I was an art school student when I found out about VFS, and I knew that I had to go. I loved every minute of being in school, every single day was fun. I loved learning all aspects of makeup and working in the industry. I was like a sponge! I remember my fx teacher had worked on The X-Files and I just thought that was so cool. VFS certainly gave me the base of knowledge that I needed to move forward and pursue my goals of working in film and tv.
Since graduating, you’ve spent more than two decades building an incredible career as a makeup artist. What do you credit most for your success?
It’s interesting reflecting on your career. I know it’s cliche to say, but time flies when you’re having fun! One of the things I credit most for getting to this point would be the ability to make the most out of every opportunity. I always went into every job with an open mind and eager to help out and to learn. Not everyone is going to have the time to teach you, so it’s important to pay attention, take notes and ask questions when appropriate.
I also really made an effort to make sure things got done without being asked. If something’s messy, clean it. Do timesheets, grab lunches, clean brushes, take out the dirty towels, ask if there’s anything you can do to help! As a department head, it’s a blessing when people can just clock what needs doing and get it done.
Also, further your education and share knowledge. I’ve read a lot of books, done many courses online and many short weekend courses to up my skills. I really care about having a supportive network and community, and when I learn new things, I try to share them with other artists/friends. This is great for building skills and really helps the community as a whole when you can depend on each other.
Most-recently, Brandi served as the prosthetics department head on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Do you have particular career highlights that stand out for you?
The Apprentice is an absolute career highlight. Sebastian was so lovely to work with and made every day fun. There was not a day that went by where we didn’t have a good laugh, despite the serious nature of the film’s subject matter. Getting shortlisted for the Oscars and BAFTAs was the cherry on top!
I also really loved working on The Revenant. That was my first really big prosthetics job, and it was a wild ride. I remember waking up every day being like “I can’t believe I’m working on this!” It will always have a special place in my heart. Working on both seasons of The Last of Us was also incredible. The best crew! It was so fun making infected mushroom people!
As a seasoned professional with countless credits under your belt, how would you describe the impact of production makeup in film & television?
Every department plays a crucial role in our world, but working in the makeup department we get that extra little visual of how impactful it can be. There are always these moments in the trailer when you’re getting through an application and you can see the actor transform into the character, and it’s amazing to watch. When you do prosthetics, you always get the extra accolades because you’ll get to set and everyone will comment on how cool it is, which is so nice. As someone who does straight makeup as well, there are so many things you can add to a character that often go unnoticed because they are so subtle. I think that’s the wonderfully impactful thing about makeup, whether it’s a big prosthetic or a subtle nose shape – your work is helping shape the character.
As for what’s next for Brandi, she’s taking some much-needed time off! But, like most professionals in film & television, it won’t be long before she’s back on set, when Starfleet Academy resumes filming this summer. We also asked Brandi what advice she had for artists with dreams of working on an Oscar-nominated project. Watch her response below:
If you’re an aspiring makeup artist who’s interested in learning to transform actors for the screen, apply to VFS’s Makeup Design for Film & Television program today! Brandi Boulet’s work on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is just one of many examples of the career success that awaits you. In just 1 short year at VFS, you’ll be fully trained for a career in production makeup, will have created a multi-piece portfolio that will serve as your industry calling card, and will have forged a strong network of connections with professional makeup artists that will last for your entire career. Don’t wait to take the first step in your production makeup career!
And, read about other recent Vancouver Film School alumni success stories, including our two Makeup Design alumni, Suzie Klimack and Emily Walsh, who both won Emmys in 2024 for their work on Shōgun.
FAQ
1. Who is Brandi Boulet?
Brandi Boulet is a distinguished film and television makeup artist and prosthetics specialist with over two decades of experience. She is known for her work on productions such as Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, The Revenant, and The Apprentice. Her career is a prime example of how to become a prosthetics department head in film through hard work and talent.
2. What is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is an upcoming American television series set in the 32nd century, focusing on the first new class of Starfleet cadets in over a century as they train to become officers.
3. How did Brandi Boulet's training at Vancouver Film School influence her career?
Brandi credits her time at VFS's Makeup Design for Film & Television program as foundational for her career path as a film and TV makeup artist, providing her with the essential knowledge and skills to pursue her goals in the entertainment industry.
4. What notable projects has Brandi Boulet worked on?
Brandi has contributed to numerous acclaimed projects, including Star Trek: Discovery, The Grudge (2019), The Horror of Dolores Roach, The Craft: Legacy, October Faction, Jigsaw, and The Apprentice – where she applied prosthetics to Oscar-nominated actor Sebastian Stan.