And the winner is… Well, that’s yet to be determined. Though we won’t find out who’s picking up a coveted Primetime Emmy Award until September 15, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate early. We are thrilled to announce that Emily Walsh and Suzie Klimack – Vancouver Film School Makeup Design alumni – are personally nominated for their work on the Disney+ series Shōgun. Depending on how strong your memory is (this writer’s can be hit or miss…), you might recall that so far, 18 VFS alumni have worked on the series.
While Emily, credited as 1st Makeup, is nominated in the ‘Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)’ category for the episode ‘The Abyss of Life’, Suzie, a Special Makeup Effects Artist, is nominated in the ‘Outstanding Prosthetic – Makeup’ category for ‘A Dream of a Dream’.
We’re delighted (but certainly not surprised!) to see two of our Makeup Design alumni nominated at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.With a staggering 26 Emmy nominations for its first season (the most for any series this year), including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, and Writing, Shōgun is proving to be Disney’s latest hit. “It still feels very surreal!” comments Emily on her nomination. “It actually took a while to sink in…Receiving the text from our Makeup Designer, Rebecca Lee, was incredibly exciting.” Suzie is just as ecstatic: “I feel so honoured... It was such meticulous work that is ‘naked’ to the human eye, so to be recognized for an FX makeup that isn’t a huge creature or zombie feels fantastic!”
When it came to their experience on the show, Emily and Suzie had nothing but great things to say. “Shōgun was a whirlwind… the kind of show that makes you a better artist” says Emily. “One of my favourite days of shooting was during episode 1 when they are battling the ship in the storm. It was incredibly impressive to see everything come together, especially watching the actors endure getting drenched with water over and over again. I feel like that was the moment it really sank in for me how big this show was going to be.” Suzie echoes Emily’s thoughts: “Shōgun was a very tough beast. My particularly fond memories were the absolutely stunning sets. The attention to detail and replication of traditional Japanese architecture was extraordinary.”
Shōgun was the most-nominated series at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.In our more thorough catch-up with Emily and Suzie, we asked them about their work on Shōgun, their experience at VFS, and advice for aspiring makeup artists:
Can you tell us a bit about the specific work you did on Shōgun?
EW: We filmed the show during COVID. I was brought on for a bit of a unique role to look after Cosmo Jarvis (John Blackthorne). I was able to execute Rebecca’s designs for the character and help collaborate on his makeups that were always a fun challenge for continuity, including various stages of bruising, wounds, dirt, and facial hair. I was also able to learn a new skill in applying the Habutae (which is what we called the background performers makeup application). This was a collaboration with the Japanese Hair team that came to join us and is in some ways similar to applying a bald cap.
SK: I did makeups for numerous characters on Shōgun. For Ohno specifically, this was a full face and head makeup that consisted of a silicone cowl, and I believe there were six silicone pieces for his face. One of his eyes was covered and a droopy eye socket was sculpted over top. We then used a fake eyeball and placed it in and out during every take so the actor could have vision while we weren’t shooting. His other eye had a cataract contact. He also had dentures and hand appliances. Other makeups included bald caps, silicone hand and arm pieces, strap-on torsos with blood rigs, and a lot more.
How was your VFS experience? Did the Makeup Design program train you effectively for the industry?
EW: I loved my time at VFS. It was everything I was looking for to further my career as a film makeup artist that I didn’t get from my makeup program in Australia. I loved being able to take advantage of the instructors’ knowledge and the facilities the school offers. I was working pretty quickly after graduating, building up my days to join the union in any way I could (music videos, short films, MOWs, etc.). I appreciated the help the instructors gave in pointing me in the right direction on getting work so quickly after.
SK: My experience at VFS was really great. I learned so much, and I definitely felt prepared to walk onto a film set after graduating. I was landing gigs quite soon after graduating – short films, student projects, hallmark movies and non-union productions. It took quite a while for me to break into the union. It took persistence and willpower to not give up before the miracle happened.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned?
EW: Never stop learning! There are always new techniques and skills to learn or improve on. Shōgun was a perfect example of that. I have always recommended new makeup artists work in retail for a period of time after school. It really will teach you so much more than most realize and it’s how I started my career. It really did make me a more well-rounded makeup artist. Keep hustling to get your days, observe other artists, and ask questions!
SK: Stay humble. Always remain teachable. Never think you know it all, because there’s always something to learn from someone, even someone you least expect. Practice, practice, practice. If you don’t feel up to par for a specific skill, keep practicing until you do. Try your best to get along with everyone. Someone with a good attitude and not the best makeup skills will get a job over the talented makeup artist who is unlikeable. Last but not least, never give up! If you really want it, it’s attainable!
Congratulations on your incredible nominations, Emily and Suzie. We’ll be rooting for you on Emmy night!