Makeup Artists play an integral role in bringing great Film and TV visions to life. An international fan-favourite, the FX series Shōgun exemplifies such a vision. Based on the best-selling James Clavell novel and filmed across B.C. in locations like Port Moody, Ucluelet and Coquitlam, the series has garnered phenomenal critical acclaim, making history with a record of 19 wins at the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Three of those wins belong to three incredibly talented Blanche Macdonald Global Makeup Program graduates who we are thrilled to congratulate for their exceptional work on the show:
Toby Lindala — Emmy Award-Winner for Outstanding Makeup (Prosthetics)
Krystal Devlin — Emmy for Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
Amber Trudeau — Emmy for Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
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The team from Shōgun accepted the award for Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) at the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Source: https://www.emmys.com/. | Header design images sourced from https://www.fxnetworks.com/.
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Toby Lindala, a four-time Emmy nominee, secured a win for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for his role as Special Makeup Effects Department Head on Episode 10 “A Dream of a Dream.” Toby also leads Western Canada’s largest special effects studio, Lindala Schminken FX.
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Amber Trudeau and Krystal Devlin each earned an Emmy for Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) as Key Makeup Artists on Episode 8 “The Abyss of Life”. Amidst their busy schedules, they kindly took the time to share their industry insights with us after this exciting achievement.
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Amber Trudeau’s makeup application for Tokuma Nishioka in his role as Hiromatsu | Krystal Devlin’s transforming Yuka Kouri into Kiku
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“The community at Blanche Macdonald played a crucial role in shaping my career. The friendships and professional connections I made there continue to inspire and support me to this day.” - Krystal Devlin
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Q&A With Krystal Devlin
How does winning an Emmy feel for you at this point in your career, and what impact do you think it will have moving forward?
I feel incredibly grateful and humbled to be recognized alongside Rebecca Lee and Amber Trudeau. Working with them has elevated me both as an artist and a leader. We’re currently collaborating on another show, which presents new and equally exciting challenges. I hope we can continue to create beautiful stories that make a lasting impact through our artistry.
How did Makeup Artist Classes at Blanche Macdonald help prepare you for work in the Film and TV industry?
Blanche Macdonald’s program provided me with not only foundational skills but also industry-relevant techniques through hands-on training. The instructors, who are active professionals in the Film and TV industry offered valuable insights and real-world examples that helped me understand industry expectations.
What aspect of the Makeup Artist program made the biggest impact on your career?
The community at Blanche Macdonald played a crucial role in shaping my career. The friendships and professional connections I made there continue to inspire and support me to this day.
Why would you recommend Blanche Macdonald to aspiring Makeup Artists?
I can’t attest to what other schools are like but at Blanche Macdonald, they are dedicated to helping you get work and supporting your career even after you’ve graduated.
For aspiring Makeup Artists trying to break into film and TV, what skills and qualities do you think are most important to develop, beyond technical makeup abilities, to stand out and build a lasting career?
While technical skills are essential, I believe that patience, adaptability, and kindness are just as important. Every challenge, though frustrating at times, teaches you something new and helps you grow. The people I admire most are those who approach every situation with grace, continuously learning and supporting others along the way.
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A few behind-the-scenes shots from the set of Shōgun. Source: Krystal Devlin.
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“Blanche connected me with student films, commercials and music videos. This gave me a resume to walk out of school with and prepared me for the commitment it takes to work in Film and TV.” - Amber Trudeau
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Q&A With Amber Trudeau
How does winning an Emmy feel for you at this point in your career, and what impact do you think it will have moving forward?
Winning an Emmy at this point in my career is an incredible honour. It marks a significant moment that I share with Rebecca Lee, Krystal Devlin and our entire Shōgun team. Moving forward this will definitely encourage and motivate me to push boundaries and continue to appreciate every day I get to work in this industry. There’s truly nothing like it!
How did Makeup Artist Classes at Blanche Macdonald help prepare you for work in the Film and TV industry?
When I went to school way back in the day, I had incredible teachers and support. I always knew I wanted to work in Film and TV and was given a lot of opportunities to volunteer. Blanche connected me with student films, commercials and music videos. This gave me a resume to walk out of school with and prepared me for the commitment it takes to work in Film and TV.
What aspect of the Makeup Artist program made the biggest impact on your career?
The biggest impact this makeup program made on my career was the support. With my resume, I was able to get a job after graduation volunteering and on non-union Film and TV. This allowed me to make connections and for my career to take off.
Why would you recommend Blanche Macdonald to aspiring Makeup Artists?
The faculty consists of industry professionals with so much experience in all fields. This was such an advantage to really know where you will succeed and use what you have learned in the right field.
For aspiring Makeup Artists trying to break into film and TV, what skills and qualities do you think are most important to develop, beyond technical makeup abilities, to stand out and build a lasting career?
To build a long-lasting career in Film and TV, I believe that passion and commitment are absolutely essential. A genuine love for your craft drives you to succeed and gives you the desire to learn from others in the industry. This field is incredibly demanding, often requiring long hours and unwavering dedication. It’s crucial to approach each day with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, as maintaining that passion is key to thriving in such a challenging environment. When you truly enjoy what you do, it becomes easier to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward. However, if that passion begins to disappear, it can become increasingly difficult to stay motivated and engaged. Keeping your love for makeup artistry and embracing the journey is vital for sustaining a fulfilling and enduring career in this competitive industry.
When you’re committed to your craft, it reflects in the quality of your work and who you are as a person and artist.
Also kindness and smiles! Your attitude can influence the overall atmosphere on set and in a trailer. Bringing a smile and positive energy can uplift those around you, creating a collaborative and enjoyable work environment. This not only enhances team morale but also makes you a valued team member.
