Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Behling.
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
If I really think back, it all started with a love for movies; my dad would sit us down to watch what he called ‘classic pieces of cinema.’ I think I had nightmares about ‘Mars Attacks’ for months after seeing it in grade school. But watching all the movies that sparked so much joy for my dad really drove me to want to pursue a career in film. As I started to pay more attention to the craft of filmmaking rather than just the plot, I fell in love with how real it could feel. Seeing actors blend into their characters and really believing that some giant shark was tearing people apart in ‘Jaws.’
Fast forward years later, I was doing makeup for the high school plays, and I was on the makeup team for Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest at 17. By the end of the season, my mentor helped hook me up with a Paasche Airbrush setup that I still use to this day.
Now, I find myself involved in various aspects of the makeup department on film sets. Whether working on Special Effects or Beauty makeup, I take pride in the role my work plays in enhancing the actor’s performance, allowing us to bring the director’s vision to its fullest potential.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been an interesting journey, and I consider myself lucky to have crossed paths with individuals who have played pivotal roles in advancing my career. Their faith in me and their inclusion in spectacular projects have significantly shaped my professional trajectory. Building a community of mentors and industry peers has been invaluable; having a network to rely on has made the journey much more manageable.
One of the main challenges I encounter is navigating the process of understanding my worth and asserting my value. What I bring to the table is a honed craft, much like any other art form, deserving of appreciation and fair compensation. Recognizing and communicating this worth is an ongoing journey, and I am committed to ensuring my contributions are duly acknowledged.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work in all aspects of the makeup department, but I find myself more driven to the Special Effects aspect of the industry. While I mainly do application on set, I also create prosthetics for projects from the initial sculpting all the way to running the prosthetics in whichever medium we decide to go with.
My favorite project was a proof of concept called ‘Lorraine.’ The main character had a heart transplant scar that had a final length of 7.5 inches. While it wasn’t the most extensive prosthetic I’ve created, it had the most effect on the story of a project I’ve worked on. Our actress, Sara Coates, put on such an emotional performance, and seeing her not only wear my piece but work with in to add to the emotion of the scene.
I like to think what separates me from other artists is my passion for film. I don’t only care about my craft but the story of the project. I read every script multiple times over and love to discuss the technical aspects of other crew members’ roles. This not only builds a stronger bond between me and the crew but also provides valuable insights into how each team member’s contributions on set impact the perception of my work on camera.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Sanitization is KEY. This is something that was highlighted during Covid-19 but also has stuck as we are leaving the restrictions of the pandemic. Making sure there is no cross-contamination and the talent can clearly see this and know they have nothing to worry about. I value having a trusting relationship with the talent I work with and that starts with ensuring them they will be safe from any risks that come with an unsanitary Makeup Artist. Let’s just say 70% alcohol and Clorox wipes have become my best friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicolebehling.com
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14140519/
Image Credits
Edi Roque, Townsend Wilkinson
