INTERVIEW: Hairstylist Camille Friend (The Little Mermaid, Black Panther, Dream Girls)
For up-and-coming hairstylists, technology literacy is key. An understanding of computers, applications, and secure online platforms is essential. As the industry advances, having a strong foundation with these tools will help hairstylists integrate these new technologies into their work. - Camille Friend
Hey Hey!
Up next for our interview series is film/tv hairstylist Camille Friend. Friend descends from a beauty trade family, years ago her great-great-grandfather wanted his daughters to have a trade and he put them in beauty school. This decision produced several generations of entrepreneur hair stylists - including Friend who has worked in the entertainment industry for over twenty years and has also received Oscar nominations. Her projects include, but are not limited to, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Dream Girls, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Hunger Games, The Help, The Secret Life of Bees and most recently she was hair department head for Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. She is also the founder of Hair Scholars, a mentorship program that teaches entertainment industry labor skills. Definitely lots to learn from Camille, we hope you enjoy:
I read that hairstyling is a family trade for you. How did growing up under hairstylists impact your decision to one day become one? And how did you end up in film/television?
Some of the best memories of my childhood are in the salon, the sights and smells are so familiar to me and bring me so much comfort. I never thought about any other career outside of being a hairstylist. The running joke in my family is that I have taken the family trade to the next level. It all began when a colleague reached out to me to work on the set of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate starring Martin Lawrence. I found myself curling Lynn Whitfield’s hairpieces and little did I know, the movie was transitioning into a union production. From this project, I got my thirty days and joined the union.
What’s your creative process in deciding the kind of hairstyle for the character?
#DidYouKnow: Angela Bassett’s 20-inch handmade locs in Black Panther were inspired by Ryan Coogler’s mom? (via The Wrap) I start by reading the script. I first need to understand the narrative, the geographical setting, and the time period. Then I study the actor’s facial shape, taking into consideration how a hairstyle will look with their face. I also consult and collaborate with the director, actor, costume, and makeup.
A lot of collaboration goes into filmmaking. Can you elaborate on how important it is to be a team player when working as a film/tv hairstylist?
When you are leading a department, building the right team is fundamental. There is no “I” in team. Having a well-rounded team is essential for the success of a project. My ability to do my job well depends on my team doing theirs, and vice versa – it is mutual reliance that keeps things running smoothly.
Nowadays, a lot of CGI is involved in films. How should up-and-coming hair stylists prepare for digital change?
According to Friend, Halle’s hair flip was helped with CGI. (via Variety) When I started working for Marvel, I had the opportunity to work and learn from The Marvel visual effects department for a week. This experience taught me a lot about the process and gave me a better understanding of how VFX and hair/makeup work together to bring characters to life. For up-and-coming hairstylists, technology literacy is key. An understanding of computers, applications, and secure online platforms is essential. As the industry advances, having a strong foundation with these tools will help hairstylists integrate these new technologies into their work.
Favorite project you have worked on and why?
I really don’t have a favorite project; I like them all for different reasons. Some projects have more creative challenges than others. It’s the people that I meet and work with that make projects memorable for me.
The Little Mermaid will come to Disney+ on Wednesday 6th September 2023!
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