The world of Saturday Night Live is one of relentless pace and creative brilliance. Behind the scenes, the hair and makeup teams work tirelessly to bring the show’s most ambitious visions to life. With a mere five days to prepare for each episode, these teams must navigate a whirlwind of script changes, fittings, and rehearsals. Yet, despite the brutal turnaroundthey consistently deliver extraordinary results.
At the helm of these departments are Louie Zakarianthe makeup team leader, and Jodi Mancusowho oversees the hair team. Their combined experience spans decades, with Mancuso completing her 31st season and Zakarian approaching his 26th year with the show. Their journey with SNL is a testament to their dedication and the show’s enduring legacy.
The Evolution of SNL’s Hair and Makeup Departments
Over the past couple of years, Zakarian and Mancuso have pushed the boundaries of what is possible within SNL’s tight schedule. The introduction of advanced technology, such as 3D printing, has revolutionized their workflow. For instance, when a sketch like Weekend Update requires intricate prosthetics, the team can now sculpt designs digitally and print molds overnight. This innovation has significantly reduced the time needed to create complex looks, allowing for more ambitious and detailed transformations.
The collaboration between the hair and makeup teams is seamless, with each department supporting the other to achieve the desired results. This synergy is evident in sketches like the one featuring Bad Bunny as a chatbot companion. The team not only crafted a receding hairline and wig but also added a silicone belly to complete the look. Such attention to detail ensures that each character is brought to life with authenticity and humor.
The Challenges of Storage and Reuse
One of the unique challenges faced by the hair team is managing the vast collection of wigs. With over 3,000 wigs in their inventory, Mancuso must carefully track and reuse them to meet the show’s ever-changing needs. The team’s ability to repurpose wigs from past seasons is a testament to their resourcefulness and adaptability. However, this task is not without its hurdles. The team often finds themselves in a race against time to modify wigs for last-minute sketch requirements, a task that requires both creativity and precision.
Zakarian’s makeup team faces similar challenges with the storage of molds. Each year, they must discard old molds to make room for new ones. The team has embraced digital scanning to preserve their work, making it easier to recreate designs in the future. This shift to digital storage has not only simplified the process but also ensured that the team can quickly access the necessary files when time is of the essence.
The Future of SNL’s Hair and Makeup Teams
As SNL enters its 51st season, the hair and makeup teams continue to set new standards for creativity and innovation. Their ability to adapt to the show’s demanding schedule and deliver high-quality work is a testament to their skill and dedication. Whether it’s creating an army of bobs, transforming hosts into iconic characters, or bringing fantastical creatures to life, the teams’ collaborative spirit and technical expertise ensure that each episode of SNL is a visual spectacle.
The future looks bright for these teams as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. With the support of advanced technology and their unwavering commitment to excellence, they will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with their incredible transformations. As Mancuso and Zakarian often say, the work is crazybut it keeps them young and inspired.
