On this witching hour…University of Northampton prepares to welcome multi award-winning, Ve Neill for bewitching prosthetic masterclass

The University of Northampton is excitedly preparing to welcome multi award-winning Make-up and Special Effects Artist, Ve Neill on campus next month for her first UK-University collaboration.

With a trophy cabinet which boasts three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards and one BAFTA, Ve Neill has established herself as one of the highest awarded and well-respected artists in the industry, working in leading makeup and prosthetic design roles on blockbuster movies Mrs Doubtfire, The Grinch, Beetlejuice, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hunger Games, Edward Scissorhands, The Amazing Spiderman and Batman – to name only a few.

From 21-24 November, students from the University’s creative courses, including Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen, will benefit from four-days of special insight, offering unique opportunities to discuss tips and tricks for ‘making it’ within the industry.

As well as speaking with students as part an exclusive ‘In Conversation with Ve Neill’ evening event, she will be leading two prosthetic workshops to recreate a spooky Hollywood inspired ‘Wicked Witch’ look.

Students will also be offered the unique opportunity to shadow Ve in action, recreating her looks using state-of-the-art SFX make-up and prosthetics.

Ve’s upcoming visit follows on the coat tails of her previous virtual visit with the University during Changing Futures week earlier this year, where she gave students a sneak peek into the glitz and glamour of the professional hair, make-up and prosthetics industry.

“Here at UON, we’re already getting ready to roll-out the red carpet for Ve’s arrival” said Anthony Stepniak, University of Northampton’s Deputy Head of Subject: Culture – Media, Film and Special Effects.

“There is already a buzz from students who are excited to meet Ve, welcome her for her first university-collaboration, and embrace the opportunity to gain a glimpse into Ve’s vast industry experience and unique insight.

“Our industry is incredibly reliant on people of Ve’s calibre and expertise taking the time to speak with students who are taking the first steps in becoming artistic professionals, to learn from her career which has spanned more than four decades.

“I’m very proud to have taken the lead with arranging this visit as an invaluable opportunity for students to receive the best industry networking chances available to them.

“Who knows, after learning a thing or two from Ve, maybe UON will have the next Oscar-award winning make-up artist graduating in the coming years!”