Member Christina Grant took Society members and guests behind the scenes of “West Side Story,” director Steven Spielberg’s new film, for which she was a makeup artist. After a private showing of the film at Teaneck Cinemas yesterday, Christina and key makeup artist Angela Johnson discussed their work, including 14-hour days on set and the challenges of keeping makeup looking pristine during hot-weather filming conditions.
Filming started in the summer of 2019 for “West Side Story,” and, after pandemic delays, was released Dec. 10, 2021. It has some of the biggest dance numbers filmed in decades, shot during one of the hottest summers on record, on location in New York City. The show-stopping number “America” required 30 makeup artists for both principal and background actors. You can see some of that scene here.
The discussion and question-answer session with the audience of 51 was moderated by member David Bland.
