IATSE Local 798, Reel Works Team Up to Diversify Hairstylist Field

As consciousness over the necessity to diversify Hollywood’s hair and make-up trailers continues to develop, the union that represents those artists has teamed up with entertainment workforce development program Reel Works to help bring more BIPOC stylists into the industry.

The inaugural IATSE Entertainment Industry Hair Stylist Training, offered by Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Local 798 and the Brooklyn-based nonprofit, took place from Jan. 11 to April 23. The idea was to expose licensed hairstylists to the employment opportunities available to them in film and television and prepare them for entertainment careers through the presentation of both theoretical information as well as practical, hands-on training in hair of all lengths and textures, focusing on period hairstyling, braiding and wig preparation. With support from Netflix, AMC Networks and the Consortium for Worker Education, the program featured courses taught by Local 798 members at the union's hall in New York City but also via Zoom from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

“This program is part of Local 798’s continuing plan to facilitate the expansion of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in the entertainment industry as we tell stories together with all our collaborators on the stage and screen,” said Local 798 president Angela Johnson. “We are proud of our diverse, talented membership, and look forward to welcoming the graduates of this program to the industry.” Click here to watch a video about the new training program, and read more in The Hollywood Reporter.