HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Monty Westmore, Sr. was the eldest of George Westmore's six sons. Together they established a movie makeup dynasty in Hollywood that lasted more than fifty years, and continues today.

Monty was the first to leave home. He landed a job at the Famous Players Lasky Studio during the shooting of "The Sheik." Shortly thereafter he talked Rudolf Valentino into letting him do his makeup which Valentino had been doing himself. The studio bosses were thrilled with the results and Westmore remained Valentino's makeup artist until the actor's death in 1926.

By that time, Westmore had begun freelancing. His work on "Mutiny on the Bounty" caught the attention of David O. Selznick who hired him as head of the makeup department at Selznick International Pictures. Monty became the Head Makeup Designer on "Gone With The Wind".

Like all the designers on "Gone With The Wind," Westmore did intensive research long before the cameras rolled. The task he faced was daunting. Some scenes of the film had scores of extras all of whom had to have makeup. He had to make the major characters look like stars but at the same time look as if they were wearing no makeup at all. He had to age dozens of major characters of different races gradually through the twelve year span of the picture. This was no mean feat since there were times when as many as four scenes were being shot simultaneously. Westmore also had to worry about the new Technicolor process which was so sensitive it could pick up the color of an actor's costume reflected in another actor's face.

Westmore and his staff were also doing the makeup for "Rebecca" and "Intermezzo" at about the same time as "Gone With The Wind." He did not receive screen credit for "Gone With The Wind" as makeup artists did not regularly receive such recognition until the 1940's, nor did Westmore receive an Academy Award nomination as there was no makeup category at the time.

Meanwhile, George and Monty Westmore were busy building the first studio makeup department. By the mid 1930's, every major Hollywood studio had a makeup department headed by a Westmore. The next generation of Westmores (Perc, Ern, Wally, Bud and Frank) dominated the field. Almost every major motion picture had a Westmore doing makeup.

THE WESTMORE DYNASTY (TOP)

The Westmore dynasty continues to grow. Michael Westmore has been doing award winning work on Paramount's "Star Trek"; Monty Westmore, Jr. has been working on various projects; Kandy Westmore works on "American Dreams"; and Kevin Westmore is Key Makeup on the "Oliver Beene". Marvin still actively works in the field. His recent works include the movie "Rat Pack" for HBO. Marvin also takes a hands-on role at the Westmore Academy and the House of Westmore cosmetic line.

When Marvin Westmore, a living legend in the field, founded the Westmore Academy, he set in motion the foundation for producing the next generation of Professional Cosmetic Artists. Many of the top makeup artists working today trace the start of their careers to working with a member of the Westmore family.

WHY WESTMORE? (TOP)

Our Academy offers the most effective teaching techniques available, along with creating long-lasting close personal relationships between the students and staff. Every aspect of the makeup artistry field is covered in an in-depth teaching style. All classes are instructed by live lecture/demonstration and consist of 100% hands-on work. Class enrollment is kept to a maximum of 12 students. There is NO VIDEOTAPED INSTRUCTION! Our Instructors are professional makeup artists currently working in the Motion Picture and Television industry.

At The Westmore Academy you will work side-by-side with a handful of other committed students, in small classes, creating the very same kinds of projects that you will be called on to create in the spa, in the salon, in the photo studio, or on the set.

By choosing to attend the Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts you are choosing to study with working professionals who are among the best in their field. You are choosing to study with the people that created the motion picture makeup profession. By attending Westmore you are demonstrating a serious commitment to success as a working makeup artist. At Westmore you will learn the techniques that have created award winning work.