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Name: "Dugan" AKA Mary
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Key Hair (Head of Hair Dept.)
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
It was a "fluke." A friend in the business called and told me they needed extra help on "curly sue," so I went. After that I kept getting called to work. Not until after 3 1/2 years as a permit worker did I get into the Union, thanks to two of my Union sisters, Kathy Swanson and Debra Dee, and much to the chagrin of a few others.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was resistance of very insecure (I'm sorry to say) people in my own department. They were afraid of loosing work to me and still are!!!
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Learn what the work actually consists of, and learn to do it well! Don't be intimidated by those who resist your entry into the industry because of their own insecurities. Be nice and considerate of all people you'll work with.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what Key Hair does.
My job consists of many facets, such as doing hair well, learning period styles and staying current. Communication and people skills are key. Also, learning "continuity" in this business is very important as well. You need to understand lighting, camera angles and breaking down a script. Taking into consideration the character as in the script!!!
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
Being organized ahead of time! Know what you need (color, wigs, etc...). I have tools that enable me to work very fast, like butane curling irons, so if I'm ever on location and electricity is not available I'm covered!
Please illustrate the way the performance of your position can help or hurt a movie. Name a movie that you've seen (or worked on) that we could view and understand the difference between a good job and a bad job.
Period films: you'd better know your stuff! Recently I worked on "Ali" which features 1960s big hair. Fun! Good work! In "Marvin's Room" during the cut from the drive on the beach to them coming back home, one can see that Diane Keaton gets soaking wet. When they arrive at home, her hair is back to a dry full big hairdo. In "Pretty Woman" some wardrobe screw-ups at the picnic scenes are visible.
Are you a writer, and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
No.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Don't rely on anyone else, rely on yourself! Be prepared, and don't let personality conflicts tear into your self-confidence.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
Realize that ALL departments have a job to do. You may be the "head," but all departments are you eyes, ears, arms and legs. Without all departments working together, it costs more and takes longer. If you skimp, the project doesn't turn out the best it can be.
List your top 5 favorite films
- Slingblade
- Young Frankenstein
- Beaches
- Blazing Saddles
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
- Return to Me
- Moonstruck
**Please feel free to add other comments here
When you're working remember, especially if your "head of department" you can't do everything yourself. You're only as good as the people you hire, so let them do their job. Don't be power crazy, instruct and confer with them and trust them!
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