Why Rick Findlater is a Must-See at HAIR The Movement”
“It’s with immense excitement and gratitude that I introduce Rick Findlater, someone whose career journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Rick is a hair and makeup artist in the world of film—an industry many of us can only dream about. Over the years, his dedication to his craft has led him to work on some of the most iconic films ever produced, leaving his unique mark on the industry. With 14 Oscar nominations to his name, Rick’s work includes The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more.
When I first reached out to Rick, I was immediately struck by his warmth and humility, despite his incredible accomplishments. He has a wealth of history and insight into the movie industry to share—not only about the highs of working in such a creative field but also the challenges and realities that come with it.
Rick’s perspective is invaluable for anyone curious about the movie industry or considering a career they’ve never dared to dream of before. I couldn’t think of a better person to inspire and guide us on this journey. It’s truly an honour to have him as part of Journey to the Top.” Sharon Blain
Meet Rick Findlater
Makeup and Hair Designer Rick Findlater’s prolific career began in London, where he trained under some of the most renowned schools in the art of makeup. He then crossed the pond to Vancouver, working as an assistant to gain experience before returning home to Australia.
Rick was fortunate to work consistently on various television series and movies. A pivotal moment in his career came when a colleague invited him to work on a feature film in New Zealand as the personal makeup artist for the character Gandalf. His first feature film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, became part of one of the most successful film trilogies in history. This opportunity ultimately led to a long-standing collaboration with director Peter Jackson on seven more films, including The Hobbit trilogy, which earned Rick both Oscar and BAFTA nominations in recognition of his incredible talent.