Based in a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Elizabeth “Beth” Bey is a local make-up artist who believes all work should feel like play. As a 20 year veteran in the film and television industry, she has had the honor of working on such productions as “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Reagan,” “Possessions,” Stillwater,” “Unplanned,” “Awake” and many more. In addition to her work on set, Bey runs a prosthetic make-up lab for the Psycho Path Haunted Attraction in Sperry, Oklahoma, is a proud volunteer moulage artist for Oklahoma’s CERT and Teen Cert disaster programs and works professionally as a moulage artist for EMSA, the State of Oklahoma and the United States Military.
How did you get started in the film industry?
I took a make-up class while attending the University of Tulsa and my amazing professor, Yslan Hicks, noticed my flare for make-up and pushed me to pursue it as a potential career. I thought she was crazy. How could someone as small as me work in film? After many conversations and many more theater make-up courses and make-up design at TU, I was convinced. As soon as my BA was complete, it was off to make-up and make-up effects school. I began working immediately and haven’t looked back.
Did you have any formal education or training related to the film industry before starting?
I have two certifications in Film Make-up and Make-up Effects from the Joe Blasco Make-up Artist Training Center – Orlando.
Did you have any formal education or training related to your specific department on-set?
I have a BA in Musical Theater with a focus in Theater Make-up and Lighting Design. Make-up and lighting design create the most beautiful partnership. Both have allowed me to use my craft to create a mood and a story. It was an invaluable experience that created a strong foundation to my future career.
What are some of your most recent successes (credits or accolades) related to your career in the industry?
Over the past couple of years I have been blessed to department head the final segment of “Reagan,” assist the main team on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” department head “Possessions,” “Christmas Love Tree” and “A Thousand Tomorrow’s.”
What has your career in the state’s film industry taught you?
No matter what, be happy! Film is fast and furious, but it is endlessly rewarding. You set the mood, so smile and be kind.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
I had the tremendous opportunity to assist two of the most amazing make-up department heads, Scott Wheeler and Jen Aspinall, on the set of “Reagan.” Due to COVID, Scott was unable to complete fabricating the prosthetics for Dennis Quaid and Jon Voight and I was able to step in. Let me tell you, I love lab work and Scott’s prosthetic moulds and formulas are top-notch. Having two truly remarkable artists like Scott and Jen trust me to create the prosthetics was one of the greatest complements I have received in my 20+ years as a make-up artist.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Oklahoma’s film and television industry?
Oklahoma just feels like home. There is nothing like Green Country and its hospitality. Best of all, I know I can rely on my team and we take care of each other. It is only a small matter of time before the rest of the world realizes the insane amount of talent that our Oklahoma crew possesses. We are a hidden gem.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone starting their career in Oklahoma’s film industry?
Work hard, play hard, safety first and always wear a smile. Us veterans are here for you, and we want to build you up to continue to expand our booming film community.
How does someone in your field/department best promote/market themselves to those hiring in your industry?
In my experience, networking is the greatest key to success.
Are there any local film organizations, resources or events that have been beneficial to you in your career?
Obviously, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office is one of the best ways to be in the know.
What’s the one item you can’t live without on-set, and why?
Sunscreen, hands down. There is nothing more important than protecting yourself and your health.
Would your career be impacted without the state’s film incentive program? If so, how?
I cannot stress enough on how important Oklahoma’s film incentive is. Having begun my career in Florida when we had an incentive and then watching the Florida film industry plumet after we lost the incentive was heartbreaking. Longtime veterans had no work and were forced to move or find work out of state, myself included. We need this incentive to bring work to our state. Our careers depend on it.
Where do you see yourself – AND – Oklahoma’s film industry in the next five years?
Oklahoma is thriving and will continue to do so as more large productions realize the amount of beauty and talent Oklahoma has to offer. I cannot wait to see the success!
What are you working on now or next?
I just completed an amazing project called the “Own Your Power” campaign, which gives teens positive alternatives to vaping and drugs. The focus is creating constructive activities to deal with the stress of being a teen in the modern world.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
