Jin Ong on joining the Film Forward programme

Film Forward Step Up Role: Hair and make-up supervisor in film

Jin's background is in theatre and opera, having worked in London's West End and for Welsh Opera, as well as in the fashion industry. She went to art college and completed a diploma in wig hair-dressing.

Her entry into the industry came via “doing the circuit” of dailies on short films and gradually building her CV alongside the occasional runway or theatre work. She says she takes inspiration from music, culture and that having had a background in art and design has forged a love for vivid colour palettes.

She learned of Film Forward through a ScreenSkills newsletter and praises the programme's emphasis on people with experience, whether in the film industry or associated trades. “It completely stood out for me,” she says, “because I've seen initiatives for people coming from other industries but I've never seen a programme that takes people with, say, five or 10 years' experience, or are maybe a little older, and is kind of holding their hand as they step up.”

Jin describes Film Forward as “wonderful” as it “gives exposure to people who wouldn't normally receive it.  

“It occurred to me when I was reading about the initiative that, important as training is, there are some things that can't be taught in a classroom; making connections with people is so vital. And Film Forward is a way to open things up to people who wouldn't usually take risks in new roles.

“People can get stuck in a rut - I would have been very scared to change, but becoming part of the new Film Forward cohort has opened up new possibilities for me. It's a really important personal development for me because it has made me ask if I'm comfortable being comfortable. I'm now going to challenge myself and learn more.”

Jin is of Chinese-Malaysian heritage and says she feels she is often the only person of colour on set. But if there is unconscious bias in the industry, she believes it is “through no fault of its own”.

"If you're not used to meeting people that do not look like you or from your back home towns, then how would you connect to that person. We're often working on projects with international cast members and broader storylines, so behind the scenes we could re-appropriate diversity, by seeing different types of visibility and there's definitely space for everyone."

Jin believes Film Forward will help break down those barriers but, while she thinks it would be lovely to have people of colour take senior jobs in the industry, it's “not that simple”, and that broader societal change is needed.

Jin describes herself as a perfectionist. “Anything I do I feel I have to get it as good as it can possibly be,” she says. “And I'm a team player which is so necessary in a collaborative industry.”

Jin wants to work with new people, find interesting projects through Film Forward, and be challenged as she moves into new roles.

Jin is currently HoD on a BFI short film. “The last couple of projects I've done – small-budget films - I've been HoD,” she says. “They come with responsibility but I'm not afraid to tackle it”, because, she says, her years touring in theatre prepared her for anything. “When you're in the middle of nowhere at three in the morning and without the facilities to get the wigs or the equipment you need, you have to find a solution.”