The Herring Girls

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Some productions stay with you long after filming ends. The Herring Girls is one of those projects.

Storyline: Annag is abandoned during a fishing season to grow up on the Norfolk coast. The Herring Girls, a group of women who work alongside fishermen following the herring from Scotland to Norfolk, witness her spiritual and supernatural awakening.

Written and directed by one of my closest friends, this Norfolk-made short film was a truly extraordinary project to be part of. Watching someone you care about step so confidently into a role of this scale and responsibility was incredibly emotional. There may even have been a few happy tears on the first day of filming.

The production brought together some of the most talented, creative, hardworking, and supportive women I have ever had the privilege of working alongside. Every department collaborated seamlessly, sharing ideas, solving problems together, and creating an atmosphere that felt genuinely special. The energy throughout the shoot was creative, nurturing, slightly witchy, and completely unforgettable.

As the sole hair and makeup artist / makeup designer working with four principal female cast members, continuity was a significant responsibility throughout production.

The project also pushed me creatively in ways I hadn't experienced before. From underwater filming, where makeup durability became a whole new challenge, to unexpectedly having to take on the special effects requirements once the shoot had already just begun. Involving scales, gills, blood effects, webbed feet, and a particularly memorable milk bath scene, every day brought something new to solve.

Thankfully, none of these challenges were tackled alone. Working alongside new friends within the costume department and the wider crew became one of the most rewarding creative experiences of my career. Together we found solutions, adapted quickly, and brought some beautifully eerie concepts to life.

Was it demanding? Absolutely.

Was it worth it? Every second.

To date, this remains my favourite project. Not simply because of the creative challenges, but because of the people behind it. Combined with the hauntingly beautiful writing and the incredible dedication of everyone involved, The Herring Girls became something truly special, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have played a part in bringing it to life.