Nikki Gooley: Making Memorable Faces

The primary characters weren't the only ones taking their turns in the makeup and hair chairs. Some of the more intricate makeup and hair pieces were often found on various Senators making their debut in Episode III. "We had some great fun doing some different types of makeup with the Senators," Gooley admits. "Fang Zar, played by Warren Owens, had this fabulous big beard and hairdo that we just tied up into a top knot. Again, I think because the costumes are so elaborate it's very important not to try and compete with them but to just let it flow. We had another Senator, Malé-Dee, that had a red Mohawk, and so it was great fun. It's a makeup artist's dream really there were so many things we could do.

George has been very clever with his makeup ideas in the Star Wars films because there's nothing really that can date; nothing is a trendy fashion item," Gooley adds. "He's been very smart with his choices to keep things very timeless so that in 10 years time, it won't look dated."

Though Gooley and her team work on various actors first thing in the morning and throughout the day to prepare them for the filming ahead, she also administers touch-ups on the actors throughout the day to make sure their characters look their best in between shots. But with constant powder puffs and hairbrushes being aimed at the actors, Gooley says she's hyperaware of when to fix unruly hairpieces, and when the let the actors have their space.

"When you have to look after the actors on the set there's a very fine line between being annoying with them and not being in there enough," Gooley says. "I think a lot of actors like to know you're there and they can see you. Some directors and actors want you to be in there all the time, and then there are other jobs where they like you to leave them alone. So it's just knowing; finding out that balance, and knowing when to go in and when not to go in. I mean even if it's a big wide shot, sometimes an actor would still like you to go in and just make sure that they're okay. And it's just a reassurance."

Along with that reassurance is a level of camaraderie between the cast and crew that can be essential to a smooth and positive atmosphere.

"You're forging a relationship there and you have time to have a joke and laugh, as well as if they're feeling down about something, whether they're away from home," Gooley explains. "You get to know people as well as make sure that your work looks great and holds up against whatever it has to hold up against."

One of the most important working relationships Gooley formed on the Sydney set was with the director.

"George deals with every department, and he has an answer for every department," Gooley says. "Even when things go wrong and everything on set is turning bad, you look to George and he's like 'Okay, well we can fix it'. He's just very calm, and I think he just knows how it is all going to fit together. He really cares about everything."

"I felt quite privileged because I was asked to join the Star Wars family," Gooley continues. "And that I was asked to do something that has created a culture almost. I never knew that there were websites and fans that traveled the world and went to conventions and things like that. I was completely blown away. I feel very honored to be a part of history."