MAKE-UP artist Melanie Doyle's job is usually to make TV and film actors look their best.

So it must have felt bizarre doing the exact opposite while working on the film, She Who Brings Gifts.

The former Rainhill High student made actors look gruesome as zombies in the upcoming thriller starring Gemma Arterton, Glenn Close and Paddy Considine.

Melanie, who runs MelVicMakeup Academy in Warrington, said: "It's a post-apocalyptic zombie film where the people become flesh eaters.

"The director is Colm McCarthy who did the TV series Peaky Blinders. I've been working on the zombie make-up which involves applying and colouring the prosthetics.

"What my students have been doing is dirtying their arms and fingers and making their hair look lank and greasy to make it look like they have been living in the overgrowth for years.

"It is the complete opposite of what I'm usually doing."

Melanie set up MelVicMakeup, specialising in media make-up, in March this year.

She previously worked as a teacher of make-up and beauty therapy in various colleges for about 14 years.

"Students need to be taught in an environment where they can learn but I also think that they should be out there in the industry as well," added Melanie.

"One of students who came to Liverpool with me said she was really glad she did as she didn't realise what you have to do backstage.

"She said there were clothes flying everywhere and you've literally got about 30 seconds to get the model ready.

"You're not put in that kind of environment in the classroom so the students love it and get so much more from it."

Melanie and her students had the chance to go on set at Downton Abbey to help with hair and make-up for major scenes in the final series.

"It is such a big drama so it felt very surreal," said Melanie. "Downton is shot with four cameras so every angle is covered meaning every aspect of what you do has to be triple checked."

Melanie now hopes to continue working on major TV series and films.

For more information about Melanie's academy visit melvicmakeup.com