A new docu-reality series unveils the life behind a global cosmetics company in Co. Antrim
Date Posted: April 3, 2023
Made Up In Belfast – the new docu-reality show that unveils the lives, loves and friendships of a dynamic young team working at a global cosmetics company based in County Antrim begins on Tuesday 11th April at 10:40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and Wednesday 12th April at 8pm on BBC Three. The 10-part series was made by Afro-Mic Productions with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
The series reveals the not-so-glamourous hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes by going beyond the glitz and gloss of the cosmetics industry to introduce a cast of relatable, fun-loving characters, who are chasing their dreams and building their lives – one make-up palette at a time. It invites viewers to share their experiences as they take on everything life throws at them, whether working in the high-pressured head office, the lively warehouse or the customer-facing stores.
The company is led by Brendan – the boss. Ten years ago Brendan McDowell started selling make-up products out of the boot of his car – now he owns a global beauty brand and employs 150 people.
The first episode follows Brendan and the team as they attempt to clinch their biggest ever collaboration with the winner of Love Island, Ekin-Su. Product Designer Alex is feeling the pressure as she must create a whole range of products in double quick time and Ekin-Su has to love them. Will the team pull everything together in time to seal the deal and will anyone turn up to their big launch in Dublin?
The rest of the series follows the team as they open up new stores, launch new products and travel the globe, while trying to balance the demands of work with their love lives, friendships, personal health and wellbeing.
Alongside Brendan and Alex the series follows Ciara – the jet-setting social media manager who creates content for the brand, but finds an unrelenting life online and a long distance relationship can sometimes be too much to handle. James, also known by his drag alter-ego name ‘Tailor Maid’ brings us aboard the float for Pride in Belfast to reveal the challenges faced by a gay man in Northern Ireland and Emma, the marketing manager, has to take time out of her busy job for some important, high-risk surgery. We also meet Jamie – who looks up to Brendan as a mentor but has a big decision to make. Should he finish university or take the leap into business? And we meet Eimhear, the store manager, who reveals the real reason why she loves make up so much as well as Hannah in events – a serial dater whose serious relationship with a new man causes a stir!
The series culminates with a big decision from Brendan at the company’s 10th birthday – but what will the news be?
This series is the latest commission from the collaborative partnership between BBC Three, BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen. Made Up In Belfast was commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller, BBC Three and Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland.
The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Clare Mottershead, lead Commissioning Editor Factual Entertainment and Events and Mary McKeagney, commissioning executive, BBC Northern Ireland. It is produced by Emma-Rosa Dias from Afro-Mic Productions and made with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
