BBC Three and BBC Northern Ireland have co-commissioned a glamorous new series, Made Up In Belfast which follows the lives of the charismatic young team behind a local cosmetics brand, BPerfect Cosmetics.
This 10 part series made by Afro-Mic Productions goes behind the glitz and glamour of the cosmetics industry, to focus on the employees of a Belfast-based company who are chasing their dreams and building their lives - one makeup palette at a time.
The series invites viewers into the lives of these fun-loving and inspiring young people as they work in the high-pressured head office, the lively warehouse and the customer-facing stores.
It follows the cast as their lives entwine both in and out of work and the relationship they have with inspiring boss Brendan, revealing the not-so-luxurious hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes in the beauty industry.
Viewers can connect with the cast as they launch the latest big product, race to meet stressful deadlines and follow their journeys as they hope to find friends and love.
BPerfect Cosmetics was created by Brendan McDowell in Belfast in 2013. Brendan wanted to create a range of cosmetics that were easy to use, versatile, that would change beauty routines forever.
Commenting on social media, BPerfect creator Brendan said:
“It's official - been hard keeping this one quiet. We've been recording a 10 part series for BBC3.
“Never in a millions years did I think this amazing journey would turn into a TV show. Afromic Productions’ Emma Rosadias (has) seen the graft, fun, growth and journey we've all been on.
“Really looking forward to showing you all at home all the behind the scenes at a growing cosmetics brand - the good, the bad and madness. Stay tuned.”
The Northern Irish entrepreneur made an appearance on Ireland’s Dragons’ Den in March 2017 where the brand received praise from all five Dragons and secured an offer from two. More recently, Brendan has been nominated as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year – an amazing achievement especially after only 7 years in business.
BPerfect Cosmetics is now stocked in over 2000+ stockists throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK and worldwide.
This series is the latest commission from the collaborative partnership between BBC Three, BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen with past series from this scheme including The Fast And The Farmer-ish, which has been recommissioned for a second series and Stitch, Please! presented by Blu Hydrangea.
Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three says:
“Made Up In Belfast is the next brilliant series for BBC Three borne from our incredibly fruitful creative partnership with BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen. After tractors and cosplay we’re looking forward to digging into the world of cosmetics and meeting the young team striving for success in the beauty industry.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland says:
“Our partnership with BBC Three and Northern Ireland Screen has already produced some fantastic local content for audiences around the UK.
“We are delighted to announce Made Up In Belfast as the latest venture with Afro-Mic Productions and this 10 part series showcases a group of young and vibrant people offering a unique insight into their lives in Northern Ireland.”
Emma-Rosa Dias, Managing Director of Afro-Mic Productions says:
“I’m so proud to be bringing such an inspirational, energetic slice of Northern Ireland to BBC Three. Our cast are so full of life and ambition. Northern Ireland has changed a lot since I was in my 20’s – there’s more opportunity, more acceptance and there’s a buzz about the place. I’m excited to showcase this new generation from Northern Ireland as they work hard and play hard to navigate life’s twists and turns.”