If you’re handy with a sewing machine or fancy laundering the sweaty clothes of famous people, then there may be a job on this career ladder for you!
What you see and hear on the screen, sets the scene for the story which is about to unfold. Is it gothic and creepy? Is it sunny, warm and happy? Or is it filled with tension? As the characters start to take shape on the screen, the setting, place and time become more apparent by the style of clothes they are wearing. This is the work of the costume department, who create everything from the skimpiest bikini to the most elaborately embroidered and bejewelled period ballgown.
In many ways the work is structured in the same way as a clothing factory but in making costumes for film you get to work on a much greater range and diversity than you would in the “real world” and, with on-set jobs such as looking after the outfits between shots, helping the performers get into their costumes as well as on-set repairs and alterations, the job can be varied, interesting and very fulfilling.
Costume & Wardrobe Trainee is the most common entry-level position in the film industry and is the equivalent of the runner in the production office. No matter what age you are when you come into the film production business, or what qualifications you have, starting as a trainee gives you the specialist skills which are required and equally teaches you how to be part of a team on a film set.
Costume Trainees may be employed on films at any stage during pre-production and production. They are responsible for carrying out any tasks allocated to them by Costume Designers, Costume Design Assistants, Costume Supervisors and Wardrobe Supervisors.
During the shoot, the trainees help to organise the costumes, ensuring that the appropriate outfits are correctly placed for the actors, assisting in dressing and checking that the costumes match for continuity. Assistants monitor the costumes for damage, carrying out any last-minute alterations and repairs, or send garments to the workrooms for specialist treatment. Costume Trainees can also act as standbys, dressing the costumes to camera by referring to a monitor and ensuring that there are changes of clothes available in case of wet weather on location. During breaks they often clean and iron costumes, look after accessories such as hats and gloves and keep a record of all jewellery used by the actors. Costumes in film reflect the personality, culture, lifestyle and environment of the characters on screen. When the lights go down in the cinema and the film starts, you are immediately taken into the theme of the film by the images and sounds behind the opening credits.
Another essential element of the role of Costume Trainees is to help break down the script into costume plots, detailing costume requirements and changes in the continuity book. They may also do research for the Costume Designer into the costume styles, designs and construction methods which are appropriate for the genre of the film, using a number of resources including libraries, museums and the internet.
Trainees help to organise the costume department: ordering supplies and helping to arrange any workrooms needed. They take artists’ measurements and they may also assist with making costumes, including pattern-cutting, ageing and distressing. They may be given specific responsibility for crowd fittings, overseen by Costume Design Assistants or Costume and Wardrobe Supervisors.
The costume, or wardrobe department, is responsible for all the clothing and costumes, including footwear, underwear, hosiery, jewellery, millinery, armour and any other garments or accessories worn by every character appearing on screen. They are responsible for designing, planning and organising the construction of the wardrobe down to the fabric, colours and sizes.
Work in the costume department is divided between two “wardrobes”: the “making wardrobe”, which incorporates the design, acquisition and creation of costumes during pre-production, and the “running wardrobe”, which takes care of the organisation, maintenance and continuity of costumes during the film shoot. This may be overseen by the Wardrobe Supervisor.
If you are interested in becoming a Costume & Wardrobe Trainee then there are certain skills requirements which include:
- Solid foundation skills in hand and machine sewing, beading, alterations, ironing, steaming, adapting garments and dyeing.
- General knowledge of and a keen interest in costume history and contemporary fashion.
- Being highly organised and efficient, with a good memory and keen attention to detail.
- An ability to respond positively to others’ requests and be able to take direction and constructive criticism with a pleasant attitude.
- Having good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure as part of a team.
- Be tactful, sensitive and discreet when working with performers, with the ability to put people at their ease.
- Stamina and physical fitness as the days may be long and hard.
Practical experience is the key to progressing in the industry. Some apprenticeship programmes are helpful, leading to work on productions as a Costume Trainee. Alternatively Costume Trainees may have gained experience working for one of the large costume hire companies before looking for work in feature films.
Rebecca Tredget gained a place as a Costume Trainee on The Film Craft and Technical Trainee Placement Scheme. “The Trainee Placement Scheme is a wonderful programme. Being a part of Quartet (directed by Dustin Hoffman) has reignited my passion for working in costume and the film industry. I feel incredibly lucky to attain valuable work contacts for the future”.
Applications are now open for the Film Craft and Technical Trainee Placement Scheme which includes Costume & Wardrobe trainee at www.craftandtech.org
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