WHAT DOES A COSTUMER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Costumer Do?)

Costumes costumer / Photo Credit: Meningrey

WHAT DOES A COSTUMER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Costumer Do?)

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What Does a Costumer Do?

A costumer is an assistant to the costume designer who works in theatrical production, as well as film and television. This person begins work during pre-production, participates in the processes of research and sourcing materials, and then works on through to the delivery of the wardrobe to the stage or location set.

Costume Designers' work helps to define the overall ‘look' of TV productions and films and their role requires a great deal of expertise. This must be achieved within strict budgets, and to tight schedules.

They work closely with the Production Designer to make sure the costumes fit in with their overall vision and work with the chosen lighting and camera angles. They also collaborate with the hair and make-up team to make sure a cohesive look is created.

During pre-production, Costume Designers break down scripts scene by scene to work out how many characters are involved and what costumes are required. They then develop costume plots for each character. Plots ensure that colors and styles do not mimic each other in the same scene, and highlight the characters' emotional journeys by varying the intensity and depth of colors.

Costume Designers must carry out research into the costume styles, designs and construction methods suitable for the time period, using resources such as libraries, museums and the Internet. They may also discuss costume and character ideas with performers.

They deliver initial ideas to Directors about the overall costume vision, character plots and original costume designs, using sketches and fabric samples. They also discuss color palettes with the Director of Photography and Production Designer.

Costume Designers ensure that accurate financial records are kept and weekly expenditure reports are produced. They prepare overall production schedules, as well as directing the day-to-day breakdowns of responsibilities.

They choose and hire appropriate suppliers and Costume Makers, negotiating terms with them, and communicating design requirements (on a smaller-scale production a Costume Designer would be involved in both the design and the making processes).

They arrange fittings for Actors and extras. They supervise fabric research and purchase, and ensure that garments are completed to deadlines.

Depending on the numbers of costumes to be created and the scale of budgets, Costume Designers may decide to create a dedicated Costume Workshop.

They should be on set whenever a new costume is worn for the first time to make sure that performers are comfortable, to explain special features, and to oversee any alterations.

Once filming is completed, Costume Designers are responsible for the return of hired outfits, and the sale or disposal of any remaining costumes.

Costume designers may be required to work long hours; evening and weekend work may be involved when working to deadlines.

They can be based in a studio, office or home-based environment when designing and making the garments. Travel to locations for TV and film productions is common and they are often required to attend meetings at theatres or TV/film production companies.

Duties

The precise responsibilities of the costumer will vary greatly depending on the scale of the production. Among the first tasks will be conducting research concerning the appropriate style of dress and types of materials required for the time period and location of the show. This research is to assist the designer in producing sketches that are authentic and believable within the context of the story. As instructed, this person will contact vendors to seek out necessary materials such as fabric and fasteners, and retrieve cost quotes. If a buyer is not hired onto the crew, the costumer is then responsible for shopping and completing purchase orders for costume department goods. During the fabrication phase, the costumer will assist the designer and other craftspeople with costume breakdown and ageing of the garments, as well as laundry and ironing. For costumer’s who are assigned to work during production, he or she will be similarly responsible for wardrobe care and maintenance until the end of the stage show’s run or until principal photography has wrapped. Additional tasks may include dressing of extras or background performers and transportation of department equipment.

Skills & Education

A college degree in theatrical design with a concentration in costume design and fabrication is appropriate to this career, as is a major in film and television production. Study should include the proper techniques for garment construction, as well as the use and care of fabrics. Naturally, the costumer must be proficient in sewing, as well as processes like dyeing, painting fabric, distressing, and others. As this position requires one who is familiar with the fashion trends of numerous periods, study of art history and world cultures is beneficial. Additional courses in fine art and photography are also helpful. The costumer must have great attention to detail and take direction well. The ability to work efficiently under minimal supervision is highly desirable.

What to Expect

The role of the costumer is one of several entry-level positions within the costume department, including the stitcher, dyer, painter, and costume craftsperson. Experience within this role can lead to advanced positions as a milliner, buyer, set costumer, and assistant costume designer. Employment opportunities are available within costume studios that cater to the entertainment industry, as well as within costume shops of resident theatrical companies. Freelance positions exist for those who wish to work in theater, as well as film and television production. To begin a path toward professional work, you may build your résumé through experience in college productions or as a volunteer with local community theaters. Costumers are eligible to become members of IATSE, the union that represents technicians and artists working in multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures,

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Costumes costumer / Photo Credit: Meningrey