This introductory course will give an overview of the film industry and discuss where the costume department fits within the overall structure of a production. Topics covered will include union vs. non-union work, stylists/commercial work; what basic skills are needed and how to go about pursuing these jobs. 

The structure of a costume department and the various roles of each person on the team will be outlined. Students will learn about the standard paperwork universal to all productions as well as all the steps that take the costume from a concept in a script to being camera ready. 

This course will outline the key roles of the set team and how they will oversee the costumes while filming. Students will learn about the basic paperwork universal to all productions and how it all relates to the process. 

Find out what it means to be a daily, what makes a great daily and what will be expected of you depending on whether the call takes you to the office or the set.

Common sense manners for both the office and set will be discussed. 

The Truck Supervisor is responsible for keeping track of and the upkeep of the costumes when they arrive onto the Wardrobe Truck. In this class you will learn in more depth about the paperwork associated with this job and what skills are ideal for it. Participants will also learnhow an efficient Truck Supervisor can facilitate the work of both the Costume Designer and Set Supervisor.

The Set Supervisor is the key costume position on set, as he/she is responsible for the costume in front of the camera while filming. You will be taught how to effectively interact with others on set including the Director, Assistant Directors and talent. Ultimately you are
representing the Costume Designer by ensuring that the costume is being worn properly and that continuity is being maintained.

Being an Extras Coordinator is a role that begins in the office and then takes you onto the set. With the guidance of the Costume Designer, this person will ensure that the extras’ costumes work visually in a particular scene. This is often vital to the integrity of the overall costuming.  The Extras Coordinator will then manage the extras on set during filming. 

Each position in a Costume Department is integral to the success of the whole, the Wardrobe Assistant being one of those positions. As a Wardrobe Assistant one has a great vantage point from which to observe all the workings of the department. It’s a job where being a multi-tasker is an asset as the assignments are varied and often time-sensitive.

To be a buyer or “shopper” in the eyes of an outside observer could be easily misconstrued as being easy – who doesn’t like to shop? This, however, requires a trained eye and knowledge of what is available around the city. A buyer is responsible for finding specific
pieces as per the vision of the Costume Designer as well as being accountable for large amounts of petty cash. Developing knowledge of fashion trends, fabrics, costume history and working under tight deadlines make this a very challenging position.

There are a few jobs within the Costume Department that require specific technical skills and are essential to the finished aesthetic of the garments. This includes cutters, sewers and the breakdown artists who will do the dyeing and ageing. This class will give an overview of the workroom, the role of each of these positions and the factors that determine when they are needed on a production.

Learn what is expected of an Assistant Designer and the importance of this role. This is a position that will develop itself around the particular working style of the Costume Designer. An Assistant Designer should have strong organizational skills so as to anticipate both the needs of the department and the Costume Designer. This is a multi-faceted job where knowledge of the workings of the entire department is necessary.A larger production will have a Costume Supervisor who will oversee staffing, budgets and scheduling. This position is central to the day to day running of the department.In smaller productions, the Assistant Designer will absorb the tasks of the Supervisor.

The Costume Designer heads up the entire department and so requires a great understanding of every other position within it. Besides overseeing the crew, the Designer must liaise with the producer, director and other key people in the production.

The Designer is key to the look of the show while interpreting the Director’s vision and meeting the needs of the script, D.O.P and budget.

The Stylist generally works in print and commercials and sometimes with personal clients.

The stylist should not only have an excellent sense of style but also be able to pull together looks that satisfy all parties including the director, client and agency. The intent in most of these jobs is to sell product so the stylist’s choices are vital to the success of the project.