Thunder Struck Vacancies

Costume Assistants may help to break down the script into costume plots and detail costume requirements and changes in the continuity book. They may also carry out research for the Costume Designer into the styles, designs and construction methods suitable for the time period, using a number of resources including libraries, museums and the Internet. 

They help to organise the costume department, ordering supplies and assisting in setting up any workrooms needed for productions. They take artists' measurements, and may also help with making costumes, including pattern cutting, ageing and distressing, etc. 

They may be involved in sourcing and buying costumes and accessories, and liaising with Costumiers about costume hire. They may be given specific responsibility for crowd fittings, overseen by Costume Design Assistants or Costumeand Wardrobe Supervisors. 

Costume Assistants may be responsible for packing costumes for overseas shipment to other locations or units. 

During the shoot, they make sure the appropriate outfits are ready for Actors. They may dress Actors and explain their costumes to them, checking that the costumes match continuity requirements. 

Costume Assistants monitor the costumes for damage, carrying out any last-minute alterations and repairs, or sending garments to the workrooms for specialist treatment. 

Costume Assistants may also act as Standbys, dressing the costumes to camera by referring to a monitor, and making sure there are changes of clothes available in case of wet weather on locations.

During breaks, and between shoot days, they clean and iron costumes, look after accessories such as hats and gloves, and keep a record of all jewellery used by Actors.

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Responsibilities

• be highly-organised and efficient

• have a good memory

• pay keen attention to detail to oversee continuity

• respond positively to others' requests

• have the self-confidence to point out any continuity errors or plot mismatching

• have good communication and interpersonal skills

• work under pressure 

• work as part of a team

• understand research processes and know how to source information

• be familiar with call sheets and schedules

• be aware of the correct etiquette on set

• put others at ease (when working closely with Actors to dress them)

• care for and maintain costumes

• know about the qualities of different types of fabric

• know about period costume and contemporary fashion

• have good IT skills (Mac and PC)

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Skills

 

• Assisting with the design of, and research into costumes and helping to make and adapt them

• Carrying out a range of tasks from ordering accessories, overseeing fittings and helping with continuity

• Taking instructions from Costume Designers, Costume Design Assistants, Costume Supervisors and Wardrobe Supervisors

 

Qualifications

 

• Fashion and Textiles (Level 5)

• Fashion for Manufacture (Level 6)

• HNC Fashion Design and Production with Retail

• HND Fashion Design and Production with Retail