Advice for wardrobe assistants

Liz Phillips

Hi there, what are the traps for 'young' players in a wardrobe assistant role on set. I've done a lot of wardrobe/costume for stage productions so want to know what is different for film. I'm keen to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Describe the behaviour of the ideal wardrobe assistant on and off set (would love all perspectives ranging from wardrobe lead, actors, producers, director, continuity people). Any helpful tips please. Thanks in advance. I am located in Sydney, Australia

Kate Kelly

hi Liz, if you worked in live theatrical productions, the lingo is a tad different in tv/film wardrobe departments. In NYC we use the different terminology. If you are not part of the local union, a wardrobe/costume assistant is usually a wardrobe production assistant.

In tv and film different positions have different names, wardrobe supervisor of course, truck costumer, key set costumer - is charge of continuity, specific skill set working with the core main actors, usually reports directly to the wardrobe supervisor and costume designer( its like a star dresser). Set costumer works with actors principles or background. Shop costumers/supervisor, tailor/ sticker, Ager /dyer. The wardrobe department is very diverse