What Role did you aspire to at the beginning of your placement?
Costume Maker
Do you aspire to a different role now?
Costume Maker
Can you give a brief description of work carried out as a Costume trainee, including any examples of anything you were asked to make/create.
On this placement I spent most of my time in the sewing room. I did a lot of hand sewing, some of this was on Principle Costumes and some was for background Costumes. I made a lot of Wulfing capes which I then broke down, making them look wet and dirty-this was a mini project they gave me for a week. I also made tunics for the last battle scene and embellished various Costumes. I spent a week on the Costume truck where I did two days on set and three days completing alterations on the truck.
What have you learned, what has been most valuable?
I have learned about the various roles in the costume department. I have learned some new sewing techniques and breaking down techniques. I now understand what the role of costume standby entails, and what the terminology used on set means. The contacts I have made have been most valuable. I have become more confident in myself and my sewing abilities.
What areas do you need to focus on next, or improve further through your training in order to become employment ready?
I would like to improve my sewing skills and learn more techniques so I can be employed as a costume maker. I would also like to learn more about breaking down costumes as I loved doing this.
Costume (workroom) Supervisor comments
It has been a joy to have Maddy working with us, she is extremely conscientious and hard working. She was given a certain set of tasks to see out and complete, which she has done to a high, camera ready standard. Initially quite quiet, Maddy has gained in confidence and I now feel she’s ready to do workroom trainee dailies.
Gayle Playford, Costume Workroom Supervisor