Costume Makers for feature films interpret designs, and fit, manufacture and alter costumes that for some reason cannot be bought or hired.  They work primarily during the pre-production stage, and liaise principally with Costume Designers, Costume Design Assistants, and/or Costume Supervisors.  Many Costume Makers work from their own homes or studios, but on some films a Costume Workshop is established within the production environment, and in this case Costume Makers may work as part of a larger team.

Responsibilities
Costume Makers are given their brief by Costume Designers, normally accompanied by detailed drawings and specifications.  Very occasionally, when there are time restrictions, this may be a rough, and Costume Makers must use their own design skills to interpret Designers' ideas.  Costume Makers are usually given Actors' measurements by the Costume Department, although sometimes it may be necessary for them to measure the Actors themselves.   Costume Makers may have to carry out research into period costumes in order to correctly reproduce the detail of the garment, and to consider whether traditional or alternative fabrics and methods of construction should be employed.

Costume Makers estimate the cost and time needed to create the costume, and agree terms with Costume Designers.  Costume Makers then begin the process of making the costume: they pattern cut and make a toile (a rough version of the garment) using calico.  Sometimes accompanied by Designers or Design Assistants, they attend fittings with Actors, and make alterations to the toile.  In certain situations Costume Makers may not be able to work with a toile, and may fit the actual costume to the Actor. 

Normally Makers are supplied with the required fabrics, but they may also source fabrics themselves.  Depending on the amount of work involved, costumes can take anything from a few weeks to some months to complete.  When costumes are finished, Costume Makers ensure that they are packed safely and transported to sets or locations.  The first time that costumes are worn, Costume Makers may need to be present on set to ensure that Actors are comfortable, to explain any dressing requirements, and to make any last minute alterations.

Skills
Costume Makers need creative flair, and a strong sense of colour and design. They need expertise in costume ageing and distressing techniques.  They must be confident in their knowledge of period costume, corsetry and hosiery, and be experts in fabric qualities and clothing cuts and fits.  They need to be adept at pattern drafting and making, textile dyeing and printing, drawing, draping, toile making, hand sewing, machining and bead work.  They may also be proficient in millinery and wig work.  They should know how to dress to particular faces or physiques in order to create characters.  As Costume Makers work long or irregular hours, they need stamina, and the ability to perform under pressure.  Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.  Costume Makers must be aware of the requirements of all relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Qualifications/Experience
Costume Makers may have qualifications in related areas, such as a BA Honours degree, or BTech diploma in Costume Interpretation, or a City and Guilds in Garment Making.  However, practical experience is the key to progressing in the industry.  Many Costume Makers begin their careers as Costume Assistants, or by working for one of the large Costumiers.  Costume Makers must create and maintain a portfolio of their work, including photographs and film stills.  As the role may involve travel, a full EU driving licence is required.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.