(aka Wardrobe Master/Mistress)  

Although Wardrobe Supervisors are often referred to as Costume Supervisors, the Wardrobe Supervisors' role is actually a separately defined position.  In UK feature films they are normally only employed on larger-budget productions.  Wardrobe Supervisors start work on productions shortly before shoots begin.  They are responsible to Costume Supervisors and Designers.  Wardrobe Supervisors oversee the day-to-day running and use of the wardrobe on set (the 'running wardrobe').  They manage on-set staff, including Costume Assistants, Standbys and Dailies, arrange transport, oversee continuity, and ensure that all the equipment needed for costume maintenance is functioning correctly.  The role involves logistical planning, scheduling, management and organisational skills.

Responsibilities
Wardrobe Supervisors initially discuss films with Costume Designers, Costume Design Assistants and/or Costume Supervisors.  They refer to the continuity book for details of which costumes are needed for which scene, how many changes are required in a shooting day, and whether Costume Dailies should be hired.  Wardrobe Supervisors may be given responsibility for managing the wardrobe budget (for the purchase of clothing rails, washing machines, etc). 

Supervisors may also be put in charge of crowd fittings.  They organise the transport of costumes to sets or locations.  They ensure that all items of equipment, e.g., sewing machines, steamers, irons, etc., are available and in working order, and that costumes are cleaned, ironed and ready for use.  They may need to carry out a risk assessment of the workplace, and draw up codes of practice to minimise the possibility of injury to persons working with potentially hazardous machinery or chemicals. 

During the shoot, Wardrobe Supervisors ensure that all clothes are labelled, and laid out for dressing according to continuity requirements, and that accurate lists are kept of costume accessories such as jewellery.  They supervise the maintenance and cleaning of costumes during breaks, and between shooting days.  They oversee continuity, keeping up to date with any last minute changes in schedules or scripts.  They are responsible for wardrobe on all shooting units.  In some cases, second or third units may be shooting in different countries, and Wardrobe Supervisors must ensure that the correct doubles have been dispatched, together with copies of the continuity book.  After filming is completed, Wardrobe Supervisors manage the return of hired outfits, and the sale or disposal of any remaining costumes.

Skills
Wardrobe Supervisors must be highly organised and efficient, with a good memory and the keen attention to detail needed to oversee continuity.  They should be able to multi-task, and to analyse detailed information in order to prepare day-to-day schedules.  Wardrobe Supervisors have a number of people working for them, and must therefore have excellent leadership, management and motivational skills.  They also work closely with Actors in a physical sense, and must therefore be tactful, sensitive and able to put people at their ease.

Wardrobe Supervisors need to be adaptable, and able to deal proactively with last minute changes.  They must cope well with external deadlines, and be able to work on their own initiative.   They should be able to hand sew, in order to make any emergency repairs.  They must know how to dress Actors, and how to gauge clothing sizes at a glance.  Good computer skills (Mac and PC) are essential.  Language skills are useful for foreign shoots.  They should be familiar with the requirements of all relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Qualifications/Experience
The role of Wardrobe Supervisor is not an entry-level position, and practitioners have usually worked on a number of productions, in a variety of different roles in the Costume Department.  Qualifications in related fields such as Fashion, Costume Design or Costume Interpretation are desirable, but not essential. Experience of working in costume in theatre or television is relevant. 
Most Wardrobe Supervisors progress through the Costume Department working on film productions, beginning their careers as Costume Trainees or Assistants. Alternatively, they may have worked for a Costumier, gaining experience in costume making and establishing valuable contacts with Designers, Costume personnel and Actors.  As the role involves 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.