The Wardrobe Assistant Standby supports the costume designer, manages daily on-set wardrobe needs, oversees fittings, preps costumes, and assists actors with dressing, particularly with period costumes.
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Working Life
The Wardrobe Assistant Standby works under the direction of the costume designer and wardrobe supervisor as the on-set representative of the costume department while a film or TV project is shooting.
Role and Responsibilities
- Work to the costume designer’s requirements and communicate any changes that might be required.
- Responsible for the many day-to-day practicalities on set during production, such as setting out the relevant actors’ costumes for each day of shooting.
- Oversee fittings and help actors with their costumes, particularly with period costume.
- Ensure actors are kept warm and dry on set.
- Oversee costume continuity during filming – making sure to quickly identify and point out any continuity errors or inconsistencies.
Works with
- Costume Designer
- Costume Supervisor
- Costume Breakdown
- All of the Costume Department
- Actors
Qualities - Wardrobe Assistant (Standby)
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Good planning skills and the ability to work to a busy filming schedule.
Very good organisational skills.
Great attention to detail and a good memory.
Strong communication skills and the confidence to point out any costume continuity errors.
Good interpersonal skills – the ability to put the cast at ease and work calmly under pressure.
An interest in art and design and the ability to learn on the job.
Ability to work well as part of a team.
An understanding and interest in how a film production operates and your role within it.
Ability to be flexible and problem solve when required.
Interests - Wardrobe Assistant (Standby)
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Wardrobe Assistant (Standby)
Education Route: A qualification in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Theatre Arts or Production, or Textiles & Clothing may be beneficial.
Career Path to Wardrobe Assistant: There is no usual career path to wardrobe assistant standby. Often, they would have experience as a wardrobe trainee. Practical experience of working on costume in film, television, or theatre is essential.
Career Path from Wardrobe Assistant: Set Costumer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Assistant Costume Designer.
