Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/3/2006

Question

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Followup To

Question -
hi, i'm wondering what the official title is of the person who picks out the wardrobe for the cast in movies/t.v. shows? and what all is invloved in their job?
thank you for you time!

Answer -
Ema,

Thanks for writing. The person that designs the look of the wardrobe for a film or TV show is called the Costume Designer. This person has a number of people working for them that assist them with actually shopping for clothing. The support team consists of Assistant Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costumer, Tailor, and Seamstress.

The costume designer must determine the choice of clothing for ever cast member in the production, from the lead roles all the way down to the background extras. Sometimes clothing can be rented from rental shops. Other times, clothing is purchased. In some cases, clothing is made specifically for the actor. It is the Costume Designers job to design the look as well as oversee the execution of these outfits whether its renting, buying or manufacturing.

Hope this helps.

Phil

thanks phil! it helped alot.. It exactly desribed what i would love to do with my life! i'm fifteen and have been thinking over what i want to do for a career and i have always been drawn to anything in the fashion world.. a fashion designer was what i thought i wanted to be but the more i looked into it the more i realized i don't want to do that. but a costume designer sounds SOO much more up my ally..do you know how a person comes into that job?

thanks
--elise

Answer
Ema,

The best thing to do is to go to college and study costume design. There are a lot of good programs that have costume design degrees as part of their theatre or drama departments. That's the best place to train and develop your skils as a costume designer.

Once you have your degree and training, then you need to decide if you want to move to Los Angeles or to New York to begin pursuing your career (assuming that you live in the USA).

Good luck!

P.