Ever watched the credits at the end of a movie and wondered what all of those people do?
Well, here’s your answer. Below is a simplified list with a real world description for most of those positions.
Costume Designer
A Costumer Designer is in charge of exactly what is sounds like, designing costumes. These can be in the form of sketches or patterns that are then shown to the director. While nice to have, more than likely you will not need or be able to afford this position on your independent film.
Wardrobe Buyer or Purchaser
This is the person that is tasked with going out and purchasing all the items that are needed by the Wardrobe Stylist. They are given a list with photos, sizes and styles and their sole job is to go out and find and purchase the items on that list.
Tip#1:
More than likely you will not have the money for a buyer. In most cases, on small independent films, I just hire an intern to help the stylist that is interested in fashion. If you do have the money for a buyer, it is worth hiring one.
Wardrobe Stylist
A wardrobe Stylist and their assistant will often be the only people you will have in your wardrobe department. On large movies you have a Costume Designer, a Seamstress and a Buyer but for your purposes, on an independent film, you really only need a wardrobe stylist. The job of a stylist is to take the look and feel of clothing you want and to go out and purchase these clothes to fit each actor. They also stay on set and make sure that there are no wrinkles, loose strings, etc. on the wardrobe itself. Their sole job is to make sure the wardrobe looks great on the actor.
Tip#2:
Make sure you schedule a fitting day with your actors and the stylist to make sure everything fits and further refine the actor’s clothing choices.
Wardrobe Assistant
This is the person that helps the wardrobe stylist with anything they need. They are the right hand to the stylist and usually are helping to gather and fit clothing to actors.
Tip#3:
If you have a lot of actors in your film, a Wardrobe Assistant can save you a lot of time and free up your stylist for your main actors.
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