Overview of the role
Also known as Head of Wardrobe or wardrobe supervisor
A costume supervisor or Head of Wardrobe in unscripted television is responsible for the overall styling, management and maintenance of costumes and clothing worn by presenters, judges, experts, and in some cases, participants. Unlike in scripted TV where costumes are designed for fictional characters, unscripted wardrobes often focus on contemporary fashion, continuity across long filming days, and ensuring clothes are functional for the action. They work mainly on big multi-camera shows that require multiple outfits, such as talent competitions and game shows.
Working to the costume designer’s vision, costume supervisors coordinate the work of the department, work out what clothes and accessories need to be made, hired or bought, what staff are needed and where. They ensure all work is done to schedule and budget. The supervisor manages the budget on behalf of the designer, handling all logistics, and when filming is over supervises cleaning, repairing and packing of all items.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of production.
- Work closely with the producers, directors and costume designer to understand the visual style of the show
- Establish relationships with appropriate brands or stylists
- According to the costume budget and production schedule, source the outfits needed by buying, renting or making
- Agree the terms, conditions and documentation for the supply and return of costumes, materials or accessories with the suppliers
- Arrange the receipt of costumes and a suitable storage area
- Manage and track the costume budget in liaison with production management and accounts
- Analyse and resolve problems related to costume resources, availability, quantity or quality
- Ensure any item with a logo or distinctive marking is put through clearance and keep logs of approvals
- Identify resources needed to store, distribute and maintain and manufacture costumes
- Identify and recruit costume personnel with the required skills and within budget
- Consult with costume designer and producer to negotiate costume staff terms and conditions
- Working within budget constraints identify and source equipment, materials and tools as required
- Create and confirm all required costume storage for day-to-day running of the production
- Ensure adequate security measures and the required insurance policies and health and safety risk assessments are in place
- Maintain an accurate, organised inventory of all clothing items and create a ‘wardrobe bible’ to document every look for future reference
- Communicate with all on-screen talent, contestants and participants in a polite, sensitive and professional manner
- Take and record accurate measurements
- Schedule and conduct fittings to ensure clothes fit perfectly and are comfortable for long hours
- Oversee the preparation of clothing for fitting
- Ensure the department has sufficient fitting space and ensure all fittings run smoothly
- Identify appropriate workwear for the location and weather conditions, such as waterproofs, warm layers, hot water bottles
- Ensure there is a convenient area dedicated for dressing and changing for all groups
- Meticulously track what outfits are worn during which scenes to ensure continuity, particularly because unscripted shows are often edited out of chronological order
- Manage laundry, steaming, ironing and repairing of garments to keep them looking pristine
- Supervise a team of wardrobe assistants / stylists / dressers where talent may need rapid outfit changes
- Fix wardrobe malfunctions immediately, such as broken zips, missing buttons or stains
- On wrap of production oversee safe transport and storage or return of all items
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of costume supervisor.
- Dressmaking and tailoring: draw, sew, make and source clothes, including fabrics and accessories
- Knowledge of design: be aware of the history of design and costume, understand colour, pattern and texture
- Organisation: schedule clothing hire, production, maintenance, repairs and oversee the department budget and petty cash
- Oversee the day-to-day requirements of team members within the department and those you will work closely with such as hair and make-up and props
- Script / schedule breakdown and communication of wardrobe requirements and logistics to other departments, external suppliers and brands
- Communication: interpreting others’ requirements and communicating the costume department’s requirements clearly to cast, crew and colleagues
- Teamworking: collaboration within own and other departments such as hair and make-up and props
- Problem-solving: contingency planning and resolving issues with supplies and changes so that production remains on schedule
- Leadership and management: lead the costume team, uphold ethics and maintain respect when dealing with others. Support and encourage junior members of the team
- Resilience and enthusiasm: maintains a calm persona and adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing production environment