Set Costumes 101: Basic Training for Motion Pictures
This two-day course guides participants through essential steps in preparing for most set costuming roles and responsibilities on any motion picture set. In focusing on the foundational elements within the Costumes Department, we build a basic understanding of the day-to-day workings and why each detailed step carries greater importance to the whole production. This course takes participants through seven interactive sessions titled Meet the Costume Designer, Costume Department Roles and Responsibilities, Resumes, Script Breakdown, Preparing a Set Kit, Building a Distressing Kit, Prep*Load-In*That’s a Wrap! Participants will practice basic techniques with distressing supplies distributed by the instructor, in advance.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to (1) identify key elements that help and maintain a successful and respectful workflow, (2) read a scene and pinpoint key elements that inform a costumer’s preparation for filming on set and on location, (3) maintain the “life” of a costume’s “worn” look for camera, (4) support the Costumes Department as well as all of production while filming on set and on location. Also, when better informed, set costumers act as helpful ambassadors for the safety and security of all talent working in costume.
Day One:
Meet the Costume Designer - Examine the ways Set Costumers support the design process
Costume Department Roles and Responsibilities - View the departmental flow and who does what
Resumes - Discuss how to create a solid resume with varied related work experiences
Script Breakdown - Study and breakdown a scene from an episodic television series to identify costume clues
Day Two:
Prepare a Set Kit - Assemble a kit for office work, set life, plus distant location filming
Build a Distressing Kit - Put together an affordable and professional distressing kit- for when the costume
requires more aging or dirt applied on set. Participants will practice basic techniques with distressing supplies
distributed by the instructor, in advance.
Prep*Shoot*That’s a Wrap! - Offer an overview session on the entire production process; start to finish
Details
Language: English
Format: In-person, Virtual
Length: Two days | 8 hours each day
Trainer
Amelia Zontini, IATSE Local 487
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Amelia Zontini is a Key Costumer. She has worked in theatre, film, and television studios and on location. Amelia is a member of IATSE Local 487 with more than twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry. As an “Arts For Learning” teaching artist, Amelia uses her theatrical training - from Virginia Tech & Hope Is Vital - to engage communities in safe dialogue and introspection - surrounding areas of community, conflict and humanity.