Get Into Costume Design for Film & TV

Introduction

Ever wondered how costume helps bring characters and stories to life on screen? Get Into Costume Design for Film & TV is an introductory, practical course designed to give you an insight into the creative and technical skills involved in costume design for film and television.

You'll explore how costume designers use clothing, colour, texture, period, style and detail to develop characters and support storytelling. You'll also discover how the costume department works within a wider production team, from interpreting a script and researching characters through to sourcing, preparing and managing costumes on set.

Whether you're interested in costume design, film and TV production, fashion, styling or character development, this course will give you a practical introduction to the world of screen costume and the skills involved in working within a professional costume department.

Course Outline

During the course, you'll explore:

• The role of the costume designer – understanding the creative and practical responsibilities of costume designers within film and TV production.

• Costume and storytelling – exploring how clothing can communicate character, relationships, status, personality, time period and narrative.

• Understanding a script – learning how to identify costume requirements and character information from a screenplay.

• Character development – exploring how costume choices help establish and develop characters throughout a story.

• Research and visual development – learning how designers research references, styles, periods and characters to develop a costume concept.

• Colour, texture and style – understanding how colour, fabric, silhouette and styling can influence the look and feel of a character.

• Costume breakdowns – gaining an introduction to breaking down a script to identify costume requirements for each character and scene.

• Sourcing and shopping – exploring different approaches to sourcing costumes, including existing clothing, specialist suppliers, hire companies and costume houses.

• Costume preparation – understanding the importance of preparation, organisation, alterations, labelling and continuity.

• Working with actors and performers – exploring professional approaches to fittings, communication and supporting performers.

• Costume continuity – understanding how costumes are tracked and maintained across multiple scenes and shooting days.

• Working on set – gaining an insight into the role of the costume department during filming and how it works alongside other departments.

• Working with production teams – understanding the relationship between costume, directing, production, art department, hair and make-up, camera and lighting.

• Working in the industry – exploring the skills, roles and potential career pathways within film and TV costume.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of a costume designer within film and TV production.

• Explain how costume can support character development and visual storytelling.

• Analyse a script to identify basic costume requirements.

• Research and develop visual ideas for characters and productions.

• Understand how colour, fabric, texture, period and style can influence character and storytelling.

• Carry out a basic costume breakdown for a scripted production.

• Understand different approaches to sourcing and preparing costumes.

• Recognise the importance of costume continuity throughout a production.

• Understand the practical considerations involved in costume fittings and working with performers.

• Understand how the costume department works alongside other film and TV departments.

• Apply basic organisational and creative skills to a costume design project.

• Understand professional expectations and potential entry-level roles within the film and TV costume department.

• Identify potential next steps towards a career in costume design for film and television.

No previous costume design or film and TV experience is required, but a passion for clothing, design & fashion is beneficial!