Join our Patreon

Articles

All of our Articles

We have been writing and collating articles for 4 years, you can find stories, information, things to make you laugh and things to make you think below.

We are always looking for new writers and contributors so if you have a story to tell or an insight about our industry then why not get in touch? Go to our contact us page and say hi!
Dressing
Lina Johanna Sjolander

Sweden vs UK

Not only are the costume departments smaller in Sweden but so is the industry itself.

Read More »
March 8, 2025 No Comments
backstage
Harriet Dyson

Panto Wages

Let’s talk about pantomime wages….this is a great time to assess what you are being paid and think about where you can negotiate next time

Read More »
December 1, 2024 No Comments
film
Harriet Dyson

How to read a callsheet

When you go on your first TV or film job it can be very daunting and being sent a 4 page call sheet doesn’t always calm your nerves. I am going to talk you through an example call sheet and hopefully answer some of the questions you might have

Read More »
July 30, 2024 No Comments
Costume Supervising
Rachel Dingle

DIVERSE BASICS

One of you lovely readers suggested we add a list of where to get basics in a range of skin colours.

So here are the companies we have found so far, but it is by no means comprehensive. A lot don’t sell a full range or don’t sell globally.

Read More »
October 15, 2023 No Comments
film
Harriet Dyson

ON SET TERMINOLOGY

Calling Checks: The 1st AD will call for checks meaning costume and hair/makeup department can get on set and check the actors for a take

Read More »
July 15, 2023 No Comments
film
Harriet Dyson

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ORACLE FORECAST

We are a subscription business that provides on a monthly basis (1st of month) detailed information on Film & TV Productions in Pre-production & Development.

We list the Title, Dates, Locations, Director, Producer, LP, PM, Production Company and when possible point of contact for the company.

Read More »
June 26, 2023 No Comments
Uncategorized
Harriet Dyson

WHAT SHOULD I CHARGE?

As a freelance maker the question I get asked most often by newbies to the industry is ‘What should I charge for my work?’. I

Read More »
June 21, 2023 No Comments
Costume Supervising
Anonymous Author

​COSTUME HIRE COMPANIES​

One of the pros for working in one is that it provides more social working hours and stability than freelancing. Photographers, Stylists, Designers, Supervisors and researchers all rely on hire companies to provide costumes for their needs.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments
Making
Harriet Dyson

HOW TO TAKE A BREAK

I am personally giving you permission to stand up, put down whatever evil thing you are working on, take a breath and walk away. It’s ok, I promise. It will help.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments
backstage
Rachel Dingle

TOP PANTO TIPS

And although pantomimes all follow roughly the same pattern they can be overwhelming, especially your first one. So here’s some hints and tips from someone that’s worked on pantomimes for nearly 10 years…

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments
backstage
Rachel Dingle

PANTO TIME

We believe that pantomime contracts for Wardrobe are grossly underpaid. The weekly wage is not increased from the industry norm – even though you are working a 12 show week compared to the normal 8. There are no bonuses or time and a half for working Sundays or bank holidays. And no extra compensation for working around the Christmas holidays often away from home.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments
backstage
Harriet Dyson

HOW I FAILED AS A HOD

It helps to be liked, it really does, but some people aren’t going to like you, and you aren’t going to like them – and you have to accept that.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments
backstage
Anonymous Author

SO WHAT DO YOU DO?!

Members of the wardrobe department have been scuttling around behind the scenes and it’s time to bring them into the spotlight. To kick off this site we thought we’d start with the basics. Who are we and what we do. First off: the start of the story, where a costume’s journey begins: –

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments

WHAT SHOULD I CHARGE?!

I can’t stress enough how important it is that we all open up about what we are being paid. It is only through being honest and helping each other that we can raise the pay of our entire industry.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments

HOW TO CHASE AN INVOICE

Showing people that we expect to be paid on time and that we know our rights helps our entire industry and hopefully lowers the chances of people trying this in the future so be strong and fight for what you deserve.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments

TIPPING 2.0

An experienced Dresser, currently dressing on a West End Musical, spoke to The Wardrobe Chronicles about their opinion on TIPPING.

Read More »
May 30, 2023 No Comments
backstage
Rachel Dingle

MY FIRST JOB AS A COSTUME SUPERVISOR

I remember the designer being massively behind with the set so I stayed one night to help paint it. And on opening night everything costume-wise was as ready as it could be, so I asked if anyone needed any help. The FOH manager asked me if I could hoover and then watched me do it. Keen, foolish, underpaid and exploited.

Read More »
April 24, 2023 No Comments
money
Rachel Dingle

A TEN YEAR CAREER REFLECTION

There’s no advice about separating life and career; it’s all one thing. ‘Sacrifices for our art’ conversations are commonplace in theatre. But why? Why is that the norm?

Read More »
April 23, 2023 No Comments
money
Harriet Dyson

TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF

I should have stood up to my boss, I should have told him that I wouldn’t be doing any more overtime unless we agreed on an overtime rate and I should have done it in front of the other people working there.

Read More »
April 23, 2023 No Comments
backstage
Harriet Dyson

ON SET KIT BAG

A lot of people, both newbies and seasoned professionals, talk about kit bags a lot. What kit do you have? What should I buy? Where

Read More »
April 23, 2023 No Comments

Subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss a TWC update again

We send out newsletters once a month, we will never spam you and we will never sell your details. You can opt out any time! Honest

TWC Logo Submark - Blue

The Wardrobe Chronicles.

Resources. Community. Stories from the Industry.

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter

Links

Latest Posts

We need to start to speak up about the state of this industry and so

Read More »

Showing people that we expect to be paid on time and that we know our rights helps our entire industry and hopefully lowers the chances of people trying this in the future so be strong and fight for what you deserve.

Read More »

I can’t stress enough how important it is that we all open up about what we are being paid. It is only through being honest and helping each other that we can raise the pay of our entire industry.

Read More »
Merkulove © Collab Template All rights reserved Copyrights 2022