backstage
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
December 1, 2024
No Comments
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!
A day in the life… Running Wardrobe Edition.
Put on your walking boots. The wardrobe department is usually either 5 floors up or 3 floors down…..
November 1, 2024
No Comments
film
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
July 30, 2024
No Comments
How To Commission a Costume Maker
what to expect if you are commissioning a costume for the first time or if you are making for a new client you can send this to help them know what to expect.
June 30, 2024
No Comments
Costume Supervising
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.
October 15, 2023
No Comments
film
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
July 15, 2023
No Comments
film
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.
June 26, 2023
No Comments
Uncategorized
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
June 21, 2023
No Comments
Costume Supervising
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.
May 30, 2023
No Comments
Making
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.
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
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…
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
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.
May 30, 2023
No Comments
film
SET ETIQUETTE FOR STANDBYS
But I wish I’d had more information about the etiquette because it is a very different environment than being in theatre
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
WHAT DRAMA SCHOOL DOESN’T TEACH YOU
If you’ve worn some socks don’t ball them up. Who pairs socks to go in the wash? Are you okay?
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
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.
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
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: –
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
SHOULD I TAKE THIS JOB?
Not sure if you the job you’ve been offered is worth it?! Follow this handy flowchart….
May 30, 2023
No Comments
THE ART OF NEGOTIATION
Talking about money can feel awkward. But the more you do it the more natural it becomes. But where do you start?
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.
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.
May 30, 2023
No Comments
IT’S A TIPPING MINEFIELD
We need to start to speak up about the state of this industry and so we’re tackling awkward conversations head on. To kick off; Tipping
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.
May 30, 2023
No Comments
ASKING THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
I asked the producers some more questions and did some quick maths and we negotiated a day rate I was happy with…
May 30, 2023
No Comments
backstage
WORKING AS A WEST END WARDROBE ASSISTANT
Competition for jobs in the arts is staggering; especially for full time positions – with regular pay packets, job security, holiday pay etc. But with
April 24, 2023
No Comments
backstage
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.
April 24, 2023
No Comments
money
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?
April 23, 2023
No Comments
money
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.
April 23, 2023
No Comments
backstage
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
April 23, 2023
No Comments
