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Costume Breakdown Artist

Ages, dyes and breaks down costumes for character and period — UK Costume grade; confirm title on the call sheet and deal memo.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Ageing and dyeing to brief
• Maintain breakdown continuity
• Safe chemical/PPE practice

Reports to

Costume Designer / Supervisor

Works with

Makers, Standbys, Designer for approved levels

Career path

Costume Assistant → Breakdown Artist

Day to day

Sample breakdown levels; dye/age safely; match approved refs; keep multiples consistent.

Call times

Fittings and truck prep often before unit call; standby tracks cast ready-times through wrap for continuity photos. Crowd days start very early.

What to wear

Blacks on set; clean presentable kit clothes; soft shoes around cast; weather layers for exteriors.

Tools & kit

Personal sewing kit for standbys/makers as usual; steamer access; continuity camera/phone; radio.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Photo refs / PureRef
• Look notes
• Excel / Google Sheets continuity & cast lists
• Scriptation / PDF sides
• PureRef boards (cleared refs)
• ChatGPT for period research summaries (Designer verifies)

Related roles

Costume Designer, Costume Maker

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