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Costume Trainee

Entry-level costume trainee in workroom or on set — 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
• Assist under Supervisor/Standby
• Learn continuity and care
• Runs and labelling

Reports to

Supervisor / assigned mentor

Works with

Costume team

Career path

Costume Trainee → Costume Assistant

Day to day

Learn labelling and rail discipline; assist steaming; observe fittings; silent set cover when asked.

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

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

Related roles

Costume Assistant, Costume Standby

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