Film and Television Costume Designer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of film and television, the importance of costume designers has never been more appreciated.

As our visual culture evolves, so too does the demand for imaginative minds who can conjure, develop, and preserve the sartorial expressions that bring our screens to life.

But what does a costume designer really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A casting director outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of costume design in film and television,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Film and Television Costume Designer job description template, ready to be posted on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Film and Television Costume Designer Duties and Responsibilities

Film and Television Costume Designers are responsible for creating, designing and sourcing the costumes for characters in film or television productions.

They help to support the storytelling, character development and artistic vision of the director and screenwriter.

The key duties and responsibilities of a Film and Television Costume Designer include:

• Reading scripts to understand the story and character development
• Researching historical, contemporary or futuristic fashions to accurately portray the era and setting of the script
• Discussing design ideas and concepts with the director and production team
• Sketching, designing, and constructing costumes for characters
• Sourcing or commissioning accessories, such as jewellery, wigs, shoes and hats
• Fitting costumes on actors and making necessary alterations
• Maintaining continuity by recording accurate notes about each costume
• Supervising the final production of costumes and ensuring they are ready on time for shoots
• Managing the costume budget and keeping track of expenditure
• Collaborating with other departments like makeup and props to ensure a cohesive visual aesthetic

 

Film and Television Costume Designer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Film and Television Costume Designer to join our production team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, sourcing and creating costumes that accurately reflect the period, style and character traits in our film and television projects.

The Costume Designer will work closely with the Director and Production Designer to bring the script to life visually through the clothing and accessories worn by the actors.

They must be skilled at research, design, sewing, and have a deep understanding of fashion history and costume construction.

 

Responsibilities

• Reading scripts and discussing design ideas with the Director and Production Designer
• Designing and sketching original costume ideas, including accessories and jewelry
• Researching historical, cultural and social aspects of the time period or setting
• Creating budget estimates for costumes and managing costume production within budget
• Sourcing materials and clothing, and overseeing the creation and fitting of costumes
• Supervising a team of wardrobe specialists
• Organizing, maintaining and inventorying costumes during production
• Maintaining continuity in costume appearances through detailed notes and photographs
• Working with other departments to ensure costumes work in different settings and lighting conditions

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a costume designer in film or television
• Strong understanding of fashion history and costume construction
• Excellent sketching and design skills
• Strong research and budget management skills
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator or CAD
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Costume Design, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Opportunity to work on diverse projects

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Film and Television Costume Designer
• Work Environment: This role may require long hours, including nights and weekends. Travel for on-location shoots may also be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Designer and/or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Film and Television Costume Designer Do?

Film and Television Costume Designers play a crucial role in the production process of film and television shows.

They work closely with the directors, producers, and writers to get a sense of the overall aesthetic and mood of the project.

Their primary responsibility is to design, source, and create costumes that are suitable for each character and reflect the overall theme of the show or movie.

They research historical periods and different cultures, if necessary, to ensure that the costumes are accurate and authentic.

Costume designers are also responsible for designing, fitting, and supervising the creation of costumes.

They collaborate closely with other members of the design and production team, including hair and makeup artists, to ensure that the overall look of the characters complements the costumes.

Their job also involves creating costume plots for each character, managing the costume budget, and ensuring that all costumes are ready for use on set.

They may also be responsible for overseeing the wardrobe department, which includes costume supervisors, dressers, and seamstresses.

In addition to designing costumes, they may also be required to help dress the actors and manage costume changes during shooting.

They also need to consider practical elements such as comfort, movement, and durability of the costumes, especially in action-packed or physically demanding scenes.

Overall, the role of a Film and Television Costume Designer is creative, collaborative, and requires a keen eye for detail, fashion, and style.

 

Film and Television Costume Designer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Film and Television Costume Designer should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong creative and artistic abilities to design and create unique and appropriate costumes suitable for the characters and the time period.
• Excellent research skills to accurately reflect the time period, culture or character traits through clothing and accessories.
• Technical skills in sewing, draping, and pattern making to create and alter costumes as required.
• Good communication and collaborative skills to work effectively with directors, actors, and production staff.
• Project management and organizational skills to manage budgets, maintain inventories, and meet production deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills to adjust or modify costumes as needed during rehearsals and shooting.
• Good knowledge of fabrics, colors, and clothing history, and an ability to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
• Physical stamina and resilience to work long hours, often under pressure and with tight deadlines.

 

Film and Television Costume Designer Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Film and Television Costume Designer may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often achieved through an internship or assistant role in a film, television or theater production.

They can gain hands-on experience in roles such as Costume Assistant, Wardrobe Assistant, or Stylist.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often hone their skills in fabric selection, costume design and tailoring in entry-level roles.

They may also build a portfolio showcasing their ability to design costumes that reflect the characters’ personalities and the overall tone of the film or television show.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive knowledge of costume history, design, and construction.

They may have experience working closely with directors, actors, and other members of the production team to bring the script to life through costumes.

At this stage, they might also have some experience in managing a costume department and are ready to oversee all aspects of costume design on a production.

 

Film and Television Costume Designer Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Film and Television Costume Designer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or a related field.

Some individuals may choose to pursue a degree in theatre or film studies with a concentration in costume design.

In addition to their formal education, it is crucial for them to have a deep understanding of textiles, clothing history, and costume construction.

Courses in history of fashion, color theory, drawing, and computer-aided design are also beneficial for this career.

Internships and work-study programs in theater productions, television shows, or film sets are highly recommended for gaining practical experience.

This hands-on experience is invaluable in understanding the specifics of the job, such as working with actors, directors, and other members of a production team.

While not a strict requirement, a master’s degree in costume design can further enhance a designer’s skills and job prospects.

Professional certification, such as the Certified Fashion Designer credential offered by various institutions, can demonstrate a designer’s expertise and commitment to the field.

Continual learning is important in this career as fashion and costume trends change constantly.

Thus, attending fashion shows, historical costume exhibitions, and participating in industry workshops can help a designer stay current.

 

Film and Television Costume Designer Salary Expectations

A Film and Television Costume Designer earns an average salary of $62,810 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, the prestige of the production, and the geographical location where the production is based.

 

Film and Television Costume Designer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Film and Television Costume Designer need?

A Costume Designer needs strong creative and artistic skills, along with a keen eye for detail.

They must have excellent research skills, as they often need to delve into different periods and cultures to create appropriate costumes.

They also need to possess good communication and interpersonal skills to understand the director’s vision and collaborate with other members of the production team.

A knowledge of textiles and a strong understanding of garment design and construction are also crucial.

 

Do Film and Television Costume Designers need a degree?

While it is possible to become a Costume Designer without a degree, many in the field have a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, theater design, or a related field.

Having a degree can provide a solid foundation in design principles, textiles, and fashion history.

Additionally, some Costume Designers may have a master’s degree in costume design or a similar field, particularly if they wish to work in high-budget productions or teach at the university level.

 

What should you look for in a Film and Television Costume Designer’s resume?

A resume should demonstrate a Costume Designer’s educational background and work experience in costume design, particularly in film or television.

Look for experience in researching, designing, and constructing costumes, as well as collaboration with directors and other production team members.

A portfolio of their work is also important to assess their design skills, creativity, and versatility.

Any experience with different eras, cultures, or genres can be a significant advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Film and Television Costume Designer?

A good Costume Designer is highly creative with an excellent sense of style and color.

They should be able to translate a director’s vision into designs that suit the characters and the overall narrative.

Patience and resilience are also important as the job can be demanding and changes in design may be required at short notice.

They should also have good problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure, often within tight budgets and deadlines.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Film and Television Costume Designer?

The level of difficulty in hiring a Costume Designer can depend on the specific requirements of your project.

If the project requires historical accuracy or specialized knowledge, it might be harder to find a suitable candidate.

However, with the right job posting and hiring process, you can attract a range of talented and experienced Costume Designers.

Offering competitive pay, creative freedom, and opportunities for career development can also help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true magic behind being a film and television costume designer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about sewing and selecting fabrics.

It’s about weaving stories through clothes, one stitch at a time.

With our go-to film and television costume designer job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly poised to make a move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every stitch contributes to the visual narrative.

Let’s create those stories. Together.

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