Costume designers working on productions in the screen, media and entertainment industries apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit.

During pre-production, they are responsible for breaking down scripts scene by scene, in order to work out how many characters are involved, and what costumes are required. They then begin the more complex task of developing costume plots for each character and managing the whole process of constructing or acquiring costumes. A thorough understanding of costume studio processes is essential, along with the ability to work independently and to supervise the work of others to achieve the required costume outcomes.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Plan costume realisation

1. Confirm costume requirements in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation

2. Develop a preliminary plan for the achievement of costume requirements, taking account of the production genre and factors that may impact on the process of realising costumes

3. Agree, allocate and communicate responsibilities, including timelines and budgets

4. Reach agreement on suitable progress evaluation mechanisms

5. Seek feedback on plans with relevant personnel and make adjustments as required

6. Accurately document final plans to realise costumes and provide relevant information to production colleagues, including details of costume studio processes to be undertaken

Coordinate costume realisation

7. Source materials and components required for costume construction

8. Participate in and/or supervise costume studio processes

9. Participate in ongoing production meetings or costume parades and evaluation of costumes

10. Identify and respond to problems promptly

11. Analyse problems and assess and action potential solutions in consultation with relevant personnel

12. Take appropriate follow-up action to monitor the effectiveness of chosen solutions

13. Conduct trials, evaluate results and modify costumes as required

14. Update and distribute documentation in a timely manner throughout the pre-production and production phases

15. Monitor costume issues during productions and keep relevant personnel informed of changes as required

Evaluate costume realisation process

16. Assess costume aspects of productions in relation to key creative objectives

17. Evaluate own role in costume realisation process and note areas for future improvement

18. Share information from evaluations with relevant personnel and incorporate information and conclusions into planning for future productions

Required skills

initiative and flexibility in the context of:

finding creative solutions to problems associated with constructing and finishing costumes to meet production requirements

making adjustments to costumes after dress parades

problem solving skills in the context of making costumes that fit and can be worn comfortably during productions

communication, literacy and teamwork skills sufficient to:

research, analyse and break-down scripts

do character and costume break-downs

document plans for the realisation of costumes

source and evaluate materials and components

provide leadership to a costume production team

communicate effectively with performers during costume fitting sessions

complete workplace documentation

planning and organising skills sufficient to:

develop and work to a project plan

organise the construction of costumes in a logical sequence

technical skills sufficient to:

use a variety of machinery and equipment to make costumes

use computer applications in the context of producing a project plan and associated documentation

self-management skills sufficient to:

work under pressure and meet deadlines

keep fitting appointments with performers

follow manufacturer specifications and enterprise policies and procedures

numeracy skills sufficient to measure materials and fit costumes and keep within agreed budgets

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

structure of the relevant industry sector

roles and responsibilities of personnel in the relevant industry sector

broad understanding of the artistic and technical elements of productions

specialist costume construction requirements for a range of performance genres

protocols and techniques in relation to fitting performers

well-developed understanding of the properties of different fabrics and costume components

principles and techniques of costume design and construction

purpose and timing of costume parades

techniques for making alterations to costumes

OHS procedures as they relate to the safe use of equipment and materials to make costumes

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

realisation of a costume for a performance or production that involves the development of a plan that:

includes critical milestones to ensure that production deadlines are met

demonstrates an ability to do script and costume break-downs

meets costume requirements for a performance or production

documents costume studio processes to be followed

demonstrates attention to detail

observance of protocols when measuring and fitting performers

ability to meet deadlines

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration of the application of costume studio processes through the realisation of a costume for a specific character

access to a costume studio

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of costume realisation plans developed by the candidate to determine whether production requirements have been met and correct procedures followed

evaluation of costumes at a dress rehearsal to determine whether the production brief has been met

evaluation of a project involving the realisation of a costume for a performance or production to determine whether the candidate has successfully managed all stages of the process

observation of the candidate during fitting sessions with performers to assess communication and problem solving skills, and to determine whether correct protocols have been observed

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFCOS504A Design costumes

CUECOS405A Coordinate costume manufacture.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Costumes may include:

accessories

basic styles, e.g.:

pants

shorts

skirts

blouses

contemporary wear

corsetry

costume jewellery

dance wear

female, male, child and animal costumes

millinery

padding

pre-production toiles

tailored costumes

undergarments.

Relevant personnel may include:

costume production staff

director

director of photography

floor manager

make-up and hair personnel

other specialist staff

performers

producer

production designer

production manager

stage manager

wardrobe department personnel

wardrobe supervisor/manager.

Production documentation may include:

call sheets

character break-downs

computer generated

costume break-down lists

costume patterns

costume plots

descriptive costume checklists

manually written

manufacture schedules

manufacturer specifications/instructions

measurement charts

memos of instruction

operational/project plan

production schedules

research findings

running sheets

scripts.

Production genre may include:

ballet

commercials

film

physical theatre

stage productions, e.g.:

opera

pantomime

drama

musicals

recitals

concerts

street parades

television productions.

Costume studio processes may include:

accessories and millinery

art finishing

constructing underpinnings

costume break-down

costume construction

costume finishing

descriptive costume checklists

fitting and alterations

identifying performers' requirements, e.g.:

comfort, fit, durability

ease of movement

requirements for physical movement

safety

laying and cutting fabrics

pattern cutting

sourcing materials and components

taking and calculating measurements.

Trials may include:

costume parades

testing of costumes for durability

testing of fabrics under lighting

toiles to test fit

toiles to test proportion and design.

Unit sector

Visual communication - Costume

This unit contains employability skills.