Working in Costume during a Pandemic(covid-19)

So 2020 turned out to be a pretty unusual year.. AND thus far 2021 as well! But as I write this the UK is going through a mass vaccination roll out, so let’s hope life can start feeling a little normal again soon!

I’ve had lots of questions about how I’ve been managing a Costume Department during the pandemic. When reality hit, that things were going to be dramatically changing I made sure I was prepared. I did as much research as possible, as well as keeping up to date as new legislation was released.

First of all I have to admit, since March 2020 til now(February 2021) my “team” has been kept pretty small. The biggest costume department I have managed over the last year has been a maximum of 5 people including myself.

1 x Costume Designer (Me), 1 x Costume Supervisor, 1 x Costume Assistant, 1 x Costume Standby, 1 x Trainee

Buying;

When shops were still open I had a “covid shopping kit” which I kept in a bumbag; hand sanitiser, face mask, fabric sanitising spray(for purchases I made) & antibacterial wipes.

I tried to keep my buying lists of my phone which I had on a shoulder strap to avoid going in and out of pockets or having to handle paper and pen.

Once shops shut obviously everything had to come from online, this could be managed within house to wipe down any packages that arrived and spray down/steam garments.

I tried to keep my buying lists of my phone which I had on a shoulder strap to avoid going in and out of pockets or having to handle paper and pen.

Testing;

On all Jobs I have done since March, there has always bee some level of testing. In the earlier days productions were running the 48 hour tests every 2-3 days. Latterly productions seem to use the rapid tests or antigen tests which give you results within 15-20 minutes. But these were only provided during filming or on fitting days with multiple cast, not during prep. I think as a department who have to spend a lot of time close to the talent its worth pushing a production to arrange daily or very regular testing.

On Set;

Face masks are obviously mandatory, these only came off to have a drink or eat and this was done away from others. When fitting/dressing actors and doing check on set I also asked the team to wear face shields as an extra form of protection. the other option is to double up on Face masks.

here’s a link to the visors we use, and a link to the face masks we use on set.

Whether we were in a studio, on a truck or in a location spacing was incredible important - 2 metres ideally. Keeping fresh air coming in, plenty of ventilation. A Clearly designated costume area is key wherever you are.

Checks on set were treated in a similar way to fittings. Masks and visors - trying to use antibacterial hand gel insight of the cast to make them feel more at ease. In the “old world” all departments would sit/stand/crowd around monitors. But in the covid world this isn’t possible so more monitors need to be available and labelled for who are using them. If it’s a smaller scale shoot and costume & makeup depts are working solo or in pairs the glam squad can share a monitor.

I regular checked in with my crew to make sure they felt safe and at ease. I made each person aware that if at any point they felt uncomfortable to raise it with me and we would resolve the issue. A Covid Supervisor is required on set and they are usually on the ball when it comes to keeping people aware of the rules.

Costumes were thoroughly steamed each day and spray with antibacterial fabric spray. Each actors outfit and accessories were placed in their dressing room or an independent changing area; any problems we could step in, but ideally they would dress alone and we could tweak before heading to set or makeup.

At the end of the day the cast would change and leave their costumes in their dressing rooms or designated changing area and we would collect it once they had left. Items would then be washed, hung up to be steamed & sprayed in their section in the morning.

I think the overall view is everyone wants to be able to work and feel safe doing so. Its up to everyone to do their part and also raise any issue if they arise.

I hope this helps to give you a peak into how I’ve managed a costume department during a pandemic. Do drop me a message if you have any questions or something you want to discuss!

Stay safe ya’ll!

Px