Create the costume breakdown for a production

​This standard is about your ability to breakdown scripts into a costume breakdown or costume plot. It is about identifying with the characters and understanding their required 'look'.

This may involve confirming costume designs, using costume breakdown/plot software packages, identifying costume requirements for the production, planning time and resources, negotiating and working within a budget and communicating across all departments.

This standard may be applicable to costume/ wardrobe supervisors and managers.

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1. ​assess scripts and identify costume requirements
2. determine how the story and timeline will affect the look of each character
3. identify the number of characters in the production
4. discuss and agree characterisation with the production team
5. identify action points in the storyline that call for special costume provision
6. consider and include continuity requirements
7. take and include photographs of costumes within the breakdown
8. confirm the final costume schedule and budget implications with the relevant person(s)
9. negotiate budgets, resources and timescales as required
10. create a costume breakdown that identifies and confirms the costumes required, the date and time required, the expected duration and the budget
11. demonstrate flexibility and respond to last minute changes
12. follow the productions confidentiality rules and requirements
13. communicate clearly with production staff, visual artists and other relevant departments or individuals
14. follow health and safety legislation and guidelines at all times

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1. ​script interpretation 
2. analysation of storylines and timings
3. estimating costs and budgetary constraints
4. the relevant person(s) to agree costume and budgetary requirements
5. how to identify the full costume needs of the production
6. time constraints within the production schedule

7. character analysis

8. how character activities affect costume design and production

9. fabrics and construction methods
10. how to record costumes and agreed actions
11. continuity requirements
12. the productions confidentiality rules and requirements
13. negotiation techniques
14. all departments /personal involved in the production and the communication protocol
15. statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations

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3

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30 Mar 2026

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Current

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Original

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ScreenSkills

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SKSQ4

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Arts, Media and Publishing, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Media and Communication, Media Associate Professionals, Performing Arts

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3422

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costume; wardrobe; plot; script; designs; software; production; detail; preparation; resources; budget; director; producer; negotiating

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