Source costumes for a production

URN: SKSQ7
Business Sectors (Suites): Costume for Film, TV and Theatre Productions
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 30 Mar 2021

Overview

​This standard is about your ability to select, hire or buy costumes for a production from a costume house, manufacturer, or supplier.

This may involve finding and approaching suppliers, buying or hiring costumes, meeting quality, quantity, type and size requirements, maintaining costumes to avoid damage fees, inspecting and returning costumes to suppliers.

This standard may be applicable to costume supervisors, costume assistants or wardrobe assistants.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. ​interpret and confirm the design brief, production requirements and production schedule
  2. confirm and work within the constraints of the budget
  3. acquire and confirm the costume breakdown
  4.  Identify appropriate costumes and plan costume acquisition
  5. identify suitable suppliers who can provide costumes within the required budget and timescale
  6. provide suppliers with accurate and complete specifications for each item required
  7. request samples of potential costumes
  8. schedule purchase and hiring time to ensure production schedules are met
  9. agree the terms, conditions and documentation for the supply and return of costumes/materials/accessories materials with the suppliers
  10. record details of selected costumes/materials/accessories
  11. arrange the receipt of costumes and a suitable storage area
  12. check costumes against order descriptions and report discrepancies
  13. identify  and report lost or damaged goods and potential lost or damaged fees
  14. return unwanted, unused items ensuring there is no loss to the production
  15. produce and process complete and legible documents for the receipt and return of items
  16. return hired costumes to suppliers following agreed return procedures and  using methods which minimise the risk of damage in transit
  17. follow the productions confidentiality rules and requirements
  18. communicate across production staff and other relevant departments or individuals
  19. follow health and safety legislation and guidelines at all times

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. ​production requirements, schedules and costume breakdowns
  2. the quality, quantity, size, and functionality of the costumes requirements
  3. costume assessment for suitability in relation to style, function, type, materials and size
  4. time and budgetary constraints
  5. who is the relevant person(s) to agree the costume selection
  6. potential fees and fines for lost or damaged items
  7. potential reliable suppliers
  8. effective negotiation techniques to employ with suppliers costumes labelling and recording procedures
  9. effective methods for protecting and storing costumes
  10. documentation required for the purchase, hire, receipt and return of costumes
  11. the productions confidentiality rules and requirements
  12. communication protocol with production staff and other relevant departments or individuals
  13. statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

SKSQ26

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code

3422

Keywords

costume; wardrobe; identify; hire; production; houses; requirements; quality; quantity; type; size; schedule; damage; fees; inspecting; suppliers; returning; documentation