Q:Where did you go to school?
A; FIDM, FIT, FIDM.
Q; How has social media changed or influenced your job?
A; We've recently been required to live tweet during the show when it airs every Thursday night ans although at first we weren't sure about it its actually become one of our favorite traditions on set. The pictures from set and filming are very popular on social media and its a very interactive process.
Q: What are the key things you need to succeed in this business?
A: You must have a good business sense as well as good management and budgeting skills, political savvy, knowledge of the industry, work ethic, but most of all you must believe in what you are doing, and trust your instincts. Mindi said she loves what she does and to succeed you have to live and breathe this work; as she said his she was intermittently texting with her director to work out last minute details.
Q:What do you have to do to be a great costume designer on set?
A: You have to really get to know the characters and create their world. You can't be lazy when creating a look and, even the smallest details like eyeliner count. You also have to forge a bond with the actors so that they trust you and help them to become the character. Lynn told a story of how one actor on the West Wing walked in the first day and said that out of 6 racks of clothing none of the looks would work. She said that she sat down with him and talked him through it and by the end of the day he loved every look. Mandi said that you have to be a therapist as well as a costume designer and help the actors feel confident in what they're wearing. She added that she has to help keep the actresses from confusing their plain character with their glamorous persona because after an Oscars awards it can be hard for them to want to go back to wearing their characters clothes.
Q:What are some tips you have to help you get through your day?
A:You really have to believe in your work and pick your battles. If your producer is unhappy with an outfit try picking something that you know they like and adding it in through a small detail that won't effect the overall look to sell your outfit. Mandi added that one of her producers said she would have to change an entire outfit and so she brought her back the same outfit but added pearl earrings because she saw her wearing some earlier that day. The producer loved the look. You can also rearrange your board and change the title to convince your directors and producers to like your ideas. You can also draw your sketches in a different more interesting pose to get your outfit approved. You must be confident in your choices because the directors can smell fear. Another tip was that no is not an option in this job. Mandi told a story of how a producer asked her to find some red and black "ah de das" and even though she had no idea what they were she said she would knowing she would figure it out. They turned out to be Adidas. Another time an assistant had to run to target to buy KY jelly by the bucket load to smear on a pleather jacket to keep it form catching on fire during a scene. Never be afraid to ask people for what you want.
Q:Why do you think you became as successful as you are?
A: Being kind and easy to work with goes along way. It is so important to make a good impression and to make yourself fun to be around because you never know who knows who. You have to learn how to negotiate in this business and believe in yourself while still being flexible. Mandi shared that she actually knows 5 people who she used to work for that now actually work for her.
Q:What are the coolest projects you are working on right now?
A: David- A music video being filmed in Miami for his client Chanel who is a Japanese pop star releasing her first song in America.
Lynn- A new pilot that is being filmed at Staples center with a lot of glitz and glamour which is exciting because it is something different from what she usually does. She still gets nervous before starting a new project but loves the adrenaline rush of all the possibilities.
Joe- An independent film for his friend that is actually very plain which can be the hardest to do especially since his favorite things are giant glitzy musicals.
Mandi- Pretty little liars and the 6th season. The show is so popular and it's fun to design for the characters that she knows so well.
Q:What do you think is the future of costume design?
A:Costume design will become even more interactive for the fans and will continue to have a bigger impact on fashion trends. The brand collaborations with costume designers will continue to grow with the concept of buying things that you see on TV. Costume designers will get more credit for the trends they start. Revenue streams are changing for costume designers due to more collaborations with stores and it is driving costumers to be more creative. Costume designers have new reach now and the animation world is realizing how valuable a costume designer is.
Q: What advice do you have for an independent designer to get their clothes on a show?
A: Get in touch with the designer through their publicist or manager or by connecting and tagging on social media. All 4 designers agreed that they have worked with people whom they found on social media because someone had tagged them. Send a look book of your items but make sure that your clothes are tailored to what the designer will need for the show. Be courteous of their time and have your answers to questions ready if they call. Costume designers want to see whats new and are always looking to do more creative things.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the info! If you want to view the whole seminar head over to youtube to watch a full length video!
No comments:
Post a Comment