Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1315255
Fall 2020 The Costume Designer 9 With the safety protocols in place, many of us are back on the job. Even though I spent my sum- mer working with the IA helping to craft the policies to return safely, I'm surprised at just how hard it is to work in this new world. Having to wear PPE all day, and the momentous task of fol- lowing all the procedures, organizing our day, shopping, making sure your crew and the actors are tested before they come to us for fittings, and testing every day—is so time-consuming that it's exhausting. But having completed a film in Atlanta, where no one was ever positive on set, means the protocols work. Even though it's so much harder to do our jobs, we can return to work with the knowledge that it can be done safely if everyone follows the protocols. I've finished a film, a couple of commercials, and I'm now on a TV show on the Universal lot. So, I've been able to see how it's different for each project, but the IA protocols are in place and we are working again. As we all go back to work, we must remain vigilant that everyone is keeping to the policies and not getting complacent and let things slip. The only way this works is if everyone sticks to the rules all the time. There is no room for error. If you are on a project and the policies are not being followed, call the CDG office and we will get the IA involved. It's always anonymous. We are here to help keep you safe. The commercial producers have been the hardest to keep to the rules. Call the office and let us know immediately if policies are not being followed, so we can make sure they are in order. As we are back to work and shopping, it's also a different retail world. The stores have limited hours, studio services may require an appointment, and sadly, some studio service offices are closed permanently. I was shop- ping at the Nordstrom Rack, and I had forgotten they don't allow studio service shopping anymore, so they wouldn't let me shop there. I posted my frustration on Instagram and after a massive public outcry, Nordstrom Corporate contacted me. I've had some great conversations with them about changing their "no studio service" policy. I needed to hear their side of the policy and see how we can work together to make a policy that serves us both. This is really about a few unprofessional shoppers, who take out massive pulls and then don't keep anything. They had rules in place and shoppers would work around them returning to different stores, etc. The studio credit cards have policies that are not fair to the stores. If we want the privilege of using the stores, we have to make sure our colleagues are behaving properly and not ruining it for the rest of us who follow the procedures. This is a work-in-progress and I will let you know the outcome. Our magazine cover features two amazing Costume Designers, Gersha Phillips and Shawna Trpcic, discuss- ing how they work. Their shows are both great design challenges and it's wonderful to get insight into their creative process. The CDG Awards submissions have started, we don't know what our awards show will look like this year, but we want to continue celebrating our work. Please submit your shows and we will keep you updated as we move forward. Eight years ago, I asked Anna Wyckoff to take over the CDG magazine, and she said she would give it a try as she had a passion for Costume Design and storytelling. To our great pleasure, she took our little magazine and through her hard work and dedication, she grew it into a first-class magazine and our calling card to the world. It has surpassed way beyond our expectations. We are so grateful for Anna's passion and dedication to the CDG. Although we will miss her being our magazine editor, we will still have her voice and commitment moving forward as the CDG Communications Director. With Thanksgiving coming up, we all have a lot to be thankful for. Stay safe, be well. In solidarity, Salvador Perez sperez@cdgia.com PRESIDENT'S LETTER UNION LABEL