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MOTIONPICTUREC O S T U M E R S .O R G 9 muslin patterns to fit dress forms; and fits muslin patterns to artists. An actor's time is precious and they can't always be on hand to fit a garment at every step of the process. A Figure Maker will build or alter a dress form to perfectly match an actor's dimensions, so the Costume Makers can get the perfect fit for the final product. Head Dyer A Head Dyer oversees the dyeing, painting or other modification of fabric and garments, under the direction of the Costume Supervisor, and/or Costume Designer. They master all manner of fabric modifications from the very subtle to the very ornate. They also often apply techniques to "age" or "distress" a costume to make something brand new look like it's been through hell. Head Dyers also must become safety experts, as their work with highly toxic chemicals can be dangerous without proper protocols, equipment, or ventilation. Alteration Fitter and Men's Tailor Fitter Alteration Fitters and Tailor Fitters alter pre-existing garments to fit the talent cast in the role to the designer's specifications. Almost every piece of clothing you see in a movie, television show, or commercial has been custom altered to fit. They also specialize in alterations that can be reversed so that rented costumes can be returned as they were without permanent changes. Coat, Pant, and Vest Maker The primary stitchers of men's tailoring, a Coat, Pant, and Vest Maker, pieces together the parts of a men's suit with precision and accuracy. They follow the instructions of a Tailor Cutter for the meticulous creation of a custom suit. Wardrobe Specialty Manufacturer Wardrobe Specialty Manufacturers create, repair, and alter specialty costumes, working with an ever- growing array of materials. They are the team of the Specialty Costume Keyperson, building incredible items from the designer's imagination. Draper/Stitcher A Draper/Stitcher in the Hollywood costume industry is different from how live theater uses the term. Our Stitchers arrange, pin, baste, and stitch pieces under the guidance of a Pattern Maker & Fitter, or the Table Person leading their team. They ensure the final product is accurate and durable, ready for the actor. Shirt Makers Shirt Makers sew and alter men's shirts of all types, whether from existing patterns, period standards, or unique patterns made by a Tailor Cutter. While often overshadowed by the suits, a perfectly tailored men's shirt is every bit as vital to a comfortable and stylish look. Dyer A Dyer dyes, tints, bleaches, or strips materials and completed costumes under the direction of a Head Dyer. They may also age and distress costumes to give that "lived in" feel. Beaders Beaders sew and embroider beads onto garments and accessories. While the need for this has diminished greatly as casual clothing styles become more common, a Beader's work is unparalleled and essential, especially in period clothing. Whether by painstaking hand work or unique specialty machines, beading is an art unto itself. Alteration Tailor An Alteration Tailor alters existing garments in the men's department, preserving the integrity of the suits. Millinery-Makers Millinery-Makers work under a Milliner to perform the essential tasks to create hats and headgear of all types. Finishers Finishers are those Costumers who put on the final touches. They may use machines or sew by hand to put on those little details that make a garment sparkle. Whether it's trimmings, lace, or embellishments, their skills make things pop! Tailor's Helper Tailor's Helpers do finishing, trimming, binding, make button holes and sew on buttons, sew in linings, and do other special work on tailored items under the direction of a Tailor Cutter. Like Finishers on women's garments, a Tailor's Helper provides all those little details that give those important details to a men's garment. SPECIALTY Special Costume Keyperson ("Specialty Costumer") Special Costume Keypersons create the building blocks of fantastical costumes such as superheroes, aliens, and elven warriors and wizards. As these genres of film and TV become more popular, these "Specialty Costumers" have become highly sought after for their unique and varied skills. The popularity of cosplay has not only highlighted attention on this type of work, but many of our Specialty Costumers begin their careers in cosplay, and go onto become master artisan costumers. Specialty Costumers may work in unique new fabrics, plastics and metals, or a growing array of unconventional materials to create things that have never been done before. Keypersons are the team leaders that generate the ideas to create costumes that require nontraditional techniques and out-of- the-box thinking. Special Costume Manufacturer ("Specialty Costumer") Special Costume Manufacturers are the workers tasked with supporting the creation of specialty costumes, working with new techniques and materials to create the incredible costumes on your favorite superheroes or sci-fi creatures. They work on teams of Specialty Costumers taking on the creation of costume pieces for things that have never been done before. Special Operators Special Operators cover a wide variety of skills, often called "costume crafts" in the theatrical world. They make masks, headpieces, odds and ends, and work with all manner of materials. They also execute special designing on materials with dyes and other applications as needed to create art out of nothing.