Symposium assesses how costume students can break into stage and screen industry

Oscar winners Danny Boyle and Jenny Beavan have visited the University of Huddersfield to contribute to discussions on how budding costume specialists can break into the stage and screen industry.

The University hosted the 4th UK Costume Symposium, organised by BAFTA and Emmy-winning costume designer Susannah Buxton, with the Slumdog Millionaire director and the triple Academy Award-winning costume designer just two of several notable names from the industry in attendance.

The University’s Costume with Textiles course continues to offer real-world experience on placements, with Opera North and Marvel Films having welcomed Huddersfield students. It is this kind of exposure to how the creative industry works that is vital in an area where expanding personal contacts can lead to more opportunities.

“One of the key things that kept cropping up was placements, and how important they are,” says Liz Garland, Lecturer in Costume construction. “There is still a lot of ‘it’s who you know’ unfortunately, and the issue is getting the students into the industry.

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“There is a big discussion on how to link courses with the industry, which we touched upon at the symposium.

“What came across strongly was that although training is very important personality and professionalism are a huge part of it. This is why our placements work so well, our students learn what it is like to be in a professional costume department as well as making important contacts that can led to graduate employment.”

Danny Boyle spoke of the importance of costume designers to the success of a film, while Jenny Beavan, who won Oscars for her work on A Room With A View, Mad Max: Fury Road and Cruella, talked about her career journey, creative process and collaboration with makers who produce costumes.

Other speakers included Ivo Coveney, who built the Darth Vader helmet for Star Wars  Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and the hounds helmet from Game of Thrones. Carol Lingwood, the former Head of Costume for the National Theatre and Costume maker Deborah Tallentire who specialises in bespoke tailoring for stage and screen with clients including Take That. 

“There was a lot of discussion about paid or not-paid work experience, which is a big talking point at the moment,” Liz adds. “Having the right attitude to the work cropped up many times. Although trainees may at first be required to undertake basic repetitive jobs in a workroom, they will gradually build their skill and reputation to become the specialists of the future. You can’t go in in expecting to work on Darth Vader’s helmet in your first job!”