Lead Costumer

Why join Swaybox Studios?

At Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll play a vital role in coordinating the artistry and logistics that bring bold visions to life. This is your chance to help lead a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.

Overview
The Lead Costume Fabricator plays a vital role in bringing the film’s visual aesthetic to life by creating, maintaining, and managing costumes both on and off set. This position ensures that costumes align with the creative vision while meeting the practical needs of performers and puppets. Responsibilities include fabricating costumes that fulfill both creative and technical requirements, performing alterations, and ensuring functionality on set. This role demands expertise in pattern-making, garment construction, and costume maintenance, as well as technical problem-solving skills to address challenges in complex costume builds. With strong leadership abilities, the Lead Costume Fabricator guides and mentors junior team members, fostering a collaborative environment. They also work closely across departments to meet production deadlines, ensuring that all costumes perform seamlessly during filming.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a costume team, attend meetings, and delegate tasks
• Problem solve builds before they begin
• Design and develop patterns for both puppet and human costumes, using draping, flat patterns, innovative construction methods, and perform fittings
• Build hero costumes, adhering to the visual style of the production while ensuring they meet performance needs
• Strong sewing and alteration skills, including hand and machine sewing
• Create internal support, structures and undergarments to ensure costume functionality and durability
• Follow detailed construction notes to replicate costumes precisely
• Document clear and precise instructions for patterns and processes to enable accurate reproduction of costumes
• Collaborate closely with Puppeteers and Mech teams to guarantee costume performance aligns with performance requirements
• Collaborate with the Puppet Lead and Costume Lead to correct issues with performance, make on set repairs or changes
• Oversee the maintenance of costumes, ensuring quality control with the Costume team
• Assist in guiding and mentoring team members
• Maintain and organize all costumes and accessories
• Flexibility to work long hours as needed during the productions

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in costume fabrication for film and/or television
• Proficiency in pattern cutting and draping for both small large-scale projects
• Strong ability to problem solve
• Deep understanding of textiles and fiber art techniques
• Ability to accurately replicate costume designs
• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop
• Experience in model-making is a plus
• Proficiency in Clo or other pattern-making software also a plus
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to collaborate well with all departments

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Demands:

• The role requires standing, sitting, walking, and operating standard office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move items up to 15 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close focus, distance vision, and adaptability.

At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.

We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.