A Day In The Life Of A Costume PA
We recently posted a photo on Instagram of Naikea Cheri Ward on the studio lot of one of the shows she’s worked in the wardrobe department of as a PA (production assistant). The response was overwhelmingly positive and comments were filled with fashionistas who were interested in styling for productions such as TV and movies.
Naikea has PA’d on several shows including Grey’s Anatomy, HBO’s “Insecure’, Black-ish, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and more. We asked her to take us into the day of a Wardrobe Dept. PA so you can get a better idea of what you can expect in this role:
Call Time: 8AM
6AM: Alarm goes off. Time to get up. Even though I live 20 minutes from work, I
1. Have to be there before my actual call time and
2. The later it gets the more traffic I encounter
7:10AM: *leaves the house* I hop on the freeway and head to this town’s most famous city, Hollywood, CA.
7:40AM: *arrive at the lot (production studio) *. Usually I stop by catering (if we’re filming on the lot that day), grab breakfast and head to my desk. Sometimes I get food for the rest of the costume team (which is in the job description of a PA).
8AM: I’m finally at my desk. First things first, set down all my bags then distribute the food (if I have other people’s orders). Then on to my first task, which is retrieving and distributing call sheets (aka the Daily Production Bible!) to the members of my department.
That is usually the last task of the day that goes according to a set schedule. Every single day is different.
Photo: Stock Room/Closet - for purchased and rental stock. Clothes purchased for actors that didn’t make the cut, or were purchased specifically for background. They’re now apart of our show stock because we own them.
From there on out I carry out tasks assigned to me in a scale of urgency. At this point in my career of PAing in wardrobe/costume departments, I’m helping with the business side of the department, which is giving me valuable knowledge
I assist the costumers with their clerical responsibilities, organization of the office and returns.
PA’s are truly costume department support. We learn how to organize and deliver returns, how to track receipts, and how the entire department functions. In our world, PA’s cannot do tasks that are costumers’ responsibilities, so we learn by assisting the costumers and observing how the department runs.
Based upon what is most important, I can spend my day organizing receipts, running errands, or assisting with returns. Sometimes I make round trips trip to our sister show, for drop offs and pick-ups. My favorite part of the job is being able to help the costumers bring things to set, our trailer, or set so I can then watch a bit of filming.
The set of a major television show or film is where the money is primarily spent and made. In one scene, you can clearly see the work of every department represented in one frame - even if it’s not obvious to the eye. The actors are in costumes. They’ve been through hair and makeup. They’re happy and fed thanks to craft service and catering. The lighting is on point. The electrical work is done. The sound is on. The grips and construction have done their job and transport has ensured that everyone got to where they’re supposed to be today. That is how this industry works, team work, and then some.
This rack is specifically dedicated to restock clothes. They’re either clothes we’ve pulled from our stock closet or new purchased clothes that need to be sized, tagged and then put into the appropriate section of the stock closet.
Much is the same with the costume department. In my department, we’re a family. We’re all working together to run a successful department. We want our actors comfortable and happy in their costumes. We want the producers to like them. The designer has picked the outfits. The shopper or buyer has purchased or pulled the costumes. The supervisor has hired the crew and delegated responsibilities to each member of the costume crew. The tailor has altered the clothes and the PAs have supported the department the whole way through.
Every costume department organizes bags from shopping. So that when we do returns we can easily find the correct store bag and bag everything up perfectly and attach the matching receipt or memo.
Actual photo of our returns rack. It’s pretty empty right now which is amazing. The goal is for the returns rack to always look this empty. That means all of the rejects have gone back to the stores/show rooms, we’re getting our money back, don’t owe anyone clothes, and can close out on studio memos. This is one of the ways we keep a handle on the budget. Returns are a Huge part of the department and the job.
As a PA, my 12 hour days move at light speed. I can be on the road all day long or in the office handling my responsibilities there.
MY ADVICE TO ANYONE STARTING OUT:
1. Do your research. Know who you’re working with and what the show or film is. Research the talent, your crew everyone.
2. Have multiple copies of your resume ready to hand out. Keep them in your car.
3. Always send a follow up and thank you cards to someone for meeting you and/or taking the time to interview you. This will set you apart from the rest.
4. Always have a notebook. Write EVERYTHING down. And always refer back to it. Cross things off as you complete tasks.
5. Questions? Ask them. Never assume. Assuming makes an ass out of you and me. Always clarify if you have questions or concerns.
6. Don’t talk to the actors. They’re not your friends. And you’re a PA. Not their personal assistant. Your loyalty is to your department.
7. Work hard. Work efficiently. Work swiftly. Carry out complete tasks and aim to accomplish the tasks you’ve been given.
8. Understand that you are 1 person. You can’t take it all and can’t do it all. Don’t try to be an over achiever and take on too much and stress yourself out. This isn’t worth it. We make TV, we don’t cure diseases.
9. When given the opportunity, show that you’re invaluable! Don’t ask to go home early. When you’re finished with tasks say “how else can I be of service” or “what else can I do for you”. You want people to remember you so work hard and soak everything in.
10. Enjoy it. Have fun. Make lasting relationships and invest in them. Take value in your work ethic and what you bring to the table. You’re an asset to the team. Never forget that. Never let anyone make you feel less than. Always respectfully stand up for yourself and stand by your beliefs and morals- trust me, they will be tested.
