November 2024 was an exciting month for costume professionals in Scotland’s vibrant film and TV industry who committed to refining their craft with expert trainers Kirsty Steel and Lorraine Gryce on behalf of BECTU Vision. We were delighted to host two exceptional courses focused on the art of Costume Dye & Breakdown, offering practitioners an unrivalled opportunity to enhance their skills in this essential area of production.
Costume Breakdown Course
Returning by popular demand, our Introduction to Costume Dye & Breakdown course made a comeback.This dynamic and hands-on course was designed for costume crew members keen to delve into the creative and technical aspects of costume ageing and dyeing.
Participants fully embraced the practical elements of the course and quite literally got their hands dirty! The course included:
- Fabric Dyeing: Experimenting with colours and techniques to achieve the perfect tones for costume design.
- Ageing Clothes and Shoes: Learning methods to make costumes appear worn, tattered, or weathered to suit the story’s needs.
- Realistic Blood and Mud Effects: Crafting convincing stains and marks for authentic on-screen storytelling.
Whether perfecting the look of a battle-worn hero or a weathered traveller, attendees left equipped with invaluable skills to bring costumes to life on screen.
Advance Dye Techniques Training Course
Building on the success of last year’s introductory course, we were thrilled to launch the brand-new Advanced Dye Techniques course. This next-level training allowed returning participants to refine their skills and master advanced dyeing methods, including precise colour matching – a critical skill for continuity and detailed costume design.
Participants not only gained new techniques but also developed a deeper understanding of how to elevate their craft and enhance their creative contributions to production.
A huge thank you to Wardpark Studios for hosting these courses. As one of Scotland’s premier production facilities, the studio provided the perfect environment for hands-on learning, fostering collaboration and creativity among costume professionals.
The film and TV industry in Scotland is ever-evolving, and costume is a vital part of storytelling. By investing in skills development, Scotland’s costume practitioners ensure their work continues to meet the high standards of the industry, from local productions to international productions.
Whether you are just starting out in costume or are an experienced professional, opportunities such as these courses are invaluable for keeping your craft skills sharp and relevant.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and training sessions tailored to Scotland’s film and TV professionals. Together, let’s continue to grow the exceptional talent that drives our industry.
