NETWORKING. Probably the most often repeated advice for breaking into film - but it’s true. Film work is contract based, and just because you worked well with your last team or designer doesn’t mean they’ll be able to take you with them next time. It’s impossible to meet every member, let alone every permittee on the list, so most often the department will ask around for recommendations. Sometimes a team might have you out on a daily call as a sort of “interview” so it’s important to do your best each time you go out! One daily call very often turns into more.
Once a production gets going, the big decision makers (usually the Producers, PM, Showrunner or Director, and sometimes the Lead Actor) will start to hire the key creatives including the Costume Designer. The Costume Designer is in charge of hiring their crew, but will often ask for input from their ACD, and very often will hire the Set and Truck Supervisors with input from one or the other as they have to work well as a team. As the show gets going and additional labour (most often daily BG costumes) is needed, finding that crew is most often a team effort - usually we’ll start with members we’ve worked with before who we know are available, then check the availability lists.
Members and permittees also have the ability to call/email in their availability to the crewing department. It’s best to do this about once a week when you’re available, and you can also specify which days you can work as necessary. The policy at NABET is to hire members first - once the available members list has been exhausted, then we are able to go into the permittees list. Sometimes just seeing your name on the availability list will job someone’s memory about you and your skills as well, so it’s important to make your availability known otherwise you might be out of luck.
Try to update your resume as you go. Members should keep their resumes up to date on the NABET website as well http://www.nabet700.com/producers/resumes/
This is a NABET specific thing that I keep track of, but it’s really helpful to have a quick reference guide with relevant info. I get a lot of recommendation requests from members trying to crew (especially in the busy summer months!), and it’s helpful if I can send along a one-pager for some context. It also tells me that you went the extra mile right off the bat.
I keep a folder of one-pagers on a google drive with the link shared only for NABET Costume Members for privacy (so your information isn’t floating around), but please feel free to make one at any membership level. You can email me at any time to check in and have me replace or take down your one-pager as well. I made mine (toggle the sample below!) on canva.com for free using the 5.5x8.5” flyer template, if that’s helpful!