Miss Chew works in the costume department at BRIT, she has been here for just over 2 years. She started off working in magazines and helping with styling when she was young. She then went on to work in a theatre, voluntarily. Washing jock straps! She then did an art foundation at Wimbledon School Of Art, then went on to complete a 3 year degree in costume interpretation, so looking at historical costume and the 'interpretation' of costume more than designing. Whilst doing her degree, she had finished her project and her teacher at the time took her to his work, for work experience, on the Disney Warner Brother film 'TROY'. Enjoying it so much she carried on working for Warner Brothers, travelling all around the world working as a costume director. When she came back to England, she would do little bits and bobs on unit 2 films, so second bits of filming, for continuity sake. She then went back to teach at Wimbledon School of art, and wanted more out of costume. She then returned to her university 'Goldsmiths' and achieved a PGC & MA in Costume. Between this and BRIT she worked at EastEnders as a costume supervisor/director for just over 10 years. She came to BRIT, and is now head of costume, and works with costume for around 40-50 shows a year. The costume can be bought, made or even hired depending on the show, the budget and if making the clothes would be beneficial to students to learn how to make. There are only 2 people making costumes at the moment in the costume department at BRIT, excluding a wardrobe supervisor. But in 'real-life', there can be a costume designer, a costume supervisor, 4 underneath, watching and helping out and then 3 people dressing the actors/tresses. they can rotate in groups of 4.
1 group-Preparing
2 Groups- Filming
1 Group- Off
She also said that Theatre is a lot more heavy than TV, because of all the hair, make up and costume needed to be seen from far away. Whereas TV can be seen close up. She also recommended 'Charles Fox Make Up' as a particularly good company.
