Articles On set
Wardrobe Fittings for Extras: When They Happen and Pay
A fitting is a visit to the wardrobe department so they can try costumes on you before the shoot. Fittings are paid, usually as a "quarter check," except a fitting on the morning of the shoot day. They can happen 1 to 2 weeks before, the day before, or the morning of.
What a fitting is
Wardrobe is the department that dresses the cast. At a fitting, a wardrobe person checks what fits you and what looks right for the scene.
You do not need to prepare a lot. Come on time, wear what casting told you to wear, and do what wardrobe asks.
When fittings happen
You may be called for a fitting at one of three times:
- 1 to 2 weeks before the shoot
- the day before the shoot
- the morning of the shoot
The booking details or an email from casting will give the time and place. Casting also usually emails wardrobe guidelines the evening before, so check your email that night.
How a fitting is paid
A fitting is paid time. It is usually a quarter check, which is 2 hours of pay on a $150/12 rate. A fitting on the morning of the shoot day does not get extra pay, since it is part of your shoot day.
Rates vary by production. Read the booking details, and ask casting if the pay for a fitting is not clear. What $150/12 Means: How Pay Rates for Extras Work explains the rest of the pay.
Period costumes
For a period piece, the production may provide the costume and fit you first. A fitting is the usual way that happens. The costume may be very different from your own clothes, so let wardrobe adjust it and ask before you change anything.
If the show is set in an earlier time, casting may also send instructions about hair, beards, tattoos, and nails. Period Pieces: Hair, Beards, Tattoos, and Nails covers those.
The three looks you bring
On a regular day, you usually bring about 3 looks, sometimes 3 to 5. Wardrobe picks your outfit from them. They look at the clothes you pack and choose what works for the scene.
Plain clothes work best. Choose solid colors with no busy patterns, and no logos or brands. If a piece is wrinkled or does not fit, leave it at home. Background Casting: What to Wear and Bring to Set lists what to pack.
At the end of the day
Return any wardrobe you were given before you check out. Change into your own clothes first, then give the pieces back.
Before your next booking, read the wardrobe guidelines that casting sends and pack three plain looks that match them.
