On-set costume department crew member responsible for maintaining costumes during shooting – performs quick repairs, manages continuity of wardrobe, assists actors with costume changes, and ensures garments remain camera-ready throughout the production day.
What is a Nurse?
A Nurse (also Set Costumer or Costume Standby) is a member of the costume department responsible for the maintenance and continuity of costumes during filming. The term originates from early film production.
Basic Principles
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Position | Costume Department on Set |
| Main Duty | Costume maintenance during filming |
| Reports to | Costume Supervisor |
| Work Location | Set, near camera |
Main Tasks
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Standby | Ready for every take |
| Maintenance | Ironing, steaming, cleaning |
| Repairs | Quick fixes on set |
| Continuity | Documentation, photos |
On-Set Activities
| Activity | When |
|---|---|
| Final Touches | Before each take |
| Quick Changes | During costume changes |
| Repair | Upon damage |
| Monitoring | During scene |
Equipment
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Steam Iron | Remove wrinkles |
| Sewing Kit | Quick repairs |
| Safety Pins | Temporary fixes |
| Lint Roller | Remove lint |
| Moleskin | Chafe protection |
Set Bag Contents
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Thread/Needles | Sewing |
| Scissors | Cutting |
| Tape | Temporary fixes |
| Stain Remover | Immediate treatment |
| Clothespins | Tightening |
| Double-Stick Tape | Securing fabrics |
Continuity
| Aspect | Method |
|---|---|
| Photos | Detail shots |
| Notes | Document condition |
| Matching | Across takes |
| Script Supervisor | Communication |
Photo Documentation
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| Full Body | Overall impression |
| Details | Buttons, accessories |
| Aging/Dirt | Track condition |
| Poses | How worn |
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Early | Prepare costumes |
| Call | Dress actors |
| Filming | Standby on set |
| Wrap | Collect costumes |
Actor Support
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Dressing | Assistance |
| Comfort | Adjustments |
| Discretion | Privacy |
| Communication | Friendly, professional |
Work Area on Set
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Near Camera | Quick access |
| Line of Sight | Observe costumes |
| Trailer Proximity | For changes |
| Quiet | Out of the way |
Communication
| With Whom | About What |
|---|---|
| Costume Designer | Creative decisions |
| Script Supervisor | Continuity |
| AD | Timing, changes |
| Actors | Comfort, issues |
Typical Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrinkles | Steam between takes |
| Stains | Treat immediately |
| Tears | Quick sewing |
| Sweat | Shields, change costumes |
Multiple Management
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Tracking | Which one for what |
| Matching | Identical look |
| Availability | Always ready |
| Cleaning Rotation | Clean options |
Challenges
| Challenge | Handling |
|---|---|
| Weather | Weather-resistant options |
| Stunts | Breakaway costumes |
| SFX | Blood, dirt controlled |
| Time Pressure | Efficiency |
Department Hierarchy
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Costume Designer | Creative direction |
| Costume Supervisor | Operations |
| Key Costumer | Department management |
| Nurse/Set Costumer | On set |
| Truck Costumer | Storage, prep |
Career Path
| Level | Position |
|---|---|
| Entry | PA, Costume PA |
| Junior | Truck Costumer |
| Set | Nurse/Set Costumer |
| Senior | Key Costumer |
| Lead | Costume Supervisor |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Always ready | Unpredictability |
| Document | Ensure continuity |
| Discreet | Actor comfort |
| Communicate | Report issues early |
Today
The Nurse is an indispensable member of any professional film production. Their work on set ensures that costumes remain consistent and camera-ready across all takes and shooting days. The combination of technical skill, attention to detail, and interpersonal abilities makes this role essential for smooth filming.