Skilled costumer in Philly struggling to make IATSE connections
Hi! I am a Philadelphia-based costumer with 5 years professional experience. I also have wardrobe experience from various music video shoots. I am a bit frustrated because I am struggling to make connections in IATSE and desperately want to join the union. I have enjoyed my time costuming and working wardrobe more than anything and I can’t think of something I would like to do more with my life and skill set. I am a hard worker, detail oriented and very good at what I do. I have gotten nothing but extremely positive feedback from crew members each time I have been on set but unfortunately for each shoot I have been on I have typically been the only one working the costume and wardrobe departments and I have never been able to meet someone else who does this for their career. Most of the few times that I have gotten to ask IATSE 799 members about their experiences or ask advice, they have been very close-mouthed- which I entirely understand because there is so little film work to go around in Philly. It’s gotten to the point where I have been thinking a lot about moving to New York or Chicago because hopefully it’s a bit easier to find work there and ideally get union days. I am still deciding if it is worth it to go the route of looking for over hire stitching work at theaters in the Philadelphia area but I am skeptical if it will take me anywhere given the state of the costume scene here. I’ve heard that Chicago’s film industry is growing too. I would like to move to New York but worry it is oversaturated. I’d greatly appreciate if anyone has advice or stories about their own IATSE journeys to inspire me to keep going! Also if anyone is Philadelphia-based and in the world of costume, theater, or film I would love to connect with you! Shoot me a message
Thank you guys so much :)