Cinematographer
Die Nurse sorgt dafür, dass ich keine Kostümprobleme im Frame habe. Falten, offene Knöpfe, verschobene Accessoires – sie sieht es sofort und korrigiert es.
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.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Eine gute Nurse ist unsichtbar aber unverzichtbar. Sie hält meine Schauspieler dreh-bereit und bewahrt die Kontinuität über Takes und Drehtage hinweg.
Producer
Nurses am Set verhindern Kostenexplosionen durch Kontinuitätsfehler oder beschädigte Kostüme. Ihre Arbeit spart Zeit und Reshoots.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Nurse / Garderobier / Set-Kostümbildner / Ankleider"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?