SENATE COMMITTEE ROOM 6/3

Hello and welcome to all our new Raleigh Background players!  We look forward to meeting and working with you.  Some of you may have done this with us before.  If so please indulge me while I spell everything out for those that have not.

This blog is for Background Player costume information only.  There will be no information about call times or locations on this blog; that will come from another department.  You will receive direction on the types of clothing to bring, what season we are working in for our story, the color palette that we would like to see, what level of dress or casual, and any other pertinent info regarding your costumes as Background Players.  This allows us to speak directly to you and not go through Extras Casting, thereby insuring that you are getting the exact message that we want you to have.  We want you to look great and we know that you want the same.  This blog helps that happen by making sure that you are bringing just what we need and you can then be front and center with confidence.

You may read the blog and think "I'm not sure I have what they want!"

Please just go to your closet and pack what you have that is the closest match to what the blog describes.  We would rather you bring something, even if you are not sure, than nothing at all.  We can then add to your things, if necessary, to make it work.  More often than not when folks have shown up with what they think is not the "right thing," we have been able to make it work and make it look good.

One final thing... you should always come dressed in your first, best choice of the look described.  This helps us with time in the mornings.We will be choosing all of your looks in the morning.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES IN THE CAR!  Please bring all of your options for the day with you when you check in in the morning.  You should always bring at least three options of the looks described; one that you are wearing and at least two others.

On Monday we will be shooting 2 screen days.  Please bring enough options of the described clothing so that we may make choices for 2 different looks.  The time of the year in our story is Spring.

SENATE COMMITTEE ROOM

MALE LAWYERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Suits:  Dark (navy, grey, black) can have subtle pinstriping or plaids.  Conservative.  Nothing too bold.

Shirts:  Long sleeve dress shirts in white and cream, pale blue or grey, dress shirts with subtle stripes or check are ok as long as they are not too bold.

Belts and Dress Shoes:  Dark leathers that work with your clothing options.

Ties:  Conservative ties.  Can have color but nothing to bright.  Stripes, paisley, dots, etc, Best to bring several options.

FEMALE SENATORS & LAWYERS

Suits:  Both skirt and pant suits and blazers in dark colors. Conservative, Office/business appropriate

Blouses:  Conservative blouses, shirts and shells in neurtal and pale colors.  Office/business appropriate

Accessories:  Jewelry should be conservative and small to medium.  No "statement" pieces.  Scarf options would be good if you have them.  These too should be conservative and not too bright and feel appropriate for the work place.  Purses/briefcases should be conservative and dark.

Shoes:  Dark conservative, closed toe shoes that are business appropriate.  No crazy heel heights or sparkly, strappy things please.  Even a simple black flat is more appropriate than overly dressy shoes.

MALE & FEMALE AIDES

Should wear and bring options of navy or dark blazers, khaki pants or skirts that are business appropriate (no cargo pants, please), and a full navy suit if you have both top and bottoms.

White long sleeve button front dress shirts/blouses.

College prep style ties.  Please bring choices.  Nothing too bright.  Red, white and blue options would also be good to include   Females could bring ribbon or scarves to wear as a neck tie options.  

Black or brown dress shoes and dark socks for the guys.  Black or brown plain flats or low heels for the gals.  Nude hose if you want to wear them, but not tights or socks.

U S CAPITOL POLICE

You will be given a uniform by the Costume Department.  You should bring with you a white, short sleeve crew neck undershirt.  If you have solid black ankle boots or sneakers, bring them.  Also please bring black socks.

Please remember that we are shooting 2 screen days and will need 2 different looks.

Thanks in advance for all the great things that I am sure you will bring.  We look forward to our time in Raleigh and we will..... see you on the set!

COUNTY HOSPITAL 5/31 & PHOTO SHOOT 5/31

Hello and welcome.  It's literally going to be a crazy day.  We are shooting scenes at the County Hospital/Psych Ward.  I know, I know, not that much different from a normal day, right? :-)

Everyone should come dressed in their first, best choice based on the descriptions below and bring your other options for us to look at and make the final decisions.  Please bring all your clothing in with you when you check in.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES IN THE CAR!!!!!!!  

We will be playing two - three screen days tomorrow so everyone should bring enough choices for us to choose multiple outfits.  We will be choosing all of your looks first thing in the morning and then you will be responsible for remembering and putting on the correct outfit for the applicable screen day.

EMT / DC COPS will be given costumes by the Costume Department.  You should bring with you a white, short sleeve crew neck undershirt, black socks and solid black sneakers or ankle boots.

NURSES / ORDERLIES  will be given scrub sets by the Costume Department.  We have a specific color palette that we want to use so any personal scrubs that you have may not work.  You should bring with you comfortable shoes like light colored sneakers, Crocks and other medical profession slip on shoes.  Also please bring things that could be worn under or over your scrub tops.  This could mean long sleeve tees, short sleeve tees and cardigan sweaters.  We ask that these items by light in color.  Grey, pale blue, pale green, tan, cream would all be great.

DOCTORS should bring options of nice business casual to wear under the lab coats given to you by the Costume Department.  Long sleeve button front shirts and blouses in lighter colors like blue, cream, grey, yellow, etc.  These could have some soft pattern such as a light check or stripe, but nothing too bold.  Ties for the men should be neutral and not to bright in color.  Don't forget your belts and shoes to work with your clothing options.

CLERICAL will also be playing PSYCH PATIENTS later in the day so please read that category as well as this one.

CLERICAL folks should bring basic clothing that is office appropriate.  Khakis, slacks, skirts, blouses, sweaters and light weight jackets.

PSYCH PATIENTS  should bring a selection of casual sleepwear and lounge wear.  Since this is a county hospital the patients would not have much money.  Let's just say that a patient in this hospital would not be worried about whether their outfit matched.  

Please bring things like lounge pants, track pants, nightgowns that are at least knee length, tees, old robes, hoodies and sweatshirts, old comfortable button front shirts and old pajamas.  Also bring things like worn out house slippers, shower shoes and other "comfortable" type shoes.  

The colors for these things should be soft and faded and not new looking. Pale colors like pink, blue, yellow, lavender, grey, tan, etc.  No bright, trendy colors.  

Some of you will be given hospital gowns to wear under your robes, etc.  Both males and females should wear light colored underwear so as not to show through a hospital gown.  White, cream, nude, basic things.  Ladies please no lacy bras or other underthings.  Simple, simple, simple.  You are welcome to bring light colored gym shorts and tank tops to wear under hospital gowns for modesty.

VISITORS  Obviously, we want the visitors to look different than the patients.  Since the patients will be wearing what we all think of as "comfortable" clothes, we would like the VISITORS to wear nice casual clothing.

Button front casual long sleeve shirts and blouses

Khaki pants, slacks, skirts

Pullover sweaters, sweater vests,

Light weight jackets, windbreakers

Casual sport coats and blazers

Casual shoes and accessories that work with your choices.  Ladies the jewelry should be simple and handbags should be basic and not too trendy.

The color palette should be one of neutrals like navy, burgundy, dark green, tan, grey, etc.  Texture and pattern like plaids and stripes are fine, just nothing too bold.  In truth, if you are visiting a family member in this hospital, you might not be dressed in all the latest finery.  Keep your clothing choices simple and understated, but make the clothes things that you might be able to wear to work on Casual Friday.

Thanks in advance for all the great things that I know you will bring.  Remember there will be at least two screen days so bring plenty of options.  It's fun to have an interesting costume challenge and for the clothing to be character clothes.  We look forward to working with you and we will.... see you on the set!!

VIDEO / PHOTO SHOOT
You will all be reporting to the Costume Department at the Homeland Sound Stages.  We will be fitting you in your looks once you get here and then go out on location for the shoot.  If you have some of the following items, please bring them.  It is fine if you do not have them.  We want you to come anyway and we will dress you from the things that we have here.
dishdashas
sandals
traditional middle eastern head wear
sunglasses
Also bring options of western style clothing

CIA 5/29

Welcome one and all.  Following you will find the instructions for the clothing to bring for the LIQUOR STORE & CIA tomorrow.

Everyone should come dressed in their first, best choice based on the descriptions below and bring your other options for us to look at and make the final decisions.  Please bring all your clothing in with you when you check in.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES IN THE CAR!!!!!!!  

We will be playing two screen days tomorrow so everyone should bring enough choices for us to choose two outfits.  We will be choosing both of your looks first thing in the morning and then you will be responsible for remembering and putting on the correct outfit for the applicable screen day.

CIA TECHS are the most casually dressed at the CIA.  You should bring several options of the following in a more neutral palette.  Nothing too light or bright and nothing with a loud pattern.

Khakis/skirts/slacks

Long and short sleeve casual button front shirts/blouses

Long and short sleeve casual pullover shirts/blouses (no tees)

Pullover light weight sweaters and cardigans and sweater vests

Light weight jackets/windbreakers

Hoodies and zip front jackets

Don't forget your shoes to go with these options.

CIA JR & SR ANALYSTS are the mid range of dress at the CIA.  You should bring several options of the following in a neutral palette.  Nothing too light or bright and nothing with a loud pattern

Sport coats/blazers

Khakis/skirts/slacks

Long and short sleeve casual and dress shirts/blouses

Polo shirts

Pullover light weight sweaters and cardigan style sweaters

Don't forget your shoes and other accessories to go with these options.

CIA SUITS are the highest level of dress at the CIA.  You should bring several options of the following:

Medium to dark suits

Ties

Long sleeve dress shirts/blouses

Don't forget your dress shoes and belts to work with these options.

CIA SECURITY

Should wear and bring dark suits (black, navy, dark grey), white dress shirts and dark ties.  Black socks, shoes and belt.

Thanks in advance for joining us tomorrow and for all the great things that I know you will bring.  We look forward to working with and will see you on the set!!

CAPITAL GRILLE / WASHINGTON STANDARD OFFICE 5/28

Greetings from the Costume Dept.  Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!!

We have two locations on Monday and some of you have been booked to play in both places.  Extras Casting will have told you who you are.   Please read the costume instructions for all of the roles that you have been asked to play and bring options for all accordingly.

Everyone should come dressed in your first best choice and bring your other options with you so that we may have a look.  We will be choosing both of your looks in the morning.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES IN THE CAR!  Please bring all of your options for the day with you when you check in in the morning.

CAPITAL GRILLE
This is a power suit restaurant.  The movers and shakers of Washington, DC.  This is a conservative crowd.  Following find instructions for the look for this scene:

MALE POWER SUIT PATRONS
Suits:  Dark (navy, grey, black) can have subtle pinstriping or plaids.  Nothing to bold.
Shirts:  Long sleeve dress shirts in white and cream, pale blue or grey, dress shirts with subtle stripes or check are ok as long as they are not too bold.
Belts and Dress Shoes:  Dark leathers that work with your clothing options.
Ties:  Conservative ties.  Can have color but nothing to bright.  Stripes, paisley, dots, etc, Best to bring several options.

FEMALE POWER SUIT PATRONS
Suits:  Both skirt and pant suits and blazers in dark colors.  Office/business appropriate
Blouses:  Conservative blouses, shirts and shells in neurtal and pale colors.  Office/business appropriate
Accessories:  Jewelry should be conservative and small to medium.  No "statement" pieces.  Scarf options would be good if you have them.  These too should be conservative and not too bright and feel appropriate for the work place.  Purses/briefcases should be conservative and dark.
Shoes:  Dark consevative, closed toe shoes that are business appropriate.  No crazy heel heights or sparkly, strappy things please.  Even a simple black flat is more appropriate than overly dressy shoes.

WAITERS/WAITRESS
You will be given parts of your costume by the restaurant.  You will be bringing the other pieces.  I am going to write the specifics from the restaurant manual.
Shirt- White, long sleeve cotton blend shirt, pressed.  NO BUTTONS on the collar.  Clean, wrinkle free and in good condition.
Pants- Black dress pants, pleated or flat front, full length, no bell-bottoms, no metal studs, no slits, no hip huggers or low riders, not outside pockets or stitching, no baggy or tight-fitting pants, must be a natural fit.  Must be correct length and hemmed appropriately.  No denim.
Belt- Solid black leather or fabric 1inch, no weave or stud designs; silver or gold or black buckle, no large buckle.
Shoes- Black enclosed heel and toe.  Lace up dress shoes for men or lace up all black sneakers, black flats or all black lace up sneakers for women.
Socks- Black must cover ankle bone.

HOSTESS
Should wear and bring options an all black solid dress with sleeves or an all black skirt and blouse with sleeves.  There should be no other colors or emblems.  Conservative, nothing too short or low cut.  Think funeral rather than night club.  Shoes should also be conservative black, closed heel and toe, low heels or black closed heel and toe flats.

COOKS
Will be from the Capitol Grille and will be providing their own uniforms.

WASHINGTON STANDARD NEWSPAPER OFFICE
Some of you have been chosen to be Reporters as well.  Please read the following and bring options for this look as well.  The general look is business casual, but please bring lots of options as we want to make everyone look different.  The color palette for this should be more neutral to dark.  Grey, brown, burgunday, dark green, navy, tan, teal, purple, black.  Pattern and texture is great, like checks and plaids and stripes, but make sure all patterns are simple, subtle and not too bold.  Solid colors are good too!!

MALE REPORTERS
Please wear and bring options of the following in the colors and styles described above:
Sport coats, light weight jackets, cardigan sweaters, pullover sweaters, sweater vests, casual vests
Long and short sleeve casual and dress button front shirts that could be worn alone or with a jacket or sweater
Polo shirts in medium to dark colors
Long sleeve plain tees in medium to dark colors
Nice, non-faded basic jeans without holes
Khakis
Dress slacks
Cargo pants
Casual and Dress shoes and belts to work with your clothing options

FEMALE REPORTERS
Please wear and bring options of the following in the colors and styles described above:
Blazers and light weight jackets, cardigan and pullover light weight sweaters, vests and sweater vests
Long and short sleeve casual and dress shirts and blouses to wear alone or with a jacket or sweater
Polo shirts and plain long sleeve tees in medium to dark colors
Nice, non-faded basic jeans without holes.  Not too tight!
Khaki pants
Dress slacks
Cargo pants
Casual and Dress shoes and belt and accessories to work with your clothing options.

DC COPS
You will be provided a uniform by the Costume Dept.  Please bring with you a white, crew neck short sleeve tee shirt, black socks and solid black sneakers, lace up or ankle boots.

Thank you in advance for making sure to bring all the great options!  We look forward to meeting you and we will.... see you on the Set!

EXT SAUL'S HOUSE 5/24

WE'RE BACK!!!!  To all of you who are returning to work with us, we look forward to seeing you again!  To all of you who are new to our little family, welcome!

For those of you who know how this works, please indulge me.  If you are new to the game, please let me take a minute to explain the purpose and importance of this blog.

This blog is only for Background Player costume information.  There will be no information about call times or locations on this blog; that will come from another department.  You will receive direction on the types of clothing to bring, what season we are working in for our story, the color palette that we would like to see, what level of dress or casual, and any other pertinent info regarding your costumes as Background Players.  This allows us to speak directly to you and not go through Extras Casting, thereby insuring that you are getting the exact message that we want you to have.  We want you to look great and we know that you want the same.  This blog helps that happen by making sure that you are bringing just what we need and you can then be front and center with confidence.

There will  be times when you read the blog and think "I'm not sure I have what they want!"
Please just go to your closet and pack what you have that is the closest match to what the blog describes.  We would rather you bring something, even if you are not sure, than nothing at all.  We can then add to your things, if necessary, to make it work.  More often than not when folks have shown up with what they think is not the "right thing," we have been able to make it work and make it look good.

One final thing... you should always come dressed in your first, best choice of the look described.  This helps us with time in the mornings.  You should always bring at least three options of the looks described; one that you are wearing and at least two others.

So... on with the show!   SAUL'S HOUSE
NEIGHBOR W/CAR
Both men and women should wear and bring options of nice casual clothing and business clothing.  The time of day in the story is morning around 8:00 am.  This could mean casual to walk the dog or on the way to work.  Please bring both so that we can mix it up.  We are shooting what we like to call "Eternal Spring."  This means nothing too heavy but with a mix of long and short sleeves, have light weight jackets and light weight Spring sweaters as well.  The color palette is one of Spring.  Paler colors rather than the very bright and saturated colors of Summer.  Also tan, brown, grey, moss green, burgundy, navy and other colors that would be considered neutrals are good.  Pattern and texture are great but should not be too bold or large.  This is a nice, conservative, upscale neighborhood in the suburbs of Washington, DC to give you some context.  Most of these folks probably belong to the Country Club.
No shorts and no open toed shoes, please.  Ladies, conservative jewelry is most appropriate.
Thanks in advance for bringing all the great things that I know you will.  See you on the set!!

A THOUSAND THANK YOUS!

It's hard to believe that we are already at the end of another season!  This one seemed to go faster than the last one.... so that must mean it was good.

Actually, it was not good, but great!  And part of that is due to all of you!!  On behalf of myself and the rest of the Costume Department let me say THANK YOU!!

For all of the early morning calls and late night stays,
For packing up your entire closet in a garment bag, time and time again,
For cheerfully showing up on time,
For understanding and putting up with us when things were hectic and we might have been less than kind,
For faithfully reading the blog and following the instructions you found there,
For caring enough to want to get it right!

For all of these and countless other reasons, I have to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you that was a part of our background on HOMELAND SEASON 2.  Simply put, we could not have done this without you!

I have worked on many shows in many places and I can say without reservation that you are the most professional background players I have ever worked with.  Please know that your continued commitment is part of the success of this show.  You should be proud of your work!

It has been our pleasure and privilege to work with you, and I for one am happy to count many of you as friends.  You can't spend that much time with folks and not grow to care about them.  My hope is that you all feel the same about us.

We will miss you but hope to see you again next year for HOMELAND SEASON 3.

Here's wishing you all safe and happy holidays, continued success in the new year, and hopes that we will all see each other again soon.  It can't be said enough, but once last time will have to suffice... THANK YOU!

Friday 11/2 CIA

Hello and welcome.  Following you will find the information that you need in your role as a Background Player on Friday, 11/2

Everyone should read carefully all instructions and categories that apply to you.

Everyone should come dressed in their first, best choice based on the descriptions below and bring your other options for us to look at and make the final decisions.  Please bring all your clothing in with you when you check in.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES IN THE CAR!!!!!!!

Most everyone will be playing more than one role.  Please read the instructions for all of the roles that you will be playing and bring the items for each role.  We will try to make all the choices at the beginning of the day.  

If you think that you will be cold, you should bring warm clothing/coats that you can wear off camera.  The Costume Dept will be unable to provide warming clothing.

NOTE:  Most everyone will be a Morgue Body.  Some of you will be specific Morgue Body Arm or Morgue Body Leg.  Please make sure that you are reading the appropriate category and bringing the items from that category.  All Morgue Body categories will be at the end of the blog. I will designate with each category whether you will be a Morgue Body first or not so that everyone can come dressed in the right things for the beginning of the day.

MEMORIAL GUESTS  will dress as this first then change to Morgue Body.  MEMORIAL GUESTS should come in the clothing that they wore to the Memorial Service scenes on Monday, 10/29.  If you did not work on Monday, please review the following and bring the appropriate options.

FEMALE MEMORIAL GUESTS should wear and bring upscale, dark clothing.  Dresses, two piece skirt suits and pant suits, pashminas and wraps, jackets and cardigans that could work with your dresses.  We do not want everyone in all black.  Please bring black and things other than black.  Navy, dark grey and other dark colors that are appropriately somber would be great options to bring.  Blouses for your suits I am going to be more specific about.  You should bring a white or cream colored option and an option in a soft color like pale blue, pink, etc.  Also please bring an option that has some small detail or pattern, like a stripe or subtle graphic.  Shoes should be conservative and appropriate for the occasion.  Jewelry should also be conservative.  This is a Washington D C Memorial service and you are the Society women, Senators and other special D C ladies.  The look is conservative and traditional.  Think St John, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, etc.

MALE MEMORIAL GUESTS should wear and bring choices of a dark suit in black, navy, dark grey, etc.  I need for everyone to specifically bring the following for your shirt options.  A white or cream colored choice, a choice in a pale color like light blue, pink, tan, etc, and an option that has a stripe or subtle check.  For your ties choices we would like to see ties that have some appropriate color like burgundy, greens, blues (nothing too bright), and some darker ties like black, navy, grey, etc.  We are wanting everyone to be able to look more somber if necessary or a bit more colorful if necessary.  This will keep us from having everyone look exactly alike.  Don't forget your dark dress shoes and belt to work with your options.  Remember, this is a Memorial service in Washington D C and you men are the Senators and Congressmen, Lobbyists and other movers and shakers.  The look is conservative and traditional.  Think Brooks Bros.

MEMORIAL GUESTS both MEN & WOMEN should also bring a pair of dark slacks and  choices of long sleeve button front shirts/blouses.  You will be used whenever we need additional "plain clothes" people.

DOCTORS / NURSES will be Morgue Body first then change into the following:

Doctors and Nurses will be given scrubs by the Costume Dept.  You should also bring with you options of dark long sleeve tees/thermals to wear under the scrubs

cardigan sweaters/light weight jackets

dark sneakers and dark socks

CIA AGENTS /CIA GUARD SECURITY / SAUL'S DRIVER will be Morgue Body first then change into the following:

CIA Agent / Saul's Driver should wear and bring dark suits (black, navy, dark grey), white dress shirts and dark ties.  Black socks, shoes and belt.

NATIONAL GUARD Four of the National Guard will dress as this first then become Morgue Body.  Four will be Morgue Body first then become National Guard.  Tona will let you know which is which.

National Guard will be given a uniform by the Costume Dept.  You should bring with you a black tee shirt to under dress, if necessary, and a pair of black socks.

VA STATE TROOPERS will be Troopers first and then become Morgue Body.

VA State Troopers   will be given a uniform by the Costume Dept.  You should bring with you a black tee shirt to under dress, if necessary, and a pair of black socks.

SURVIVORS will be Morgue Body Arms and Morgue Body Legs first, become a DEAD BODY, then be changed into the following:

Survivors will be given pre-distressed clothing by the Costume Dept.  These clothes are dark and have been painted to look as if they have dust, ash and mud splatters on them.  You will need to wear your own dark  dress shoes and belts.  We will be putting a stage dust on your shoes and belts.  It will clean off, but I suggest that you don't bring your nicest ones for this portion.

Men should wear tee shirts and underwear that you don't mind having stage blood on.  I recommend that you bring additional underthings to change into before going home, and a plastic bag to put your others in.

Women should wear nude or dark bras (NOT white) and panties that you do not mind having stage blood on.  I recommend that you bring additional underthings to change into before going home, and a plastic bag to put your others in.

As you will be Morgue Body Arms and Legs also, you should bring clothing that you can put on over the make up at the end of the day.  This should be clothing that you don't mind soiling.  You may not be able to take the make up off until you return home.  I also recommend that you bring a towel or something to sit on in your car.

DEAD BODY will be from our Morgue Body group and will be used in many different places, but will be covered with a sheet.

MORGUE BODY will be covered with a sheet in the makeshift morgue.  You should wear and bring long sleeve solid black turtleneck, long sleeve solid black tees, long black pants and black socks.  We need the shadow of dark underneath the sheet.  'Also please bring black tights if you have them

MORGUE BODY ARMS & LEGS will be covered with a sheet but have a limb exposed to show the burning.  You should wear and bring both long sleeve solid black turtleneck or long sleeve solid black tee and a short sleeve solid black tee. You should also bring both black shorts and black pants.  Also please bring black socks and black tights if you have them. 

Thank you in advance for joining us tomorrow and bringing not only your great clothes... but your great attitude as well!!  It will be messy and dirty.... and a lot of fun.  Think of it as an extended Halloween!!

See you on the set!!