Hello and welcome to everyone. Following you will find the descriptions of the things that we would like for you to bring for your work as Background Players on Tuesday, 6/4
First, a bit of housekeeping to make sure that everyone knows how this works...
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.
We are shooting Spring. Your choices should have both and long and short sleeve options. They should also include light weight layers such as cardigans, light weight windbreakers, etc.
We would prefer the colors of Spring; softer, more muted colors, rather that the bright, bold colors of Summer.
We are shooting 3 different screen days. This means that you should bring enough options for us to put together 3 different looks for everyone.
Some of you are playing multiple roles. Please read the descriptions for each role and bring options of the appropriate clothes for each role.
We will be shooting tomorrow, Rain or Shine. So please include an umbrella and light rain jacket should we need one.
One more thing... please read the note that I am posting from the Props Department and bring any of these things that you have.
PHILADELPHIA PLAYGROUND
PASSERBY & PARENTS should all wear and bring casual clothing to include non-ripped nice jeans, khakis, skirts, long and short sleeve casual shirts and tops, cardigan sweaters, light weight sweaters and light weight jackets. Pattern and texture is great, just nothing too busy or bold.
Don't forget your shoes and belts and other accessories to work with your options.
KIDS should all wear and bring play clothes for the Spring. Please include both long and short pants and long and short sleeves, the same as the parents. Please avoid obvious logos and specific branding; Disney, Sponge Bob, etc, as there are clearance issues. Simple basic play clothes like the Gap or Target.
Include non-ripped, basic jeans, khaki or cargo pants and shorts
Long and short sleeve tees and tops
Pants and skirts and dresses for the girls
Comfortable shoes that they can actually play in.
They will be on a playground so the options need to be things that they can navigate the playground equipment in.
Please also include light layer items like cardigans, hoodies, and a light rain jacket, should the weather not be cooperative.
BUS DRIVERS should wear and bring a long sleeve, plain white button front dress shirt, a plain white polo shirt and a pair of dark pants, navy or black. Solid black shoes and black socks.
NATIONAL MALL
PASSERBY & PARENTS The passerby in this scene could be either a tourist or a Washington business type. So please bring options of both of the following and we will decide on the day.
Tourist looks should include casual clothing to include non-ripped nice jeans, khakis, skirts, long and short sleeve casual shirts and tops, cardigan sweaters, light weight sweaters and light weight jackets. Pattern and texture is great, just nothing too busy or bold.
Business looks should include suits, sport coats/blazers, dress slacks/skirts, long sleeve dress shirts and blouses in lighter colors. Ties may have have color, just nothing too bold or bright. Jewelry should be conservative and understated.
Don't forget your shoes and belts and other accessories to work with your options.
Remember this is a different screen day than the Philadelphia Playground so we will need to choose a different outfit.
KIDS should all wear and bring play clothes for the spring. Please include both long and short pants and long and short sleeves, the same as the parents. Please avoid obvious logos and specific branding; Disney, Sponge Bob, etc, as there are clearance issues. Simple basic play clothes like the Gap or Target.
Include non-ripped, basic jeans, khaki or cargo pants and shorts
Long and short sleeve tees and tops
Pants and skirts and dresses for the girls
Comfortable shoes
Please also include light layer items like cardigans, hoodies, and a light rain jacket, should the weather not be cooperative. Remember this is a different screen day than the Playground so we will need to choose a different outfit.
VENDORS Please bring and wear options of Khakis and other Dockers Style casual pants. Also please bring choices of solid colored polo shirts. Belts and casual shoes to work with your options.
CABBIES should wear and bring casual clothing like non-ripped jeans, khakis, long and short sleeve casual shirts and tops. Caps without logos would be great if you have them. Also vests and light weight jackets.
CONSTITUTION AVE
PASSERBY The passerby in this scene could be either a tourist or a Washington business type. So please bring options of both of the following:
Tourist looks should include casual clothing to include non-ripped nice jeans, khakis, skirts, long and short sleeve casual shirts and tops, cardigan sweaters, light weight sweaters and light weight jackets. Pattern and texture is great, just nothing too busy or bold.
Business looks should include suits, sport coats/blazers, dress slacks/skirts, long sleeve dress shirts and blouses in lighter colors. Ties may have have color, just nothing too bold or bright. Jewelry should be conservative and understated.
Don't forget your shoes and belts and other accessories to work with your options.
Remember this is a different screen day than the Philadelphia Playground so we will need to choose a different outfit.
CABBIES should wear and bring casual clothing like non-ripped jeans, khakis, long and short sleeve casual shirts and tops. Caps without logos would be great if you have them. Also vests and light weight jackets.
This is a different screen day from the National Mall so we will need to choose a different outfit.
CAPITOL POLICE will be given a uniform by the Costume Dept. Please return with the exact items of your own that you brought and wore, if any, for the Senate Hearing Room on Monday, 6/3. We want you to look exactly the same as that day.
SENATE HALLWAY
SENATE AIDES & LOBBYISTS should bring several options of the following:
Medium to Dark Suits
Sport coats/blazers
khakis/ dress slacks/ skirts
long sleeve dress shirts/blouses in light colors
ties that are not too bold.
dress shoes and belts to work with your options
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.
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.
SECRETARY should bring options of business appropriate blouses, skirts, dresses, cardigan sweaters and light jackets. Appropriate shoes to work with your options. Also please make sure that your rain jackets will work with this kind of look.
CAPITOL POLICE will be given a uniform by the Costume Dept. Please return with the exact items of your own that you brought and wore, if any, for the Senate Hearing Room on Monday, 6/3. We want you to look exactly the same as that day.
NOTES FROM THE PROPS DEPARTMENT
For the Parents of the Playground kids please bring all the stuff that belongs with that age kid. Backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. If you will have any younger kids in tow please bring the requisite strollers, diaper bags, etc.
For the Passerby and other exterior scenes please bring the things that the typical Tourist and Business folks would carry. Cameras, backpacks, briefcases, umbrellas.
REMINDER: We will shoot rain or shine so please bring an umbrella that is not to bright in color and a light weight rain coat.
Thanks in advance for all the great things that we know you will bring. This will be a big day and we will have lots of changes to choose and to keep up with, but I know that you can do it!! We look forward to working with you and we will .... See you on the Set!
