Derek Baskerville has 35-years of experience in the Costume industry. From theatre to film, he has experienced it all and has incredible stories to tell. Derek teaches The Cut Fashion Academy’s Basic Costuming for Film and Television Program. We can tell you from the amount of head turns we see in the studio when he’s teaching, he keeps it interesting!

Crazy Moments & Best Tips from Derek

Introduce yourself and share with us how you got into Costume for Film!

My first film project was as an Assistant Costume Designer on the now-iconic Canadian mini-series - Anne of Green Gables. At that time I was the Assistant to the Resident Costume Designer for Hart House Theatre. She was asked to do it and we did the mini-series between seasons at the theatre. It turned out to be very successful and won many awards. I was not immediately smitten and then spent several years working at The Stratford Shakespearean Festival, The Shaw Festival, and The Canadian Opera Company.

While at the Opera Company I was headhunted to look after a celebrity movie star's costumes because I had a reputation for taking good care of ‘divas.’ That project marked my return to the Film & Television industry, where I have worked, with a few sojourns into theatre, for approximately 35 years.

What's one thing most people don't know about you?

Although I mention it occasionally, my first career was as a performer. I studied dance from childhood along with acting and figure skating. I took up ice dancing and syncro. Skating in the Master’s Division after I was settled in my freelance Costuming career. For three years in the 1990's my skating partner and I were Canadian National Masters level champions.

What's the craziest experience you've had working in Costume for Film?

 I have had so many unique experiences in the film industry that it would be hard to single out just one. I have been fortunate to travel to shooting locations across America, Europe and Africa on private jets owned by movie stars and film corporations. An experience I never ever, in my wildest dreams, thought would be something that I would experience.

A crazy experience might be when filming the Heaven sequence in What Dreams May Come, watching the work of fresco painters flown in from Italy putting the final touches on the stucco walls and steps of three World War II airplane hangers (on Treasure Island in San Francisco) that had been flooded and turned into a set resembling the canals of Venice, but in heaven. I watched, and participated in getting 100+ extras dressed in historic costumes from all eras, clothed in a specific shade of golden/yellow, then placed into sailboats and upon staircases in Heaven. Then we began to shoot and three days later we were filming the Hell sequence, on a beach littered with 100's of maimed (Special Effects make-up) bodies as the cast stepped over the bodies to board a decommissioned US Navy aircraft carrier. All in a week's work!

What are your three biggest tips for students trying to break into the industry?

 Make sure you have the skills that the industry will demand and a variety of skills that will be drawn upon constantly. You must be tenacious, and be available (with all your skills) when the demand is highest. That is when new technicians get a chance. Try to say Yes! every time you get a job offer.

What does it take to be successful in Costume?

 Success is very similar to the skills needed. Keep upgrading your skills, as the projects change and the industry evolves. Keep your resume, network, and portfolio up to date and always strive for your personal best on every project! Producers notice these things, and it is their job to select the best and brightest for every project.

What is something you've learned about the industry along with your career that was a surprise to you?

 My personal surprise: That your colleagues are not always your friends! Although you may be very fond and friendly with your colleagues, I've had to learn (repeatedly) that when it comes to freelance work, many would rather lose a friend than lose a job.  Even after 35 years, this still shocks and surprises me. Some people, like myself, are perpetually naive. I would caution, "Don't let that be you!" Also, I'm always surprised by how average many celebrities are when you meet them.  They usually want to know all the same things you would when arriving in a new town.  Where to eat?  Where to get healthy food?  Where to get a good massage/nails/hair/dog walker/entertain kids/etc.  Also, I'm always surprised by how much smaller they are than their on-screen personas. The magic that they bring to the camera is always an enigma for me.

We’re excited to have Derek at The Cut Fashion Academy and can’t wait to hear more of his riveting stories and experiences.

Read more about our Basic Costume for Film and Television here.

If you have any questions about our programs send an email to: admissions@the-cuttingroom.com