
Advertise on podcast: Tales From A Costume Designer
Rating
5from
This podcast has
23 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Whitney Anne AdamsExplicit
No
Date created
2024/01/25
Latest episode
2025/09/22
Average duration
79 min.
Release period
39 days
Description
Join professional costume designer Whitney Anne Adams as she interviews fellow costume designers, costume department members and filmmakers from across the industry. Questions for future guests can be submitted at the TFACD Patreon page.
Unlock Tales From A Costume Designer podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Tales From A Costume Designer podcast
ANNIE SPONG - Intimacy Coordinator
2025/09/22
This week's guest is Intimacy Coordinator & Costumer Annie Spong! We had a fantastic discussion all about Intimacy Coordination: the origins, the nuance of the job, the process, the intersection with costumes, intimacy riders, different types of modesty garments, and so much more! Annie also co-hosts a fantastic Intimacy Coordination podcast called Romancing the Screen - check it out through the link below. There's a LOT of great links in the show notes today, so be sure to take a look.
---
If you want to support me and this podcast, please subscribe to the Patreon - we have tiers starting at just $3 and you will get access to extended cuts of every episode with more even more stories. If you enjoy the show, please consider helping others find it by writing a five star review on your podcast app of choice.
---
Intimacy Coordinator Annie Spong
Credits include: The Patient, Beef, Saint X, Dave, Rebel, Perry Mason
---
Annie Spong, MFA (Pratt Institute, NYC), is an Intimacy Coordinator for television, film, and advertising, bringing decades of award-winning experience as a costume designer and wardrobe stylist. Her seamless transition into intimacy coordination is rooted in years of firsthand advocacy for on-set safety and talent support. Often the first to respond to unspoken needs in production, Annie naturally stepped into the role of safeguarding boundaries long before the industry formalized the position.
With a reputation for professionalism, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving, Annie collaborates with directors, producers, and performers to choreograph intimate scenes with integrity and care. Her production fluency and deep commitment to consent-forward storytelling make her an invaluable asset on set. She is passionate about cultivating a safe, inclusive, and dynamically creative work environment for all collaborators.
---
Annie Spong Links
IMDB: Annie Spong
Instagram: @annie__intimacycoordinator
Website: AnnieSpong.com
Podcast: Romancing the Screen Podcast
Website: Annie @ IntimacyCoordinator.me
SAG-AFTRA: Intimacy Coordinator Resources
SAG-AFTRA: Sex, Nudity and You PDF
SAG-AFTRA: Quick Guide for Scenes Involving Nudity and Simulated Sex PDF
SAG-AFTRA: Recommended Standards for Qualifications, Training & Vetting of Intimacy Coordinators PDF
SAG-AFTRA: List of Certified IC's
Website: Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
YouTube: Annie's Intimacy Coordination Class at the CDG
---
Modesty Garment Links:
Covvier
Intimask
Unclockable
K-Tape
The Costume Source
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
BOOK CLUB: THE COSTUMES OF HOLLYWOOD with Co-Authors Coleen Scott and Larry McQueen
2025/09/08
This week episode is a special Book Club episode digging into the brand new book The Costumes of Hollywood with co-authors Coleen Scott & Larry McQueen! We cover Larry's extensive collection, the creation of the book, the importance of preserving Hollywood history and maintaing the legacy of Costume Designers and their teams, advice for Costume Designers on archiving their own pieces and so much more!
The Costumes of Hollywood details the design, creation, and influence of over 100 ensembles from some of the most iconic designers, films, and roles in Hollywood history, spanning the 1920s through the early 21st century. All costumes featured are from The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design, one of the world's largest private collections, curated over thirty-five years by leading Hollywood costume historian and archivist, Larry McQueen.
The book presents full costumes on display in addition to close-ups, and rarely seen interior details of some garments. Iconic costumes, including many with Academy Award nominations, from Some Like It Hot, Hello Dolly, Cabaret, Rear Window, Ben Hur, Mildred Pierce, Angel, Masters of the Universe, The Piano, The Hunger Games, and so many others are featured. This book gives the audience a rare and heretofore unpublished insight into what collecting, restoring, and reproducing entails, and highlights differences between private collecting and museum-backed collections. The Costumes of Hollywood details the significance of the designer, costume, and wearer via thorough research, interviews, and Larry McQueen's behind-the-scenes knowledge of collecting and working as an archivist in Hollywood.
Within the entertainment field, this book will be of interest to professional costume designers and technicians in film, theatre, and performance, as well as students of film production, history, and costume design and construction. The Costumes of Hollywood will also enrich and entertain anyone with an interest in costume design in film and collecting.
—
If you want to support me and this podcast, please subscribe to the Patreon - we have tiers starting at just $3 and you will get access to extended cuts of every episode with more even more stories.
---
The Costumes of Hollywood: Highlights from The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design
Written by Coleen Scott & Larry McQueen
---
Larry McQueen is a leading Hollywood costume historian and archivist. He has held the position of consultant for Camden House Auctioneers, Inc. in Los Angeles; Christie's East, New York: Christie's London; Butterfield and Butterfield Los Angeles/ San Francisco; Entertainment Rarities; and Julien Entertainment.
As consultant, he has been responsible for the authentication of film costumes and the estimation of their value. From 1999-2012, Mr. McQueen worked as an archivist with MGM/ UA in creating and maintaining a prop and costume collection of MGM films. In addition, his collection has worked with private estates and costume houses such as Lucille Ball, Jane Withers, Edith Head, Wayne Finkleman, Julie Newmar, Debbie Reynolds, Western Costume Company, Eastern Costume Company, CRC, American Costume Co., and others in researching items and their valuation. Mr. McQueen's private collection of film costumes is one the finest, and consists of over 600 costumes worn in films and television from 1920 to present. Portions of his collection have been exhibited in museums across the globe including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Fashion Foundation in Tokyo, and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Website: www.filmcostumecollection.com.
Coleen Scott is a costume designer and historian with an MFA in Costume Design from Boston University, where she received the Kahn award upon graduation. She has worked for over 25 years in theater, opera, film, and television. She has worked with Academy Award-winning costume designer Ann Roth as well as designers Stephanie Maslansky and Tina Nigro. She frequently works with her creative partner and photographer, Ben Trivett, doing styling, set decoration, and photo tech for celebrity and editorial portrait photography.
Coleen taught Costume Production and Makeup for Stage and Studio at Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn, NY for thirteen years. Her book The Costumes of Burlesque was published by Routledge in 2019. She is a proud member of lATSE, USA 829, USITT, and is Chair of The Costume Society of America's Western Region. Coleen is tenured faculty in the Theatre Arts and Fashion Department at Santa Rosa Junior College in California heading the Costume Design, Technology and Makeup programs. Website: www.coleenscottdesign.com.
CoH Links:
Book Link @ Routledge
Website: The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design
Podcast (Apple Podcasts): The Costumes of Hollywood Podcast
Podcast (Spotify): The Costumes of Hollywood Podcast
Instagram: @CostumesofHollywood
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
KATHLEEN FELIX-HAGER - Costume Designer
2025/08/25
This week's episode features the fantastic costume designer Kathleen Felix-Hager. We dig into her start in the world of costumes on the epic film Waterworld, the love for our costume teams, using her grandmother as one of her inspirations for Jean Smart's Deborah Vance in Hacks, the unexpected logistical issues that come with cross-boarding, the joy of contemporary research, what we look for when we're hiring new staff members, and so much more!
---
*We had some cute puppy barks and gardening noises in the background, so don't be alarmed if you hear them a few times!
---
If you want to support me and this podcast, please subscribe to the Patreon - we have tiers starting at just $3 and you will get access to extended cuts of every episode with more even more stories.
---
Costume Designer Kathleen Felix-Hager
Credits include: Dexter, Veep, Hacks, Space Force, Happiest Season, Downhill
---
Kathleen Felix-Hager is a costume designer, currently working in both television and feature film. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her career on the film Waterworld, and fell in love with the art of storytelling through costumes. She has designed the costumes on several award-winning television shows, including Dexter, Veep and Hacks. She received an Emmy for Contemporary Costumes for her work on Hacks.
Photo by Chris Hager
---
Kathleen Felix-Hager
IMDB: Kathleen Felix-Hager
Instagram: @kfhager
Website: Kathleen Felix-Hager
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
BOOK CLUB: BREAKING INTO NEW HOLLYWOOD with Co-Author Ada Tseng
2025/08/11
This week episode is a special Book Club episode digging into the brand new book Breaking Into New Hollywood: A Career Guide to a Changing Industry with Co-Author Ada Tseng. Come listen as we highlight the special features in this book and what went into bringing it to life. I'm honored to be featured in the Costume Design section of this book (along with this very podcast!) and it was a blast to turn the tables on Ada who interviewed me — now I get to interview her!
---
If you want to support me and this podcast, please subscribe to the Patreon - we have tiers starting at just $3 and you will get access to extended cuts of every episode with more even more stories.
---
Breaking Into New Hollywood: A Career Guide to a Changing Industry
Written by Ada Tseng & Jon Healy. Presented by the Los Angeles Times.
---
Ada Tseng is the co-author of the upcoming book Breaking Into New Hollywood, with Jon Healey. She co-hosts the Asian American pop culture history podcast, Saturday School, with Brian Hu.
A former editor at the Los Angeles Times, Ada covers culture, lifestyle, health, style and travel. Her bylines include National Geographic, Center of Asian American Media, Women's Wear Daily, HowStuffWorks, The Washington Post, Public Radio International, NBC, LA Weekly, Asia Pacific Arts, Audrey Magazine and more.
Headshot photo by Leo Wu @wugrapher
The Los Angeles Times
Published since 1881, The Los Angeles Times is the sixth-largest newspaper by circulation in the United States, as well as the largest newspaper in the western United States.
Ada Tseng & Book Links:
Simon & Schuster: Breaking into New Hollywood
LA Times: Want to break into Hollywood? Read this book
Instagram: @adatseng88
Saturday School Podcast
Substack: Ada Tseng
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
TONY GARDNER - SFX Makeup Artist, Designer & Puppeteer
2025/08/04
This week's episode features the incredible designer Tony Gardner! I was lucky enough to work with Tony on Freaky and we overlapped on the Happy Death Day series. We dig into his illustrious career from his professional start on Michael Jackson's Thriller music video through his most recent projects like Heart Eyes. We talk about collaborating with costume designers on Hocus Pocus, designing the helmets for Daft Punk, and finding places for his disembodied head to have a cameo. And so much more!
---
New Release Day! New episodes will now be dropping on Mondays both on the Patreon and publicly to streamline things so I can get more episodes out. The Patreon episodes will still be longer than the public versions with more stories and anecdotes. I release a longer cut of each episode there with more even more stories than the public versionIf you want to support me and this podcast, please head over and subscribe to the Patreon.
---
SFX Makeup Artist, Designer and Puppeteer Tony Gardner
Credits include: Heart Eyes, 127 Hours, Hocus Pocus, Hairspray, MTV's Jackass, The Addams Family and Zombieland films, as well as the CHUCKY film franchise and recent TV series.
---
Tony Gardner is an American makeup effects designer, special effects artist, and filmmaker. He has designed and created effects for multiple feature films, including Heart Eyes, 127 Hours, Hocus Pocus, Hairspray, MTV's Jackass, The Addams Family and Zombieland films, as well as the CHUCKY film franchise and recent TV series.
Gardner's Alterian Studios created the signature helmets for Daft Punk as well as the animatronic robot DJ for the duo's "Technologic" music video. He wrote and directed Daft Punk's music video for the song "The Prime Time of Your Life," and associate produced and populated a world full of robots for the duo's feature-length directorial debut, Daft Punk's Electroma.
Alterian's makeup effects for Johnny Knoxville's character in Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa were nominated for an Academy Award as well as a Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Guild Award, and won the Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Guild Award for Best Special Makeup Effects in the Feature Film category the year it was released.
Beyond the film-making arena, Gardner and Alterian also designed and created the popular GEICO Cavemen characters as well as the current iteration of Smokey Bear for the US Forestry Department.
Tony Gardner Links:
IMDB: Tony Gardner
Instagram: @tonygardner
Website: Alterian Inc
Instagram: @alterianinc
YouTube: Flesh & Blood & Bone Podcast
Fangoria: Flesh & Blood & Bone
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
Summer Check-In
2025/07/23
Hello everyone! It's hard to fathom how quickly time has passed and now how long it's been since my last episode. This quick little episode talks about what's been going on in my life and the industry in the time since. I hope you all do the homework I assign to you! Sending much love to all of you out there.
---
If you want to support the work that I do or you want to be a part of my little community, you can meet me over on our Patreon page. I have a free membership tier too so it doesn't have to cost any money at all. When I get back to releasing episodes (will be asap!) — I release a longer cut of each episode there with more even more stories than the public version. I also host a monthly movie watching party on my Patreon and share fun costume trivia and behind the scenes facts for each film.
---
Whitney Anne Adams is a Costume Designer who has worked on several internationally acclaimed films, many of which have been featured at the Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca, and Toronto International Film Festivals. Her credits include The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, Story Ave, Freaky, We Have A Ghost, Happy Death Day 2U, as well as the upcoming film Five Nights at Freddy's 2. Whitney is an active union member of two I.A.T.S.E locals: the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892 and United Scenic Artists, Local 829. She is passionate about advocating for the essential art of costume design.
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
CDG at Comic-Con
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
KATIE IRISH - Costume Designer
2024/11/15
This week's episode features my talented friend and colleague, Costume Designer Katie Irish. We dig into her roots in theatre (she also started off college pre-med just like myself!) and her transition into film and tv which included taking over designing The Americans. We talk about our union work in United Scenic Artists Local 829 - especially as she and I have been two of the co-chairs of the Pay Equity Task Force for several years. We discuss our recent contract negotiation and the gains made and what more still need to do: especially in regards to our amazing ACDs and CDCs. We also cover her most recent show Manhunt, a 19th Century feast for the eyes, and how she started her research of a period that's quite removed from our present day. And so much more!
---
If you head on over to the Patreon, you'll see that I release episodes there two days before the main podcast feed and some of these episodes will be longer with more even more stories than the public version. If you want to support me and this podcast, feel free to buy me a coffee on ko-fi or subscribe to the Patreon.
---
Costume Designer Katie Irish
Credits include: The Americans, Manhunt, Hit & Run, The Enemy Within
---
Katie Irish is a costume designer best known for her work on seasons 4-6 of the Emmy award winning FX series The Americans. Her most recent project is a miniseries for Apple + entitled Manhunt about the search for John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated Lincoln. In addition to these, Irish has designed Hit & Run for Netflix and The Enemy Within for NBC; the indie features The Widowers and Landing Up; and co-designed the Season 10 semi-finals and finale of NBC's America's Got Talent. She has also designed numerous commercials, short films, and music videos. Earlier in her career, she worked extensively as an assistant and associate designer on Broadway where favorites included Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Jerusalem, Fences, Promises, Promises, The Seagull, Is He Dead?, and Shrek. Originally from Memphis, Katie is an alum of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a MFA in Design for Stage and Film.
Katie Irish Links:
Website: katieirish.com
Instagram: @knirish
IMDb: Katie Irish
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
TINA MABRY - Director, Writer, Producer
2024/10/25
This week's episode features the incredible Director, Writer, Producer Tina Mabry, who I was lucky enough to work with on our film The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat from Searchlight Pictures which just premiered on Hulu in August. Not only do we dig into our work together on The Supremes, we also cover a wide array of topics from cultivating a kindness and respect on set, jumping into directing episodes of television on established tv shows, to coming up with the spark of an idea for a script to and what happens when you a have to cut a two page monologue in favor of a wordless scene so you can make your day. Spoiler alert, it ends up being the right choice. Also, this episode is essential for all those starting out in the industry as Tina gives so much incredible advice. She is such an inspiration!
—
If you head on over to the Patreon, there's an extended cut of this episode. I release episodes there two days before the main podcast feed and these episodes will be longer with more even more stories. If you want to support me and this podcast, feel free to buy me a coffee on ko-fi or subscribe to the Patreon. Thanks for your patience during this past two week delay in getting this episode out: work has been all encompassing the past couple months and will continue to be through February. I'm getting episodes out as quickly as I can!
---
Director, Writer, Producer Tina Mabry
Credits include: writing and directing The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat & Mississippi Damned, serving as a writer, producer and director for both tv series Queen Sugar and Queen of the South, directing episodes of television including Pose, Women of the Movement, and Insecure.
---
Tina Mabry, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, is an award-winning writer, producer, and director. She earned her MFA in Film Production from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. She is known for her work on "Queen Sugar" and on "Queen of the South," where she served as a writer, producer, and director for both series. Her directing credits include "Insecure" (HBO), "Dear White People" (Netflix), and "Pose" (FX). Tina's feature film "Mississippi Damned" won over 13 festival awards. She has received a DGA Award and an NAACP Image Award. Her latest project, "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat," starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, and Uzo Aduba is available to stream on Hulu.
Tina Mabry Links:
Instagram: @tinamabry
Twitter: @tinamabry
IMDb: Tina Mabry
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
KARA LINDSTROM - Production Designer
2024/09/27
Today's episode features Production Designer Kara Lindstrom, who I was lucky enough to work with on our film The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat from Searchlight Pictures which just premiered on Hulu in August. Her impressive and varied career has seen her work as a Set Decorator, Art Director, Screenwriter & Novelist in addition to Production Design. Not only do we dig into our work together on The Supremes, we also cover her beginnings starting with a mentorship from Polly Platt to her career today and what it took to design clean mud and construct trees for her Predator film Prey. And guess what iconic horror film just happened to be her first film job? You'll have to listen to find out! If you head on over to the Patreon, there's an extended cut of this episode with even more stories. I also usually release episodes there two days early!
---
Production Designer Kara Lindstrom
Credits include: The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, Prey, Dear John, Den of Thieves and the upcoming film Novocaine.
---
Kara Lindstrom has worked as a novelist, screenwriter, set decorator and production designer for film and television. She was nominated for an Emmy in writing and has been noticed by Variety as "One of 10 Screenwriters to Watch." Her novel, Sparkle Life was published in 2006 (Other Press). Shorter fiction has been published in Bridge Eight and Black Clock. Twice, she has been a two-time prize winner in the Islands Short Fiction Review (British Columbia, Canada). She has written for many studios, including Paramount, MGM, Universal, DreamWorks, HBO and Warner Brothers. As a set decorator, art director and production designer, she has worked on dozens of projects, including Heathers, French Kiss, Strange Days, The Mambo Kings, Den of Thieves, Dear John, Prey, Nyad, Novocaine. When she's not working on location, she lives in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Kara Lindstrom Link:
KL Website: karalindstrom.com
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
---
Slightly delayed episode release today! I've been quite busy designing my current film which takes priority! A million thanks to my dear friend Corey Culp (also a Patreon member!) for editing this episode for me and helping make it sound fantastic.
LISA SMEDLEY-CALDERON - Costume Designer
2024/09/13
Today's episode features Costume Designer and Fashion Stylist Lisa Smedley-Calderon. We talk about her start in the entertainment industry as a fashion stylist for many musical artists including Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Boyz II Men. We dig into how styling and costume design are two very different jobs that sometimes intersect. Lisa shares what it was like when she had to leave the industry for a decade to take care of her ailing parents and how she decided to transition fully into costume design when she returned. She built her experience by working as a buyer, a costumer, and an ACD on a multitude of projects before starting to head her own teams as a costume designer. If you head on over to the Patreon, there's an extended cut of this episode with even more stories. I also release episodes there two days early!
---
Costume Designer Lisa Smedley-Calderon
Credits include: Color Book, The Waterboyz, Cinnamon, Karen, The First Noelle, How The Gringo Stole Christmas, The Ice Cream Man
---
Lisa Smedley-Calderon, Costume Designer and Fashion Stylist, has built an impressive reputation from styling, creating images for legendary celebrities, to creating characters for commercials, TV series and movies. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, it was her move to California that propelled a whirlwind of working with some of the greatest artists in the entertainment industry. Lisa became known for cultivating styles unique to each clients' personality while adding a hint of her own quirks. Her acute attention to detail marks her signature touch.
While completing her studies in Fashion Merchandising, Lisa became a fashion consultant for Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. While at Saks Fifth, she was referred to the Crystal Agency and began assistant styling and later styling independently as one of the most sought after fashion stylists and is presently working in movies and TV series. Lisa has styled for artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men, and Color Me Badd, as well as award shows such as the Grammy's, American Music Awards, Billboard and MTV Awards. Lisa has evolved in her career as a costume designer on movies and TV series with A-List celebrities. Now with over 20 years of experience in the film and TV industry, Lisa continues to have the same drive and passion she did 20 years ago. When not on a project, Lisa likes to read, travel, and spend time with family.
---
Lisa Smedley-Calderon Links:
LSC Website: fashionstylingbylisa.com
Instagram: @lisaloveslife0229
IMDb: Lisa Smedley-Calderon
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
IATSE IG: @iatse
MICHELLE A. GREEN - Costume Designer
2024/08/30
Today's episode features the Costume Designer Michelle A. Green. We first met through our advocacy work as members of Costume Designers Guild Pay Equity Committee. We cover many topics including the joy of finding the character in the fitting room, the importance of safety, staying true to yourself, as well as making sure our actors in period projects have those trousers pulled up fully to their actual waists! If you head on over to the Patreon, there's an extended cut of this episode with eight more minutes of stories.
---
Costume Designer Michelle Green
Credits include: Queen Sugar, 13 Reasons Why, Son of the South, Valor, Parish
---
Michelle Green is a costume designer who has worked on numerous productions with Netflix, Starz, AMC, and WB. Michelle's work is synonymous with great storytelling. A true artist at heart, Michelle approaches each project with unwavering dedication and a keen eye for detail. Her hands-on approach ensures that every costume not only complements the character but also elevates the storytelling experience. From meticulously selecting fabrics to crafting bespoke designs, Michelle's commitment to excellence shines through in every stitch.
---
Michelle Green Links:
MG Website: michelledesign.net
Instagram: @m.costume.g
IMDb: Michelle Green
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
#NakedWithoutUs Website
Pay Equity Now IG: @payequitynow
Pay Equity Now TikTok: @payequitynow
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
Local USA 829 Pay Equity Task Force IG: @usa829payequity
IATSE IG: @iatse
ROBERT STADD - Visual Effects Supervisor & VFX Producer
2024/08/16
Hello everyone! Today's episode features the Visual Effects Supervisor and Visual Effects Producer Robert Stadd. I was fortunate enough to collaborate with Robert on our Netflix film We Have A Ghost. We get into some fascinating discussions about his work in VFX including the intersection of VFX and Costumes (especially on We Have A Ghost!) as well as covering his extensive film career, and the reasons he turned down Titanic and The Matrix! Also tune in to hear about working on the miniatures for The Crow & Crimson Tide as well how he made a monkey look like he's smoking for The Hangover. If you head on over to the Patreon, there's an extended version of the episode with more tales, like working with Michael Mann, designing his favorite shot from Miami Vice and how some Navy Seals accidentally had their hair turn green on Crimson Tide.
---
VFX Supervisor & VFX Producer Robert Stadd
Credits include: War Dogs, The Hangover Part 2 & Part 3, The Laundromat, Ali, Collateral, Miami Vice, and Public Enemies
---
Robert Stadd has supervised and produced the visual effects for We Have a Ghost, A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting, The Laundromat, Mortal Engines, War Dogs, Hangover Part 2 and Part 3, Public Enemies, Miami Vice, Redline, Collateral, Ali, as well as producing the VFX for Nutty Professor (I & II), Galaxy Quest, Liar Liar, Mighty Joe Young, My Fellow Americans, The Crow, Crimson Tide, The Mask, Hot Shots!, Defending Your Life
Stadd directed Alien Siege for the Sy-Fi Channel, which had their highest viewership in five years when it played. He has directed theater at the Off Main Street theater in Santa Monica as well as the Globe Playhouse in West Hollywood. His webisode, The Ballad of Mary and Ernie has won multiple streaming awards.
---
Robert Stadd Links:
Instagram: @robertstadd
Twitter: @rstadds
IMDb: Robert Stadd
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
IMDb: Whitney Anne Adams
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
#NakedWithoutUs Website
Pay Equity Now IG: @payequitynow
Pay Equity Now TikTok: @payequitynow
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
Local USA 829 Pay Equity Task Force IG: @usa829payequity
IATSE IG: @iatse
DANIEL SELON - Costume Designer
2024/08/02
We are BACK!
---
Hello everyone, hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far. It has been such busy and overwhelming year for me, so I unfortunately haven't been able to get a new episode out til now despite my best efforts. Still a one-woman operation over here! Thrilled to be releasing this fantastic conversation with my dear friend and colleague, the phenomenal Costume Designer Daniel Selon. In addition to being a CD, he has also worked extensively as an Assistant Costume Designer and other roles in the costume department. We discuss so many things, including how we break down a script, the way we build our teams, the way we build our teams, the importance of ACDs, the unusual places inspiration can strike, working in the Marvel universe, and of course CDG Pay Equity as we are one half of the Steering Committee of the CDG Pay Equity Committee.
---
Costume Designer & Assistant Costume Designer Daniel Selon
CD Credits include: Agatha All Along, Dave Made a Maze, numerous projects with comedians Rhett and Link including Good Mythical Morning
ACD Credits include: WandaVision (he's an Emmy winner!), Thor: Love and Thunder, Blue Beetle, Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
---
Daniel Selon Links:
Website: danielselon.com
Instagram: @danielselon
Twitter: @danselon
IMDb: Daniel Selon
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Union Links:
#NakedWithoutUs Website
Pay Equity Now IG: @payequitynow
Pay Equity Now TikTok: @payequitynow
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
Local USA 829 Pay Equity Task Force IG: @usa829payequity
IATSE IG: @iatse
VERA CHOW - Costume Designer
2024/05/24
This week's episode features the imaginative and talented Costume Designer Vera Chow! We had so much fun talking about how we first met, the difference between working in NYC and then working outside of NYC, AAPI representation in filmed media, dealing with tough situations on set, and so much more! I really hope you enjoy this one.
---
Costume Designer Vera Chow
Credits include: The Brothers Sun | The Walking Dead | Boogie | Deadbeat
---
Vera Chow is a costume designer currently most known for her work on Seasons 10 and 11 of AMC's The Walking Dead and Netflix's action/dramedy The Brothers Sun, starring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.
Film, Art and Design, was young Vera's coping mechanism for bullying while growing up as a child in Hong Kong. Therefore, determined to move to the US, she knew she wanted to be a Costume Designer since she was 13. Throughout the 15+ years of her career, Chow has worked on films and series worldwide, spanning from North America, South America, to as far as East Asia and Central Asia. She has covered genres from horror to scifi to romantic comedies, comfortably leaping back and forth from 1 million art films to 100 mill epics.
Vera is known for her penchant to acquire anything from thrift store pieces to bedsheets, and taking everything apart and rebuilding them into entirely reimagined costume changes (to the chagrin of her tailors and agers).
And as Vera's experience grew, she also became an outspoken advocate for AAPI representation for below the line film workers.
---
Vera Chow Links:
Website: verachowdesigns.com
Instagram: @verachowdesigns
Twitter: @verachowdesigns
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Pay Equity Links:
Pay Equity Now IG: @payequitynow
Pay Equity Now TikTok: @payequitynow
Costume Designers Guild IG: @cdglocal892
Local USA 829 Pay Equity Task Force IG: @usa829payequity
United Scenic Artists Local 829 IG: @unitedscenicartists
CHEYENNE FORD - Production Designer
2024/04/05
I am so excited to welcome wonderful Production Designer Cheyenne Ford to the show today. We've worked together on multiple projects including Story Ave, The Caretaker, and The Eyes of My Mother. Cheyenne is also the founder and program director of Art Craft NYC, a program that provides knowledge and training to those interested in becoming entry level in the art department. Applications for the inaugural class are currently open until Saturday April 6th. Head over to their page to get more info!
We had a great conversation that covered so much ground, from mentorship and education to her design process to how much we love the library! And so much more.
---
Production Designer Cheyenne Ford
Credits include: Shiva Baby | Story Ave | Miller's Girl
---
Originally hailing from New Orleans, Cheyenne Ford is a New York City based Production Designer for film and advertising. Her eclectic art dept experience has influenced her process on indie favorites like Shiva Baby, the SXSW 2023 World Premiering Story Ave, and Lionsgate and Point Grey produced Miller's Girl starring Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman. When she's not on set, she's often working with various organizations to educate and mentor newcomers interested in the art department. Most notably, she is set to launch Art Craft NYC, a month-long hands-on training program, with the inaugural class scheduled for Summer 2024.
---
Cheyenne Ford Links:
Cheyenne Ford Website: cheyennedesign.co
CF Instagram: @cheyenne_design
Art Craft NYC Website
Art Craft NYC Instagram: @artcraftnyc
IMDb: Cheyenne Ford
---
TFACD Links:
Patreon: Tales From A Costume Designer
Instagram: @talesfromacostumedesigner
Twitter: @talesfromaCD
TikTok: @talesfromaCD
---
Whitney Anne Adams Links:
Website: whitneyadams.com
Instagram: @WAACostumeDesign
Twitter: @WhitneyAAdams
TikTok: @waacostumedesign
Ko-Fi: @waacostumedesign
---
Pay Equity Links:
Pay Equity Now IG: @payequitynow
Pay Equity Now TikTok: @payequitynow
Costume Designers Guild Instagram: @cdglocal892
Local USA 829 Pay Equity Task Force Instagram: @usa829payequity
Local USA 829 Pay Equity Task Force Twitter: @usa829payequity
United Scenic Artists Local 829 Instagram: @unitedscenicartists
United Scenic Artists Local 829 Twitter: @USA829IATSE
Podcast reviews
Read Tales From A Costume Designer podcast reviews
lojofo555 2024/02/03
Interview with Alexis Forte
The interview was fun and informative. I loved it and loved the interaction of these two designers.
Charlie3gc 2024/02/02
First episode with Alexis Forte
Fantastic! A superstar. Impressive professional in a great discussion/interview. Will be sure to continue to listen to this pod for the inside informa...
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on Tales From A Costume Designer relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

3.917500
The Sports Huddle
Audacy

4.348779
Deadly Nightmares
ID

4.818355
Fleekazoid
fleeksie

511358
DILF (Dad I'd Like To Friend)
Kevin Seldon

5175291
The Teacher Pivot
Aubree Malick | Teacher Transition

4.734411
The Frankston Murders
Casefile Presents

4.9194161
Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd
Eddy Joe Gutierrez, MD

4.717311
Time Capsule: The Silver Chain
Diversity Hire Ltd | CYSA

4.726136
Boob to Food - The Podcast
Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

3.634102
Giants Gameday
KNBR | Cumulus Media San Francisco