The film and TV industry is replete with exciting and rewarding jobs that work together to bring each production to life. As part of our Industry Jobs blog series, we interviewed Trina Brown, costume coordinator for CBS’ “Blue Bloods,” just one of the outstanding TV series filmed at Broadway Stages. Read on to learn about Trina’s background and experience, industry career path, and to get her valuable advice to anyone considering the career – in her own words. Read more about the Costume Designer role in our recent blog.

How long have you been working in the film/TV industry?
I’ve been working in the tv/film industry for about 6-7 years now.

How long have you been working as a costume designer?
I’ve done costume design for non-union films for about six years, but I’ve been on union films as a production assistant and now a costume coordinator for about two years.

What made you want to work in the film/TV industry?
I initially went to school for fashion design to be a clothing designer in pursuance of having my own clothing line. I realized early on that I wasn’t that passionate or having fun designing clothes for people, but I knew that I loved dressing people. I began styling my friends and family and realized I had a knack for it. One of my friends, who happens to be an actress, had me style and shop clothing for her to attend events and photo shoots. There would be times that I’d join her on the set of films and I got intrigued by the role of the costume designer who was putting together looks and dressing the cast in their characters. I’d jump in and assist the costume designer and from there, I knew this is what I was supposed to do; I had more fun dressing characters.

What was your first job in the industry, and what experience do you deem most critical to landing a job as a costume designer?
My first job, non-union, was on a short film titled “Nani,” and my first union job was as a PA on the tv show “Ghost.” I was working as a visual merchandiser before landing a job in TV. I worked in a high-traffic department store; I had to be quick on my feet, pay close attention to detail, have good communication, problem solve, and also provide excellent customer service. Good communication and customer service helped me build and nurture film relationships, which essentially helped me get into the [Film and TV] industry. [I learned to] be kind and respectful to everyone, no matter the position.

What has been your most rewarding experience overall?
I styled my first feature film that had a lot of main characters and background. It was hectic and chaotic; I had to get police uniforms and figure out how to correctly dress the uniforms. I was a “fish out of water;” I learned things like the proper protocol for actors wearing police uniforms when we’re not on a secure stage set (they must be covered; also buying clothing with brand labels or messaging on them — don’t do it). I also learned about contracts and paperwork and making sure that it is all together (VERY IMPORTANT). I made mistakes, but I recovered from them; it was high stress, and I wouldn’t change that experience for the world; that particular film taught me a lot.

What has been your most challenging experience overall?
The most challenging situations for me have been when the director and the actor have different visions of how the character should look. At the end of the day, I will go with the director’s vision, but add little hints of the actor’s vision to keep them happy and in character. You have to listen to what each person is saying, take that and figure out what quality or idea is most important to them because you can usually make both happy as long as it isn’t anything over the top.

What advice would you give someone who wants to enter the industry/become a costume designer?
I say start out as a PA, that’s your way in, [and] while in that role, take it all in, listen, pay attention to what’s being said, what’s going on, ask questions. Be the best PA and network. When I worked on a film, there were a couple of people who saw the filming going on and offered their help and got PA positions. Of course, it was a small film and it doesn’t happen like that a lot, but it can and it did then.

When I wanted to get into a unionized TV/Film production, I actually took a course — Rebecca Force Style & Lead course. She taught what to expect, how to navigate the industry as a costume designer, how to do the job, how to get in, and most important, how to network. Networking and building relationships are key to getting in. Study your favorite costume designer, study their style, reach out, flatter them, and ask them for advice, you’d be surprised at who’s willing to take the time out of their busy schedule to talk to you.

What project are you most proud of that you worked on as a costume designer?
The project I am most proud of I have to say is one that I haven’t seen the final product for yet.  I recently worked on my dream genre, thriller/horror!! I got to do a lot of distressing and muddying up clothing, which was at the same time meditative and fun!!! :D

What are your general comments about your industry experience/the costume designer job/the important role this position plays in making a production come to life?
Costume design is a fun role if you’re up for it. It’s long hours; even on your days off, you’re researching, shopping, checking out different brands, your mind is always going; that’s my experience, at least. Costume designers help to bring the story to life while helping to keep the continuity of it going. We have big roles in our little department.

Watch series 11 of “Blue Bloods” on cbs.com (no subscription); watch series 1-10 at Paramount+ (subscription).