A new Costume Craft Programme has been launched by The King’s Foundation, with support from Amazon MGM Studios and its global crew training initiative, Ascend. Designed to equip aspiring costume-makers with the technical skills and industry experience needed to succeed in TV and film, the fully funded programme combines heritage craft with hands-on learning on live productions.

Based at Dumfries House in Scotland, The King’s Foundation’s headquarters, the postgraduate-level course places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Students will learn to reuse and repurpose costumes, helping reduce waste in the industry while developing core techniques such as leathercraft, hand stitching, natural dyeing and sewing production. In addition to expert tuition, participants will gain experience on real sets, working on productions for Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video.

The initiative supports eight selected graduates, each receiving a monthly living bursary of £1,500, as well as all tuition, materials and travel expenses. With industry placements and a curriculum rooted in both tradition and innovation, the programme offers a rare opportunity to build a career in costume with guidance from leading professionals.

Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of The King’s Foundation, said:
“This exciting new course will help to provide a new pipeline of talented costume designers and makers to support the growing TV and film industry in the UK… We look forward to this training partnership, as we explore the future of costuming together.”

This programme is for recent graduates within the last three years from courses at Degree / HND level within the following focus:

• Textiles (embroidery or print)
• Fashion Technology
• Theatre Costume

Applications are particularly welcome from those living and working outside of London, especially from individuals based in the North West of England, Wales, Scotland. Dumfries House said it would be keen to see applications from underrepresented groups and those from social-disadvantage areas. Priority will be given to those who intend to continue their careers within the UK-based industry to help support the growth of the UK film and TV industry.

• Applications are now open via The King’s Foundation website.
• The course will run from September 2025 – April 2026.
• The deadline for applications is Friday 1 August 2025
• Interview dates : 7 and 8 August 2025 (applicants that have successfully progressed onto the interview stage will hear by Monday 4 August) Please note interviews will take place at Dumfries House in Scotland.
• The course start date is Wednesday 10th September 2025.

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