VABN HSM3 Exclusive–Getting to know…a spritzer!

In our fourth installment, we are happy to introduce to you someone who I know you all wish you were! Yes, she was a set costumer for HSM3 and she also worked on HSM and HSM2. So you could say she knows the wildcat gang pretty darn well–and their clothes including a favorite “four-legged” cast member! Her resume also includes several other DCOM movies including Minutemen, Return to Halloweentown and upcoming releases Dadnapped and Hatching Pete. Wow! Hope you all enjoy our VABN chat with Jennifer…and thanks Jennifer for taking the time to talk to us!

Name: Jennifer Breeden
Years in Business: 16
Home Base: Provo, Utah
Job on HSM3: Set Costumer

VABN: As a set costumer, would you describe what your job was in HSM3? Were your responsibilities typical compared to the other movies/tv shows that you worked on?
As a set costumer, I help the Costume Designer, and Costume Supervisor with any wardrobe needs from shopping , fittings, preparing clothing, setting up dressing rooms, continuity of the wardrobe on set, and helping take care of the actors while on set.

VABN: Were you responsible for certain cast members or the cast in general? If multiple, who was your favorite character to dress and why?
The other set costumer and I divided up the main cast. We also had two other costumers that took care of the dancers. I love working with the actors…I do have favorites but I keep that to myself. (Corbin is definitely one of them!)

VABN: Did you help make wardrobe decisions?
Sometimes I do, but most of the time on HSM3 everything was already in place. I did help expedite changes on set. Sometimes the director or actors will want to change once they get to set. For instance, when we got to the Gabriella’s Bedroom set, Taylor’s original wardrobe blended into the color of the bedroom walls, so we made a last minute change.

VABN: Were there any wardrobe “malfunctions” on-set or even during filming that you can talk about?
Not too many on this show, but things do happen. With so many dance numbers, we did have some shoe problems, broken straps etc. During one of the prom scenes, Ashley Tisdale needed an ice pack for a minor injury. The set medic gave her one but it had a small hole in it and the liquid inside the pack leaked onto her dress causing a stain. We had a second dress but it was still being altered. So we were back stage working our “magic” (hairdryers and “Wet Ones”) to fix the dress and continue filming.

VABN: How much input did the cast have into their wardrobe?
The cast worked closely with our designer.

VABN: Were there some costumes that were made completely custom for the character? We know that Sharpay’s clothes are bedazzled are there any other examples like that?
Many of Sharpay’s costumes were custom made and also customized with crystals to give her that extra “bling”.

VABN: Since you worked on all three HSM movies, how would you describe the differences between the three in costumes?
We had a different designer for the HSM3 than we did for the first two. The first two HSM movies were made for the Disney Channel. Disney Channel loves having very bright colors for tv, and also less print on fabrics. Being on the big screen can be totally different than television because you see EVERYTHING on a big screen in a theater. So colors can be toned down, and textures become very important. The basketball uniforms were all custom made, and you’ll notice new cheerleader uniforms too. Also check out the new “Wildcat” hoodies worn by the team and fans in the stands and at school. They are very cool.

VABN: Can you confirm that you spritzed water on Zac during the basketball game and that you also made sure his shirt was tucked in?
I did spritz Zac at times when the other set costumer was not available. I mostly spritzed Corbin and Chris.

VABN: How did you get started in this business? If someone wanted to get started, what is your advice?
I was raised in Los Angeles CA area and was exposed to the entertainment industry at a very early age. I started out in front of the camera as a child model and also did many print ads, and commercials. I was always fascinated with the whole process of making films. At BYU I studied film production and afterwards ended up doing wardrobe/costumes. It’s very much an industry that goes by “who you know” but , it also goes by “who knows you”. Starting out in student films, volunteering for projects, studying, perfecting your craft, networking, are all ways to get and stay in the business.

VABN: What were your responsibilities during pre and post production?
I only had 2 weeks of pre-production. Mostly shopping, fittings, loading the trailer, and getting ready for everything. Post-production or wrap as we call it, we cataloged all costumes and sent them on to L.A. The costumes will be on display around the world at premieres,, fund raisers etc.

VABN: Now that HSM3 is finished, what are you going to do next?
After 16 great years in Utah, I’m actually moving back to California to be closer to family.