Assembly Studios' Misti Moreaux on Building Atlanta's Film Wardrobe Infrastructure

Q & A with Misti Moreaux, manager at Universal Production Services Costume House at Assembly Studios

First off, tell us about your role overseeing the costume department at Universal Production Services at Assembly Studios and what that involves on a day-to-day basis.

Moreaux: "In my role overseeing the Costume House at Universal Production Services at Assembly Studios, I manage both the operational and creative sides of the costume rental facility. Day-to-day, that means ensuring our costume house, inventory and team are prepared to support productions of any size, from large-scale series to independent films, commercials, music videos and specialty projects.

A significant part of my role is partnering closely with production’s costume teams as they define their creative vision and costume workspace needs. I guide them through our inventory, assist in sourcing additional pieces when necessary and ensure we create a well-organized, supportive workspace that enables their department to work efficiently and creatively.

Operationally, I oversee staffing, scheduling, workflow, budgeting and the overall organization of the facility. That includes managing thousands of costume pieces, curating and maintaining the quality of our stock and ensuring our department runs smoothly in a fast-paced production environment.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where costume teams feel supported, productions feel confident and our team can deliver excellent service. Every day is a balance of creativity, problem-solving, and leadership, and that’s what I enjoy most about this role."

You have 20 years of experience in the costume department. How did you get into this field, and what drew you to costume work specifically?

Moreaux: "I’ve always had a deep love for clothing and fashion. That passion started early, growing up with my fashion-forward mother and grandmother, who filled my childhood with thrifting adventures and a shared excitement for style. I went on to study Fashion Merchandising and Design in college, hoping to eventually continue my studies in New York.

My path into the film industry happened unexpectedly. A college friend was working on Premonition in Shreveport, and during a visit, he brought me by the production office. While I was there, I met the Costume Supervisor, and we instantly connected over our shared interests. By the end of our conversation, she offered me an internship. Even though I didn’t technically need one that semester, I couldn’t pass up the chance to explore something that aligned so closely with my passion for clothing.

After just one weekend in the department, I was offered a paid position, and I’ve been working steadily in costumes ever since. I’m incredibly grateful for how organically this opportunity came into my life. Over the past 20 years, this career has taken me to new places, introduced me to amazing creatives that I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside, and ultimately led me to this exciting chapter with NBCUniversal. I truly love what I do and feel fortunate every day to be part of this industry."

Can you walk us through what happens when a production comes to you? What's the process from that initial conversation to getting the costumes on set?

Moreaux: "The process begins with an initial conversation to understand their creative vision and costume-space needs. From there, we walk the costume team through our inventory, assist with sourcing additional pieces from our NY and L.A. locations, and help set up an organized workspace tailored to their department. Once selections are made, our team preps the chosen garments for rental, coordinates pick-ups and/or shipping and continues to offer up our support as their costume needs or shooting schedules evolve."

You've worked on major projects like American Horror Story, 21 Jump Street, Now You See Me, and Terminator. What have been some of your favorite projects to work on, and why?

Moreaux: "I’ve been fortunate to work on many memorable projects, and I truly have a deep appreciation for each one because of the skills I gained and the incredible creative teams I learned from. American Horror Story was a standout for its complexity, working across multiple decades and dressing a cast of all shapes and sizes pushed our team both technically and creatively. 21 Jump Street was the complete opposite in tone, filled with nonstop laughter on and off set, thanks to a cast that made every day fun. Terminator was another favorite, with a powerhouse costume team and the excitement of building armor from unconventional materials, even repurposing tires found on the side of the road in New Orleans East."

The Costume House at Assembly Studios is described as one of the larger rental facilities in Atlanta. What does it take to manage an operation of that scale?

Moreaux: "It takes equal parts organization, communication and a healthy sense of humor. With thousands of costume pieces, constant production turnover and a steady flow of creative requests, it’s a blend of logistics, leadership and quick problem-solving. My job is to keep the space running smoothly, support multiple teams at once and make sure everything stays efficient and accessible. And on the busiest days, it also requires the ability to remain calm, stay flexible and occasionally perform what feels like a bit of costume magic."

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the costume department side of the film industry, particularly here in Atlanta?

Moreaux: "It starts with showing up eager to learn, ready to work hard and being open to any opportunity. Say yes to the small tasks: they build your skills, your confidence and your reputation. It’s also important not to rush the process. Taking the time to observe, learn and fully grow into each position gives you the knowledge and experience that will strengthen your skillset and better prepare you to move up confidently when the time is right. The Atlanta film community is incredibly welcoming, and genuine enthusiasm gets noticed.

And don’t forget your sense of humor. Some days a rack will roll off on its own or a button will pop seconds before a take, but staying calm, kind and flexible is what makes you stand out. Show up, be curious, be dependable, and you’ll be surprised how quickly the right doors open for you."