About Melissa

Meet

Melissa Fairclough

Hi, my name is Melissa Fairclough and I am a film, television, music video and theatre costumer. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Costume Studies and Cinema and Media Studies from Dalhousie University. I started my costume career in high school when I costume-designed our school’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. During university, I worked on six Dalhousie theatre productions doing various costume jobs. My hands-on learning experience focused on garment construction including, sewing, tailoring, drafting, draping, period-specific techniques, design and breakdown. The summer before my final year of school I started working in the film industry. I began as a costume assistant on CBC TallBoyz and Netflix The Adam Project. I have worked on several productions for Netflix, Fela, CBC and Apple+. Roles include costume assistant, costume buyer, seamstress, background coordinator, and truck supervisor.

In the future, I hope to continue working in the costume department in various roles to ultimately design features and television shows. I am passionate about film history, film theory, storytelling and historical and contemporary fashion. One day, I realized being a costume designer would allow me to pursue all my interests. I am a creative and hard-working person. I enjoy working in a collaborative environment and am always willing to learn new things.

Testimonials

Rave Reviews

“ Melissa is incredibly talented, she has studied and worked very hard the past few years in learning the art of Costume Design. She has boundless energy, a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of our craft. She asks all the right questions, eager to support the entire team and never questions any task which is laid in front of her. Melissa is multifaceted within the department, and she was able to shift from the tailor shop, ageing and dying department, to the set and everything in between. Melissa is an absolute pleasure to be around, and I appreciate her support and desire to be a part of the team. There is no doubt in my mind she will be a very talented Costume Designer one day. Right now, I know she is eager and continues to learn and share in the experience of making film and television. I know she will elevate the craft and bring a distinct vision to the Costume Department.”

JENNY EAGAN

COSTUME DESIGNER

“ Melissa is extremely organized, can sew, understands a fully tailored garment and its needs. She is humble with a keen interest in learning and getting better in every way possible and has absolutely no ego when it comes to constructive criticism. Melissa understands the politics of our department and how to navigate it gracefully. She is reliable, smart and efficient. She understands our paperwork and Sync on Set. In addition to being a strong, stable member of my department she was also able to step in at moments of need. There were a few occasions where Melissa had to step in and replace a person. She stepped in with such grace that the higher ups didn’t notice that vital members of our team had been temporarily replaced. It always speaks volumes to me when someone who is so young in their career possesses the innate ability to understand and navigate our industry so instinctually. ”

AVERY PLEWES

COSTUME DESIGNER

“ As Melissa’s Production Crew Chief and Director for our school production of Fiddler on the Roof. I can confidently attest to her ability and knowledge in her role as costume designer and seamstress. As well as her personal and leadership attributes make her well-qualified for your consideration. Melissa’s design work have been recognized in the community for two school musicals and drama festivals. She was tasked to create a historical costume theme for a cast of 42 people. Along with research, she organised and headed up a team of 12 students to accomplish this tremendous task. Her leadership made that process a huge success. Melissa’s strong work ethic and experience have given her an ability to handle many levels of problem solving.”

Melissa Fairclough

Rave Reviews

COSTUME DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

THEATRE ARTS TEACHER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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