We caught up with Jonathan Burniston, a graduate of our Costume Construction, BA. Since graduating in 2016, Jonathan has worked in the costume departments of a variety of film and television productions, including a number of Disney’s live action feature films such as; Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and most recently Cruella, for which he was Junior Costume Maker.
How did you get started in the industry?
When I was studying at Central, I often helped on the postgraduate degree shows. During one of these, I met a designer who worked in film. She recommended me to her boss for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast live action film. I was asked to come in for three weeks and ended up staying with the team for eleven. It’s there that I went on to meet a supervisor who has since taken me from job to job with her. I owe Central a lot for my contacts in the industry.
You recently worked on Cruella, what made you want to get involved in this particular project?
It’s CRUELLA DE VIL! High fashion, fun and interesting costumes. As said, I was also well established in the team working on the film, so I knew it would be an enjoyable experience. I was also thrilled to be working again with Oscar-winning costume designer, Jenny Beaven. She allows her team to have a lot of input during her creative process. For example, Jenny will have an idea and will ask for four or five different interpretations of that, so there is a lot of collaboration.
This job was a dream, as I had time to sample and experiment with different ideas, before coming to the final idea for Jenny. For those that have seen the film, I was heavily involved with making the dress that Cruella wears when standing on top of a car, photobombing the baroness.
What does a typical working day look like for you at the moment?
I usually start work at 8am, and finish between 6/6.30pm, with an hour lunch-break. On busy periods, it’s non-stop work, work, work. In much quieter periods you’re able to take your time with the work at hand. Since working on Cruella, I have now moved onto the next project, which should finish mid-September, and at which point I’m looking to take six months off.
What are you currently working on at the moment?
All I can say at the moment is that it’s a TV project.
What has surprised you most about your experience working in film and TV?
The scale of film and TV is huge. I knew it would be, but when I first stepped onto the ballroom set of Beauty and the Beast, I was really speechless. That whole room was built, nothing was green screen, apart from the weather outside the windows. I was just a trainee on that job and mostly stood in a corner and did as I was told. Nothing has topped that feeling I first had. Your first film is kind of special because it’s exciting, you have managed to get a job in this really prestigious industry. I’m very grateful and I love my job.
What has been the biggest challenge that you have overcome in your career to date?
Work-life balance. In the height of a job you don’t really have a life, work can take over and dominate everything. You have to make sure you take time for yourself at the end of a job. Seeing family and friends, doing the things you like, but also relaxing and resting. This industry is intense. You can burn out, I have a number of times. But I love it, so I keep going back.
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
I had previously auditioned for Central in 2009 for a place on an acting course. I really liked the way that courses at Central collaborate together, so when I decided to pursue a career in costume a few years later, I knew I wanted to apply to Central. Central was my first place I interviewed, and I was accepted onto the course within two weeks. I didn’t attend another interview as I knew I wanted to come to Central.
Is this what you had planned to do after graduation?
Yes. I graduated and went straight into film. I remember a conversation I had with Course Leader, Caroline Townsend, at the start of my first year and she asked, ‘OK, what are your goals and aspirations and to be bold about it’. I had two stand-out ones; make a costume for Grace Jones, (which I haven’t got round to doing, YET!) The second I am currently doing, which is a childhood dream.
What advice would you have for anyone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Speak to me and others in the field. Do as much work as you can and meet people so that your contacts broaden. People are not as scary as you would think. However, I’m told I am at first… which people laugh at when they get to know me. That’s just my Devil Wears Prada moment or the Baroness from Cruella!
You can read more about Jonathan’s work and projects on his website, jonathanburnistoncostume.com.
