Crew Profiles: Deborah Fiscus

IATSE Local 490 has some of the best crew in MN on our roster. They have worked on features, short films, video games and commercials. They are on the top shelf in the MN film industry. In this series, Crew Profiles, we are highlighting union members on our roster. Next up is Local 490 member Deborah Fiscus. She is one of our veterans in Costumes and Wardrobe.  

Tell us about yourself and what you do in Film and TV?

My role in feature films and music videos is as a Costume Designer. On commercial and corporate productions I am a Wardrobe Stylist. Finding, shopping, building clothing to bring a Character to it’s full potential.

How long have you been working in Film and TV?

Long enough to know better, and I still love it.

What got you interested in the Production industry?

I was a Clothing Designer, creating very original “artwear” selling at local boutiques and to private clients. At the same time, I was a popular server around town. The “hurry up and wait, and we don’t know what we want, but we want it now” of food service combined with the creative problem-solving skills I learned at art school made for a smooth transition to film production.

Tell us some of the films and actors you have been a part of?

Christopher Lloyd, I’m Not a Serial Killer. A Legend!

Deborah with Mr. Lloyd (photo provided by Ms. Fiscus)

Reese Witherspoon, Election. Reese was a young, a rising star, she said it was it was the first time she had her own Star trailer. Super fun and very gracious.

Bruce Campbell Mindwarp. A horror genre royalty. One day Bruce noticed we were useing his new boxer shorts as part of a mask for another actor. He rolled with it. Pretty funny, pretty weird. My first movie experience. Of course it was a horror movie.

Amy Madigan, Brooklyn, Minnesota. I remembered her from Field of Dreams and was excited to work with her. She didn’t disappoint, she’s a powerhouse (AND she just won Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards !)

What do you feel is important for the future of Costume Designers and Wardrobe crew?

Sharing my knowledge from many years in this field is the best way for us to teach the future costumers, wardrobe stylists, and crew members coming up in this industry

7) How long have you been a member of Local 490?

I have been an active member of Local 490 since March of 1998, serving on the Membership Committee and the Board of Trustees. I’ve also served on the Board for Minnesota Women in Film and Television (MNWIFT)

Deborah with other costumers in MSP: Cerah, Jonell, Jane, Amy & Kyllyn

Local 490 is proud to have members like Deborah Fiscus on our union roster. All of our union members are the best in their stagecraft. You can find out more about  Deborah’s work at her website, click here.  Please support our film industry by hiring Minnesota’s best, like Deborah Fiscus and shooting your next production on a union contract. In doing so, you are getting the most experienced crew in Minnesota, your project will be safe, well run, your crew will be professional.  You will be paying the crew good wages, supplying workers comp, unemployment insurance and even retirement benefits. This supports our union brothers and sisters before, during and after your project.  Contact our business agent at this email, businessagent@iatse490.net,  to find out more about shooting union. If you would like to be featured in Crew Profiles, pls contact the social media committee, or email them at socialmedia@iatse490.net .

(This interview has been edited & condensed)