A Comic-Con panel on “How to Design Costumes for Space, Theater, Tech” got off to a colorful start when moderator Heather Cook, an experiential producer/speaker, modeled her duster vest, a marriage of high-tech and low-tech, which she commissioned panelist Marianne Parker, a Los Angeles-based film/TV/theater costume designer, to design and construct. The raw materials were, fittingly, six Comic-Con giveaway bags.
In addition to Parker (“For All Mankind”), other panelists were Leon Wiebers (Loyola Marymount University, Tuacahn Center for the Arts), Frank Ippolito, owner of Thingergy props and specialty costume shop, (“The Mandalorian”), and Eric Eggly, co-founder of laser-powered, fiber optic lighting company Jagoteq, which provides innovative lighting solutions for motion picture, broadcast, live events, theme parks and other installations.
Parker and Cook described the creation of her ComicCon coat. “At first, we had no intention of adding lights to it at all – we were just going to make a fun vest. Then I met the Jagoteq guys and I was salivating!” Parker illuminated the coat with Jagoteq’s 1mm and 6mm fiber optics. Cook wore the light-weight battery-powered fiber which she compared to EL wire she used to sew into costumes for Burning Man. “We would have to carry around these giant battery packs that would get so hot,” she said.
Eggly, who was approached by three participants looking for lighting for this year’s Burning Man, explained how fiber optic cable compares with LEDs. “We can go about 120 feet with fiber, which is very flexible, durable, and waterproof, with a laser on each side,” he added. The light has very little falloff and is more color saturated than LEDs.”
One hot topic was the use of LED Volumes for virtual production. “It’s fabulous for all those sci-fi films to create these beautiful backdrops,” said Parker. “But it’s a whole different lighting situation and changes colors on costumes, props, and creatures.” Parker and Ippolito worked together on “Mandalorian 2,” much of which was shot inside the LED volume. “Low-tech and high-tech work together at the same time on the same shows,” she said. Ippolito agreed. “Not everything has to be crazy high-tech,” “we sometimes choose simple solutions, to be accessible to the fans.”
Wiebers noted that theater, with exception of Broadway is, “ by and large a low-tech version of entertainment.” But, he said, even in low-budget productions, he can still integrate high-tech tools such as 3D printing. “At the end of the day, you still have to know how to paint,” said Wiebers. “It’s a great combination of high and low-tech skills.” Ippolito added, “Yes, paint and finish are what separates the good and bad stuff.” He added, “We work a lot to make all the costumes we build feel like they’re lived in.”
The designers also addressed AI, a controversial topic among every media/entertainment crafts. Parker emphasized that AI is a tool and it’s here to stay. “It’s part of our world,” she said. “Take it, learn it and use it to your advantage.” She pointed out that Photoshop has “tons of AI in it.” “It will help you do your job,” she said, “But AI has no idea where the structure and motion of a ballerina are so the costume will fit and not rip.”
Wiebers agreed. “The advent of AI is freaking everybody out – but it’s still just a tool,” he said. “As artists, creators, makers, it’s still our eyes that make the decision. We make the choices.” Eggly pointed out another ingredient that costume designers – and artists of all stripes – contribute. “Part of the artist’s eye is building an emotion,” he said. “And that’s difficult for a computer to do.”
About Panelists:
Marianne Parker, Award-winning Costume Designer and Maker
Marianne Parker is a Canadian-born costume designer based in Los Angeles with over three decades of experience. She specializes in creating immersive costumes for film, television, theater, dance, live performance, and more. Marianne enjoys designing for sci-fi, fantasy, and period productions and is actively involved in her union IATSE Local 892 Costumes Designers Guild, serving on various committees. Some of Marianne’s credits include “Alice in Wonderland,” “Mandalorian,” “Star Trek: Picard,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” etc.
Frank Ippolito, Costume Designer and Head Thing Maker, Thingergy
Frank Ippolito has worked in the film industry for over 25 years and owns Thingergy (THING-err-G), one of the premiere union prop and specialty costume shops in LA, contributing to Film and Tv shows like "Star Wars: the Force Awakens," "The Mandalorian," "Kenobi," "Umbrella Academy," "Bullet Train," "Black Adam," "Rebel Moon," "Dungeons and Dragons," "Ghostbusters Afterlife," and many more! He also built and played everyone's favorite sweater-wearing Mon Calamari on the second season of The Mandalorian.
Leon Wiebers, Award-winning Costume Designer and Fulbright Scholar
Leon Wiebers is an award-winning costume designer renowned for his work in live performances, including musicals, theatre, opera, dance, and avant-garde performance art. His portfolio features designs for productions such as "Oslo," "The Secret Garden," "The Music Man," "The King and I," and "Il Trovatore." Wiebers has received numerous accolades, including The Carbonell Award and a Fulbright Research Grant to Korea. Additionally, he is a member of United Scenic Artists, IATSE Local 829, and serves as a national board member for the Costume Society of America.
Eric Eggly, Co-Founder of Jagoteq and Laser Guru
Eric Eggly, a professional advertising photographer for over 30 years, is known for creating captivating still and motion images. He has also contributed to product development for a technology brand, leading to award-winning products used in photography and film sets. Together with his friend Craig Brink, they have established Jagoteq to pursue their shared vision.
Heather Cook, Moderator and Principal PM Manager for Microsoft
Heather, a theater major, is passionate about connecting people through technology and empathy. With over 20 years of experience, she has been an advocate for women's issues and Diversity & Inclusion in Technology. Currently, as Principal PM Manager for Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group, she focuses on community building. In her free time, she writes, podcasts, and crafts speeches on employee engagement and healthy workplaces. Heather is dedicated to inspiring unity, love, and kindness through empathy and action.
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