The unsustainability of the film industry

Does anyone else watch tv shows or movies and focus on the fashion? I can't help but notice how the characters wear different clothes in every episode and never rewear something unless it's apart of the storyline. 

It makes me think, what happens to all of these clothes? There's multiple outfits for each character for each episode sometimes, and with the amount of shows on tv, I was extremely curious to know what happens when filming ends. Here's a list of the different things that happens to clothes after they're used for tv and film. 

1. They store the clothes for other projects

This seems to be the most common thing that happens after filming. Clothes for film actually belong to the studio making the show, so clothes can get passed around from production to production. Next time you see a similar piece between tv shows, they probably are the same.

 

2. They rent the clothes

For some outfits, costume designers rent directly from designers brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Once filming is done, the clothes go back to the designer.

3. Actors keep pieces

Though this isn't as common, we've all heard stories of actors keeping props of clothing from productions they've worked on. They aren't technically allowed to do this, but sometimes producers will let actors take home one or two things from the costumes.

4. They get sold on eBay

Sometimes, studios will list clothes on eBay and auction them off to get rid of them. If you see a piece on a show that you really want, you just might be able to find it on here--just get ready for a bidding war.

5. They get donated

Thankfully, a common option is that clothes get donated to charities or shops that dedicate themselves to reselling props from film, like It's A Wrap in Hollywood. You're able to go to the store and shop real clothes that were in tv shows and movies, while also helping the environment by cutting down the life cycle of the clothes. 

6. They get thrown away

As usual with industries that over-consume, a large majority of clothes often get thrown away. Often in shows and movies, clothes get ripped and destroyed and can't be sold to anyone else, or there's simply just too much to donate and those thrift stores have to throw the items away. 

The film industry does make a small effort to give clothes from film a new life, but even with this, the massive amount of over-consumption that happens in this industry can't be overlooked. Even if they donate the clothes or auction them off, it doesn't change the rate at which they're getting and selling clothes. So, no--the film industry is ultimately not sustainable.