The Eddie Marks Costume Scholarship
Fund Guidelines & Application
The Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, the Motion Picture Costumers, Local 705, and the Marks family, are excited to announce their collaboration on the prestigious Eddie Marks Costume Scholarship. The scholarship is designed for children and dependents of IATSE members in good standing who aspire to further their studies in various fields of costume education. It aims to support and nurture the next generation of costume designers and artisans, providing them with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and hone their skills in this vibrant and creative industry.
In the section below, you will find clear and detailed information about the eligibility requirements for submitting your transcripts, portfolio, and essay. Please pay close attention to each criterion to ensure that your application meets all necessary standards and requirements.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
🪡 | 🏷️ | 🧵
“Eddie Marks was my hero! He hired me to set up and manage The Collection. He sent me to Archivist classes and listened when I had ideas.”
Criteria & Application
Specifications
Sponsors: Costume Designers Guild Local 892 in partnership with Motion Picture Costumers Local 705, and the Marks family.
Scholarship Award amount: $1000.00.
Awards may be applied to costume course of study at:
- Four- year colleges and universities
- 2 -year junior and/or community colleges
- Vocational technical schools
Award is not renewable
Financial need will not be a consideration
Application Criteria
Application process: The scholarship application details will be available on the CDG and 705 websites. All applications must be completed per requirements or will be disqualified.
Grade point average: 3.0 GPA / official transcripts must be stamped and signed/or submitted by the appropriate school official.
Required course of study or major: Film & Television Costume Program in an
accredited program offering studies in costume design, illustration, makers, and crafts.
Eligibility: Children and dependents of IATSE members in good standing, Teamsters 399, and LIUNA Local 724.
- High School Seniors
- High School Graduates (not currently enrolled in college)
- College undergraduates
- Canadian students are eligible to apply if attending a US educational institution.
Non-Eligible: Children or dependents of the selection committee
Application Procedure
Complete the following online application requirements in their entirety.
Transcript: Forward a complete copy of the applicant’s high school or undergraduate college transcript. The transcript MUST have the schools seal or stamp for authenticity. It may be sent directly by the school or the student.
Presentation/Portfolio: Online via a digital medium.
- Art works: realized and projects
- Theatrical and/or personal costume design: realized productions, projects, cosplay.
- Projects showcasing maker skills and any costume crafts
Essay Requirements: In 600 words answer the following 5 points
- List your favorite costume production and elaborate why it’s your favorite. (TV, Film or Stage)
- Describe your career goals
- How will this scholarship be used to help you achieve your goals
- How have film and television costumes influenced you
- What aspects of costumes drives your passion: design, styling, illustration, building, manufacture, aging /dying, on set or backstage crew, supervision, organization coordination, costume department administration
List your most relevant costume experiences and what position you held: School productions, summer and community theatre, cos play, any independent, or student film productions.
Letters of recommendation: Any 2 unrelated people who have had a supervisory role with you in the: classroom, work or project-based environment. Letters must be signed with current contact information for confirmation needs.
Proof of enrollment: Include official Letter of Acceptance and if not available, alert the committee immediately and forward proof as soon as available. The Scholarship monies will be awarded thereafter. Enrollment confirmation is required prior to funds distribution.
Application Calendar
Applications accepted: March 6 – May 31, 2025
Applications reviewed: June 1 – 30, 2025
Scholarship awarded: July 1, 2025
The winner will be notified by the selection committee via email
All applicants not selected will be notified via email by the end of July.
How To Donate
To donate to the Eddie Marks Scholarship Fund, you have three options:
- Donate via Zelle to the CDG account with the email address: bromanov@cdgia.com
- Donate using a credit card, but please note that a 3% convenience fee will be added to your donation.
- Donate by check, made payable to CDG. Please ensure that you include “Eddie Marks Scholarship Fund” in the Memo section of the check.
If you choose to donate by check, please mail it to the following address:
CDG
3919 West Magnolia Blvd.,
Burbank, CA 91505
About Eddie Marks
Eddie Marks was perhaps our industry’s greatest unsung collaborator of the past three decades. As president of Western Costume, Marks was an employer, mentor, unwavering supporter, and dear friend to many in the costume community. He was as invaluable to our members as the costumes he rented.
Read the full article in the Costume Designer Winter 2024 Issue
“Eddie Marks was Fan Number One for work well done by his Western team and the many 705 costumers & 892 costume designers who began their careers with him and continued on as customers. He had a true love for the aisles and aisles of Western’s costumes that fit the character, told the story and would live on the screen forever.”
“Eddie’s vision, passion, and leadership made Western Costume Company a mainstay of the Hollywood costume community. His legacy will continue to inspire both the costumers of today and generations of costumers who will follow.”
“Eddie was always a huge help to me on every project I worked on. The last dozen years of my 38 years in the business would have been impossible without all of his help. My family will be forever grateful.”
Photos courtesy of the Marks Family and Michael Garland Photography.