'Titanic' costumes helped the actors get into character

ABC is bringing viewers a four-part miniseries titled "Titanic," airing on the two days that mark the 100-year anniversary of the famous liner sinking in the north Atlantic. Since there were over 2000 people on board the ship, outfitting them all for the miniseries was no easy feat.

"On this particular production, we have about 2500 extras as well as a principle cast of nearly 90 ... a lot of the costumes have been made from scratch," says James Keast, the costume designer.

And the actors are grateful for the pieces, saying it helped them get into character and do their jobs better.

David Calder, who plays Titanic's Captain Smith, says, "This particular style of uniform that was popular and in vogue at the time is an enormous aid in playing the part. It's doing half the job for you."

And actor Linus Roache says of his aristocratic costumes playing the Earl of Manton, "You put something like this on, you put the collar on, and just sit slightly differently. It does something to you."

The female actors experienced that phenomenon as well, largely due to their corsets.

"Wearing a corset gives you completely different posture. So I could have not worn the corset underneath my great, big, hot coat, but I think that's cheating a bit," says actress Celia Imrie. "I love to be how they were."

"Titanic" debuts Saturday, April 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and concludes Sunday, April 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.