Actors spend so much time looking for work that they may not consider what may be asked of them after getting the job.
Professionalism is a big part of working on a set. With so many people involved in a project, it’s essential to build a great reputation with the Assistant Director for future work.
An AD is responsible for everything to run smoothly. It is their responsibility to make sure all the pieces are seamlessly put together so that the director and rest of the crew can perform their jobs without complication. This includes making sure everything runs on time and talent is where they are supposed to be.
Below, Konstantin Lavysh who has worked on three feature films, commercials (Nivea, Philips, Russian Telecom Provider), and music videos, shares his insights with actors on the do’s and don’ts of working on a set.
Even before you get the job; it’s important to have an idea of what to do once on the set. I’m sure you will find this information as a valuable resource.
Stay out of the Way – but Don’t Hide
When we need you, we should be able to see you, so don’t wander off the holding area without warning an AD. We can’t be looking for you when we need to take you into the frame. The wait may take 10 hours. It is not personal, and believe me – we are all stressing about any delays MUCH MORE then you are about the wait. “Hurry up and wait” rule of Hollywood is as true as it was 50 years ago.
Paperwork
Pay attention, and make sure you are ready to ask the questions if you have any. If you need a copy, just take a pic with your phone. Bring a pen.
Be on Time
On time means early. 15 min seems like a proper deal. Too early may be a problem – because if I am setting up our production trailers at 6am for the call time 7am – I don’t want to see actors on set, it is simply not ready. I also don’t want to see actors eat the breakfast at 6am (crew pre-call courtesy breakfast) if there call time is 7.30am.
Hair/Makeup Ready
It means just that – please just be ready if asked in the callsheet or directly. If you are not, it may cause a severe delay, and that could have a domino effect, to an extent that we wouldn’t be able to shoot a whole scene at the end of the day without going overtime – or at all if we depend on the sun.
Leave as Much as You Can in the Car
Purses, Clothing – Leave as Much as You Can in the Car, No One Will Probably Be Able to Cater to Your Stuff While You Shoot. Just have the bare minimum of things. This depends on location, but as a general rule, the less you have the better. If you bring clothing options (as it happens in student films and low-budgets) please see the wardrobe, get approved, and take the extra stuff back to your car, if available. It will make everyone’s life easier and keep your clothing safer.
End of the Day
End of the day – especially an overtime day – everyone wants to just go home. Do it yourself, and let others.
Bathroom Etiquette
Bathroom – ask, but try to plan ahead and do it between the takes. Always ask though. We might need you right that second.
Problem on the Set
If something is wrong on set – or there is a problem you notice – or if you are hurt in any way – be discreet, but talk to the AD department immediately. We want to handle problems, and do so quickly, but we have to know about them.
Pay Is Confidential
Do not discuss your bump with others. Or any other arrangements. For example. your pay rate may be different from another actor for whatever reason, or you may get a special gas bump arrangement, which others don’t have – you sharing all that info with others, especially extras, will likely result in them attacking the AD department and asking for the same. Then, we have to say no to them, and ask the producers if we can do it, and have unhealthy energy on set, spending time on the things which have nothing to do with filming. In any case – it is a safer bet to just keep your arrangements to yourself and have the production like you better for it 🙂
Most Important One of All – You Have to Be Ready
With things planned very well, it seems most productions end up going off-schedule, so when that happens, and you sit there waiting for your shot, we might run in to your trailer and bring you to set for immediate shooting. Or the holding area – wherever you are. Once called upon, you must be ready to work. The sun is setting and we are overtime, and we just need that shot. So you are likely to not have any time to prepare or “get in the mood”. It happens on all levels of sets, so try to stay ready – and not exhaust yourself as you do. Believe me, it will happen sooner or later – and when you least expect it.
Crew
Crew members usually perceive actors as… well… something else. You are in the way of Professionals making a Movie (I know, there is nothing to film without actors, but much of the crew feels this way often). Talk to anyone who looks not too busy – but know that if the guy you are talking to runs off all of a sudden, it’s probably because he heard of something he must take care of ASAP on his walkie – which you cannot hear – nothing personal there. Everyone on set has a job, as important as yours.
