Film Set Etiquette for all Supporting Artistes
Etiquette on set really matters. Many of of you already have it nailed it. But if you’re new to the game, these tips will help. Not only will they keep the day running smoothly, they’ll mark you out to the ADs as one of the good ones. And that means more work for you!
Follow all Instructions
It sounds obvious but is worth stating from the outset: please follow all instructions provided by an AD, PA, or any member of the production team. This ensures the day runs smoothly and makes life much easier for the entire production team, especially when managing hundreds of people daily.
Time Keeping on Set
Please make sure you are on set when needed. Production might need a group of people back on set at any time. It is important you are close by in case your name gets called. It’s tricky for the team to keep things moving if they’re hunting around for people who’ve wandered off to sit down or even leave the set to go shopping or to the gym (Yes it does happen!)
Give The Cast Their Space
As tempting as it can be, please don’t approach cast members, the director, or anyone at that level for a chat. It’s one of the quickest ways to get blacklisted! The SA professionals who respect that boundary are exactly the ones who get asked back. It’s also not the way to try and get your acting CV in front of them (they do remember!).
Safety is Key
Safety is extremely important on set. Most of the time we deal with large cameras on wheels, cranes, and big heavy equipment. If you are asked to move out of the way this is not just for the speed of the production; it is also for your safety, so please act quickly.
No Method Acting
I know it’s sometimes exciting to play different roles and really get into the action. It’s ok to be enthusiastic but please be mindful that this is not real life. If you are in a protest scene and there are people playing riot police, this does not give you the go ahead to actually physically hit people. It’s hard sometimes to keep what’s real from the on-set life but this is so important and again this is for your safety and for the safety of the whole production team. Please be aware of the scenes and tone it down.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
We do not tolerate any discrimination of any kind. Whether it be racial, sexist, or homophobic, this is not the place for it. The Film and TV world has people from all walks of life and we accept anyone and everyone. We expect the same care to be taken from all the supporting artistes on set and this includes production too.
Complaints are OK if Necessary
If you do encounter any abuse, discrimination or bullying of any kind and this is from anyone on set please speak up. I know it’s easy to shrug it off but if you are able to speak up production can assess the situation and help deal with it right then. Please do not wait until the production finishes, chances are there is nothing we can do about it and production might not even recall what happened. We want to make it a safe space for you and we want you to want to come back to set and not feel scared.
Call Times are There for a Reason
We understand that travel issues can sometimes get in the way even if you plan ahead when travelling to set and that early starts really are early. It is really important that you arrive on time (early!). Production must adhere to a strict schedule during the day and if you arrive late this can delay the whole shoot. Turn up on time consistently and it gets noticed – by us and by the ADs. Reliability is exactly what leads to more bookings.
Follow these and you won’t just have a smoother day, you’ll be the artiste ADs remember and want back.
If you are looking for further prep before getting on set learn the lingo, terminology, and check out our Artiste FAQs
