On-Set Etiquette 101
Practical Tips for Working Actors
You did it! You booked a role! Now what?
Going to set is a thing to be celebrated, but being on set is like being in a new country complete with its own rules and language. As an actor, specifically one that wants to have a long career, it is important that you understand this new “country’s” rules. That’s why today we are looking at having proper on set etiquette.
Proper on set etiquette starts before you even get to set. That’s right, the work begins when you are cast. There are three areas you need to prepare around before getting on set: Script/Character, Who’s on Set, and Shoot Date Plans. You can prepare these in any order as long as you get them done.
"There is really only one thing I think all professional actors have in common. It's Dedication."
Script and Character:
You should already know some of this thanks to your research during the audition process, but now is the time to dive deeper. If you have the ability to get your hands on the whole script, DO IT! Do it and read it over and over again. Be as familiar with the full script as possible. This is most important for short/feature films and theatre productions. Depending on the type of project this can change! For a commercial you may need to make sure you are familiar with the product while for a TV episode you’ll likely need to make sure you’ve watched previous episodes. This way you have a full understanding of the project you are a part of.
This will also help you understand your character better. Give your character a full background and develop your character’s physical characteristics to make them fully real. Also make sure you are aware of who all the other characters in the script are and how your character relates to them. And of course, memorize your lines!
Doing your script and character work will not only ensure that you show up to set prepared and professional, but will also ensure that you’re able to adjust lines/movements confidently if it is asked of you on set.
Who’s on set?
You will find that there are quite a lot of people on set even if it’s a small indie project. First of all it’s important to know the different roles there are on set. It’s not just actors and directors. There are A.D.s, script supervisors, prop masters, camera operators, gaffers, costume designers, and makeup artists to name a few. It is your job to know what each of these people do and how they are important to the set.
Once you know who the crew is look into your fellow actors. Who will you be acting with? Are you familiar with this actor or do you need to look into who they are? This way you will show up confident and comfortable with whomever you act across. Remember to be kind and grateful to each crew member as they are working hard to make you look amazing.
Who each of these people are on your set can be found a couple of ways. One: research online. Use information from your original audition, look up the project on IMDb, and use just a plain old search engine. Most projects will have enough information out there to help you prepare. If not you will have to rely on option Two: your call-sheet. This will be given to you the day before you shoot. It will have a list of the crew, talent, locations, scenes, and scheduling.
Knowing who will be there will help you navigate your way on set so you don’t end up somewhere you’re not supposed to be. It will also give you confidence in you performance and help you show your professionalism to the other people around you in your industry.
Shoot Date Plans:
You need to arrive to set early so help yourself out and prepare! You will want to know:
Where you are going, when you need to be there, and what you need to bring. These answers will change depending on the project so pay attention to the information you are given. Smaller indie productions may require you to bring your own makeup and costuming. Big, union projects may fly you out ahead of time and pay for your hotel. Whatever the case, you will always want to bring a “quiet activity” with you, a.k.a. something that will help you pass the time without being loud. Being on set is a lot of “hurry up and wait” and you don’t want to get bored on your long day.
All this work and preparation will help you arrive on set a professional, but there are things to remember once you’re there to remain a professional. Let’s break them down into Holding On Set and Filming On Set.
Holding On Set:
As we said before, ARRIVE EARLY for your call time. This will ensure you have time to park and get where you need to be. Since you’re prepared, you already know who to talk to or where to go. Now you need to stay out of the way. Scheduling is tight on set and any distractions can harm that. Stay quiet and out of the way, but also alert and ready to be brought on to film.
Depending on the set, you may be far enough away to have a conversation. This is a great time to run lines with scene partners or network with crew members and other actors. Use this time to your advantage!
Filming On Set:
This again starts with being ready! Know your scenes, lines, and any adjustments production has made. Be aware of the camera shot: is it a wide angle or a close-up? This will help you know how big to make your movements. Also know your eye-lines. Are you looking directly at your scene partner or do you need to be looking somewhere else? What are your movements? Do you need to hit a mark or do you stay in the same place? The P.A. or Director should give you this information when you arrive if not ask for clarification.
Once things are rolling your job is to keep acting until the director has called “cut!”. This means even if you’ve messed up and flubbed a line, if the director doesn’t say “cut” you keep going. Adjust the line in character or go back a line and deliver it again. This also means to keep going even when the scene is done. Keep the scene going and show the director what you believe your character’s next move is, or what is called your “moment after”. Some directors will expect you to show them a little more afterwards. You should be comfortable enough with the character to do just that.
Before you leave set make sure you thank everyone you can. Not one bit of your experience on set could have happened without all the work from every member there, and you’d best take the time to thank them all for it. Of course, don’t go stopping a shot to thank someone. If you miss an opportunity to thank the director or anyone else, take the time to send them a thank you note afterwards.
This has just scratched the surface of on set etiquette. If you’d like to dive in deeper or felt a bit confused by some of the terminology, reach out to our Front Desk today. They can guide you to a class or coach who can get you On Set ready!
Ready to get started? Reach out today!
TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM
770-904-6646
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About The Author
Kirsten Krehbiel
Kirsten Krehbiel is an Atlanta based actress, director, and writer who enjoys bringing people new truths through the art of storytelling. She has a love of acting both on camera and on stage, having been lucky enough to be a part of incredible productions in both worlds. Kirsten joined the TAS team in 2020 as a coach, a job she loves because it lets her watch first hand as students grow and gain self confidence as actors. When she is not creating or coaching, you can find Kirsten hanging out with her grumpy cat on their back porch.
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