How To Behave On Set

If you’ve never been on a film set before, don’t worry, everyone has a first day. Film production is a collaborative process, and every member of the crew contributes to the success of the project. Whether you’re volunteering on a classmate’s film or working on a professional production, the habits you develop now will follow you throughout your career.

Technical skills can be learned. Professionalism, reliability, preparation, and respect are what people remember. Your reputation begins on student productions.

Professionalism

If you’ve committed to helping on a production, honor that commitment. Show up ready to work, stay engaged throughout the day, and finish what you started. Even if you’re volunteering, treat every production as if it were a professional job. Arrive on time. “Call time” means you should already be prepared to begin work, not pulling into the parking lot or getting coffee.

Bring whatever tools or personal equipment your position requires. Gloves, a flashlight, multitool, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle are all useful items to keep in a small “set bag.” Weather changes, locations change, and being prepared allows you to focus on your work instead of solving preventable problems.

Maintain a positive attitude. Film sets can involve long hours, changing plans, and unexpected challenges. Flexibility, patience, and a willingness to help make you someone people want to work with again.

Respect Everyone

Treat every member of the cast and crew with courtesy and professionalism, regardless of their position. Learn people’s names whenever possible and remember that everyone deserves respect.

Actors may need quiet time before emotional scenes. Crew members may be concentrating on technical problems. Be aware of those around you and avoid unnecessary interruptions.

Respect every department’s workspace and equipment. Never move lights, camera equipment, props, wardrobe items, sound equipment, or production design elements without permission from the department responsible for them. If something is in your way, ask before moving it. Likewise, never handle props, costumes, or equipment simply because they look interesting. Many items are expensive, delicate, or have been carefully prepared for continuity.

Communication

Pay attention to what is happening around you. Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if something is unclear. Never assume you know what someone wants if you are uncertain. Whenever possible, communicate through your department head rather than going directly to the director. Following the chain of communication keeps the production organized and prevents confusion.

If you need to leave your assigned area for any reason, always let your department head know where you’re going, why you’re leaving, and when you expect to return. If you finish your assigned task, don’t disappear. Ask, “What can I help with?” The best crew members stay engaged and continue looking for ways to contribute.

Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones should remain on silent while working. Avoid texting, checking social media, or browsing your phone unless your work requires it or you are on an authorized break. Being distracted by your phone is one of the quickest ways to develop a poor professional reputation.

Never photograph or record actors, sets, costumes, scripts, equipment, or behind-the-scenes activity without permission from the production. Do not post photographs or videos from a production on social media unless you have received approval from the producer, director, creator.

Working on Set

Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not stand in front of the camera while shots are being framed or rehearsed, and avoid blocking crew members who are actively working.

Unless your job requires it, avoid gathering around the camera monitor. The monitor is a working space for the director, cinematographer, script supervisor, and other key crew members.

Keep unnecessary conversations to a minimum. Film sets can become noisy very quickly, making it difficult for departments to communicate effectively.

Learn to anticipate what will happen next. Filmmaking follows a predictable workflow, and with experience you’ll begin recognizing what equipment, personnel, or preparations will be needed before someone asks.

Safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you notice something that appears unsafe, report it immediately. Never assume someone else has already seen the problem. Wear appropriate footwear at all times. Flip-flops, sandals, and open-toed shoes should never be worn on a working set.

Stay hydrated, especially when working outdoors or during hot weather. Eat during scheduled meal breaks and notify your department head if you begin feeling ill or unsafe. Always follow instructions regarding electrical equipment, vehicles, rigging, special effects, weapons, animals, and other potentially hazardous situations. If you are not trained or authorized to perform a task, don’t attempt it.

During Takes

When the Assistant Director calls “Picture’s Up,” stop unnecessary conversations and prepare for the take. When the AD calls “Rolling,” remain completely quiet. Freeze if necessary, avoid whispering, silence your phone or walkie, and wait until the Director calls “Cut” before resuming activity.

If you’re assigned to lock up the set, clearly repeat the AD’s calls so everyone in your area is aware that filming is in progress. Politely stop pedestrians from entering the filming area when appropriate, but remember that Production Assistants and crew members are never permitted to control vehicular traffic. Only law enforcement officers or authorized traffic control personnel may stop or direct traffic.

If members of the public are present near your filming location, always treat them with courtesy and respect. Your behavior reflects not only on your production but also on CalArts.

Walkie-Talkie Etiquette

Walkies are an important communication tool. Unless instructed otherwise, turn your walkie volume down or off during takes and restore it after “Cut.” Keep radio transmissions brief, professional, and relevant to the production. Avoid unnecessary chatter.

The Smart Way to Shoot

Professional productions generally follow a simple workflow:

Block. Light. Rehearse. Shoot.

Begin by blocking the entire scene with the actors in the actual location. While the actors and director establish movement, department heads observe how the blocking effects lighting, camera, sound, wardrobe, production design, and other technical elements.

After blocking is complete, actors can step away while departments prepare the set. Once lighting and technical adjustments are finished, rehearsal allows everyone to fine-tune the scene before filming begins. Taking time to properly block a scene almost always saves time during the rest of the shooting day.

Respect the Location

Whether filming on campus, in a private home, or on location, treat every location with care. Clean up after yourself, dispose of trash properly, protect floors and walls when necessary, and always leave the location in the same—or better—condition than you found it.

Future productions often depend on maintaining good relationships with property owners.

Wrap

When filming is complete, your work isn’t finished. Return tools and equipment to their proper locations before leaving. Once your department has wrapped, offer to help others if assistance is needed. Complete all required paperwork, return borrowed equipment, and make sure you have the next day’s call sheet and any updated production information before leaving.

When You Make a Mistake

Everyone makes mistakes, including experienced professionals. If you make an error, acknowledge it honestly, take responsibility, and work toward a solution rather than making excuses or placing blame on someone else.

The most valuable lesson isn’t avoiding every mistake, it’s learning from each one. Crew members respect people who are accountable, dependable, and committed to improving. Remember that every experienced filmmaker was once new. Stay curious, ask questions, observe those around you, and continue learning. Professionalism, preparation, and a positive attitude will open more doors than technical ability alone.