Etiquette is very important on set and having bad etiquette can go as far as getting you fired or put on someone’s blacklist. Bad etiquette is something even the most experienced person is guilty of from time to time, but it is most common with people new to film sets. The problem is that most new, less experienced people especially ones fresh out of film school or kids that have taken online film courses have an uncontrollable desire to show you just how much they know or how good they can be at every job. What they don’t understand is that making those comments and suggestions or doing someone elses job is hurting their careers more than doing them good. Soon they will be known for having bad etiquette or being a know it all.
General Etiquette:
Drug and alcohol use is frowned upon on set.
Keep you mouth shut and your ears open.
Respect the chain of command.
Be polite, say please and thank you.
Learn people’s names. This is a big one, camera dept gets to cheat and tape the actors grid that’s on the call sheet to the camera, others aren’t so lucky.
Be watchful and respectful of your co-workers. Just because farting is okay on the grip truck doesn’t mean its okay in front of the talent.
Try to show up a little early. Do some networking, learn where the equipment is, read the call sheet, have a coffee. Do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for the day.
Arrive ready with the tools you need to do your job.
At top of day report to your department head, introduce yourself and be respectful.
When given instructions in person or over the walkie be sure to acknowledge by saying “copy” or “copy that”. Do not copy if you do not fully understand the instructions. Feel free to repeat back, ask questions or do whatever it takes to fully understand what you are being instructed to do.
When in need of a washroom break be sure to tell your boss! In film school we were told to ALWAYS tell the Assistant Director as well, that is great in theory, but on larger sets the AD has so much to deal with that they really don’t need to know which tech is pooping. You are fine as long as your boss knows and someone is around to cover you. Now, that goes for lower level crew mainly, as a Cinematographer or any higher up position the AD must be told.
Watch your boss and be aware of what is going on in your department and around you.
Work hard, but don’t over do it. ‘Work smart, not hard’ is a good motto to follow, but that doesn’t mean be lazy. Pace yourself, the days are long and there will be plenty of work.
Allow others to do their jobs, don’t be a hero. Don’t chirp in about things that have nothing to do with you or your department.
If you want to help another department ask them if they need it first. A simple “may I?” before moving a camera case or stand can save you a lot of grief later. The bigger the set the less likely you will be allowed to touch anything that doesn’t belong to your department.
Take a call sheet at the top of the day or print one the night before. In most cases many of your questions can be answered by looking at the call sheet
If on a longer job don’t be afraid to ask for a one liner, It can help you to be ready for future days.
Communication. When turning on a light, flying in track, dolly or anything in general call it out. Don’t just walk on to set with a 10 foot chunk of metal, that’s how people get hurt.
Do not just plug items into any available outlet. Never unplug anything. ALWAYS ask an Electric.
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