How to Manage Days on Set as a Young Performer

Advice to all young performers, for their first time on set...

By Lauren McCrostie

Spending our days on a film set is the ultimate goal for many aspiring performers. You are able to witness first-hand the high level of craftsmanship required to make a production. You can enjoy creating while watching others do so too. From working on a film set you get introduced to new and unfamiliar departments constructing a film or TV series - the DOP, the makeup artist, the artistic director, the editor. It gives you a deeper, broader sense of the world behind the screen, and in turn, a more holistic appreciation for it.   

Often the environment is perceived as a fast paced, free flowing and informal one. But this not always the case. These are a few of the common misconceptions people have about film sets. It still is very much a creative, collaborative, fun space - with everyone there wanting to produce the best piece of work possible - but it is also a very temperamental one.

Being prepared with what to REALLY expect when on set for the first time can be very helpful to manage expectations and to allow you to get the best from the job. Getting familiar with the different roles you’ll likely come into contact with, in addition to learning the expectations and best behaviour for your time on set is really beneficial. You will give off a great first impression and feel more comfortable in this new experience.

Get to know who you will meet

Aside from the casting director, director and perhaps some of the other actors involved with the project, you may not have previously met any other of the people working with the production. There are numerous roles within even the smallest shows!

In the production team we have the director, assistant director (referred to as the ‘first AD’), second assistant director (‘second AD’), third assistant director (‘third AD’). There are also sometimes two third ADs working on a project; with one at ‘base’(where the trailers, craft services, costume trucks, etc, are located) and one on set.

There are then PAs (production assistants or ‘runners’) who pretty much do everything for anyone on set. They are often found transporting the actors/different departments to and from where they need to be. All of these people are super helpful and if you have any logistical questions, they are best saved for them! The producers of the project fall within this category too, but are unlikely to be on set every day.

When filming, you will come into contact with the DOP (Director of Photography) who is in charge of the cinematic image on camera and decides how to achieve a particular shot. The DOP has a AC (Assistant to Camera) who maintains the workings of the lenses, cleans and prepares them for a take. The gaffer also works closely with this team as they plan and create the lighting plan for each shot and scene. The grip is the team member who manually operates the camera and its heavy equipment - they are usually the ones with the huge muscles! The grip ensures that a take can be made smoothly and safely.

The sound recordist is also a key role, and will record the audio of each scene and check that there are no odd background noises like planes or off-stage whispers. They will usually be holding a big microphone, often on a stick, known as a ‘boom’!

Despite this list, I have merely grazed the surface of many other roles you are likely to come into contact with over the course of a project… there is the art department, the makeup team, the continuity (who check that each shot aligns with the film’s story and previous takes), the stunt co-ordinator (if it’s a physical piece), and many others.

Anticipate the wait!

Something which is usually brushed aside is the amount of time you spend, once you've actually got a job, waiting to play your role. Each day you're called to set (as per the ‘call sheet’, which is a daily agenda of scene list and cast needed for that day). You go through hair, makeup and costume and then wait to be called. How long does this take?

How long is a piece of string?

Even if your scene is marked as first on the list of the day, nothing is set in stone. The weather may suddenly turn and so they have to do a shuffle around or the gaffer and DOP may be working with a very difficult lighting plan to prepare the shot. The director is working with everyone and not just you, your character or your scene. They have to balance all of the different departments, schedules and uncontrollable fluctuations of the day. There have been many times when I have been up at 5am, suited, booted and wigged, ready by 7am, and have to wait all day to be told I wouldn't be used that day.

Spend the Downtime Wisely

Having a lot of downtime can be annoying, yes. Though if you come prepared with having to wait, you are able to constructively use this time, so it can be a really be quite a positive thing.

You could use the hours to catch up on work, whether it’s studying for exams or attending to your other job. You can distract yourself with a completely different activity. Or perhaps, if you’re on a longer project (over weeks or months) set yourself a goal to make something within your waiting time… sew something! Write a play! Crochet a blanket! (Meryl Streep is a famous on set knitter!).

If you’ve been told it’s probable that they won’t get to your scene that day by one of the ADs, then use the time to socialise! Get to know crew and have a chat with them to learn their name and what they do (if they are not busy either - you mustn’t disturb!). However, if you know that you are likely to be called to set soon, you can engage with a ‘liminal’ activity: one which keeps you in between yourself and character. This means you are ready to perform quickly whilst also not exhausting you.

Be Respectful

Once on set you must keep quiet and try not to move around so much. Many people think that mutters and whispers can be edited out or not even heard, but this is wrong and also disrespectful to others who are working. Plus, you may have a mic!

Don't bring your phone to set, but if you have to then it must be on silent or aeroplane mode - definitely do not make or take calls. Setting the space ready for a shot can take hours. Be patient and expect to remain focused throughout transitions and lighting, makeup, sound fixtures, etc. A lot is required for every single take. So, remain ready and professional. Offer help if you think it won’t be an issue - maybe the grip is hungry or thirsty. If so, get them something from craft services. If you’re in costume, hair and makeup then stay clean and presentable too, remember this is someone’s work!

Be Friendly and Eager

On the first day, make a good impression by talking to everyone you see. Be friendly and ask what they do. Don’t only converse with who you think you’ll work with; get to know everyone! This is a small industry and a good word spreads well. Don’t be a negative Nelly! Days are hard and long - plus you never really know where they’ll go. But don’t let this deter you from an optimistic outlook; try to remain enthusiastic, open and remember: you want to be here! 

Lauren McCrostie is an actress and writer based in London. Previous acting work includes Tim Burton’s 'Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children' and Carol Morley’s ‘The Falling’. Lauren also runs her own newsletter (happy helpful homework) which falls in line with her deep passion for sustainability and all things green. 

Image credit: Ross Ferguson