Film Makers’ On Set Rules

Nothing is more important than know what is and is not expected when you’re on the set. More people are fired on films for breaches of etiquette and protocol than any other reason 1. Arrive On Time (generally, 15 minutes early is considered to be on time). 2. Do Your Job and don’t tell anyone else how to do theirs unless they ask for help or are in danger. Expert advice is appreciated, but please use proper channels to communicate your expertise. 3. Never give your opinion (even if it’s positive) if you are not asked directly by those in charge. Do NOT challenge, correct or undermine the producer/director. NOT DO handle equipment in another department UNLESS you are asked to assist by the department head. Respect the departments. Ask before you touch ANYTHING outside of your department. Do not "borrow" equipment from another department. 4. Be Polite. Always say please, thank you and you’re welcome (not “yeah”) and refer to superiors as “sir.” 5. Be Humble When someone compliments you on a job well done, thank them. 6. Respect the Actor’s Space. Stay out of their eye-line whenever possible and work quietly around them. Do not lock eyes with the talent when he/she is rehearsing or acting. This breaks the actor’s character and throws him/her out of the scene. Talent is NOT your pal. Be polite when passing, but do not stop and talk about your family pet, planter’s wart, ambitions to fly a rocket, or funny smartphone app. When the talent is sitting alone, that is not an invitation to visit. Most actors will sit aside after hair/makeup and wardrobe and run through lines silently while waiting to be invited to the set. 7. No Autographs. When working with a famous actor, never ask for pictures or their autographs. 8. Listen and Ask Questions if you have any doubt about what has been requested of you. 9. Be Alert. Know the set -- which way is the camera pointing, where are the stingers. Be present without being in the way. No running on set. Watch for opportunities to assist your fellow crew members. 10. Make your superior look good by doing your job efficiently and you will become invaluable to him/her. 11. Follow the chain of command. All suggestions/complaints should be made to your direct supervisor. Go up the ladder to resolve an issue. 12. Learn people’s names & positions as a matter of respect and to show you care. 13. No Whining! Moods are contagious and people prefer to work with people who have a good attitude. 14. When You Arrive, check in with your superior - things often come up that need immediate attention. 15. Avoid cursing and telling distasteful jokes as a matter of respect for co-workers and young actors. 16. Turn off phones or leave them in your car until lunch or wrap. 17. Stay OFF your phone unless it’s work-related. Even then, excuse oneself to chat away from set. 18. Never touch props. It is often a “hot set” and moving something might ruin continuity. 19. No loud talking at any time on set - The production team needs to concentrate. 20. Hold all sensitive conversations out of ear range of others as a courtesy to those involved. 21. Have the correct tools for the Job it is your responsibility to own the right tools and to know their use 22. Learn the correct terminology for all equipment and use it whenever possible 23. Friends & family not allowed on set unless you clear it in advance with the AD, UPM or Producer. Locations are NOT open sets -- meaning, please do not invite someone on set, or wonder around outside of your department. 24. Photos and video prohibited unless you clear it in advance with the AD, UPM or Producer. 25. Admit it when You make a mistake. It is much easier to undo a mistake if it is revealed immediately. 26. Never take “Set Heat” personally. Harsh words are common on set in the heat of production. 27. Leave baggage at home. YES, WE CARE. Feel free to talk with others in your department while working on set, reaching out as time allows, using meals to get to know someone new -- BUT, be careful not to spread the misery on set. Instead, have someone close to you pray with you off set. Talk to your department head. Don’t make last night’s “activities” anyone’s problem(s) (be it tardiness, lethargy or illness). 28. Never leave set unless there’s a real emergency and only after checking with the AD, UPM or Producer. 29. Never Let Your Personality Conflicts Get Out of Hand. There will be people who you will find difficult to get along with, but you will only be working together for a short period of time. 30. Withhold critical opinions of other people’s work unless you are the Director, DP or Exec. Producer. 31. Be honest if you are asked for your opinion or feedback then speak kindly, and from the heart. 32. People notice your best efforts and reward you with future work and advances. 33. Everyone started somewhere. If you ask for advice or help, most set technicians are eager to mentor. 34. Be Patient. All departments have the right to finish their work without hostility from other workers. 35. Be Efficient. The worst thing you can do is to hold up the set - TIME IS MONEY. 36. Respect Civilians. Maintaining positive public relations is the responsibility of all set technicians. 37. Respect Locations. We are dependent on using locations and can’t afford to lose any. Not YOUR home/office/yard/property. Do not enter a room that you do not need to enter. 38. Respect the Gear. Film equipment is valuable and needs to be handled carefully. 37. Respect your Co-workers. No one deserves to and never should work in a hostile environment. 38. Don’t be a Hero. Do your job safely and deliberately; there’s no running on set for safety reasons. 39. Act Professionally. Never horse around on set - it is a serious workplace and can be dangerous. 40. No Music Devices. They remove you from the moment and impair your ability to hear instructions. 41. Avoid Loose Clothing or Jewelry. It can get tangled in equipment and cause an accident or injury. 42. Drink Plenty of Water & Use Sunscreen. It is easy to dehydrate in an arid climate. 43. Take Vitamins & Use Hand Sanitizer. It is easy to catch colds on set due to long hours and germs. 44. Listen Carefully to Safety Briefings. The First AD or Stunt Coordinator will give a safety briefing before all stunts. 45. Only re-enter the set after the Stunt Coordinator or First AD gives the “All Clear.” 46. The Armor is in Charge of all prop Guns and Weapons - never handle them unless supervised. 47. Report Dangerous Conditions (including drug or alcohol use by co-workers) to the AD or UPM/LP immediately. 48. No Open-toed Shoes. It is easy to have something dropped on your feet. 49. Work carefully around power tools. And only work when others are present in case of an accident. 50. During Dangerous Stunts and Setups: if you ever feel that your safety is being compromised by the actions of a co-worker or by the production company, you have the right to speak out with-out fear of retribution.