Back

Coultish Management

Set Etiquette

 

The first mistake you can make is not knowing what is expected of you when you are on set.  Acting like an alien is not what the production team is expecting!  Here are a few tips to make your first day on set a positive experience not a positively horrible one.

The Actor

In most cases if you are a first time actor, you have been to set many times as a background performer.  You know what set etiquette is all about but as an actor you have many more requirements of your time.

  • You will be phoned directly from the production for wardrobe fittings, call times and any necessary travel arrangements.

  • You will be on the set much earlier than needed as you will go through the makeup and wardrobe process.

  • You will probably be required to rehearse your lines with your fellow actors.  Depending on your role, you may also be asked to attend a reading session with your fellow actors.

  • You will be required to stay on set for your takes only.  If there is a large amount of time between your takes, you can usually retire to a separate trailer or actors room where an AD or PA can easily call you back to set.

  • Remember to treat your fellow actors including background performers with respect.  Everyone started with zero on their resume including you!

The Background Performer (Extra)

Your first time on set will be either really exciting or you will find out quickly just how long and tedious this day can be.  Most background performers never see more than an arm, their back or they pass so quickly on the screen that they almost miss seeing themselves.  Even worse they end up in a scene that hits the cutting room floor.  Background Performers are extremely important to any production as they create the "atmosphere" of the project.  Can you imagine a sports event, a restaurant or a busy street without them?  Yet somehow background performers or "extras" are not always treated with the respect they deserve.  Most sets are wonderful and you will have a great experience but there are occasions............well if they arise you can let your agent know!  Complaining on set will get you no where.  Letting the agent or booker know is the best step as we can then find out if the situation can be rectified by talking to the production staff.  Long hours, tasteless food, being cool, being too warm and not getting your face on camera or to set are all common occurrences and to be expected!

Due to the amount of "extra" work available and the lack of suitable roles, many union actors will do background work.  Even though it is not added to their resumes they enjoy just being on as many sets as possible, sometimes in the hunt for good contacts or just staying up on the latest industry "news".  Many make a very good living in major centres like Vancouver and they consider themselves to be career background workers.  They know the etiquette of being on set and whether this is your first or hundredth time you also need to know what is expected.

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early to set.  Find the extra's holding area where you will usually find the contact person you have been given.

  • Be prepared to fill out forms.  Bring a pen and KNOW YOUR SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER!  You will not be paid without it.  

  • No one knows how long the day will be.  Could be an hour or maybe 16 hours.  Asking this question will not and I repeat not get you a correct answer.  It depends on how the camera is rolling, how the actors are doing and what the Director is trying to achieve.  When you are called to be an extra, we might know if it is a day or night shoot but in any case clear at least 24 hours.

  • Union members are given "union vouchers" while non union members usually end up on a standard form.  Most background non union performers are paid minimum wage plus the 15% agency fee.  This goes to time and a half after 8 hours and double time after 12 hours.  Sometimes a non member may be given a voucher because they have been upgraded to Special Skills extra, Photo double, Stunt double or Stand In.  In this case you will be paid the Union standard hourly  background rate for the first 8 hours, 1 1/2 times after 8 and double after 10.  Even though we ask our members not to discuss wages on set, it seems to be the topic of choice.  If you are fortunate enough to be put on an union voucher, keep it to yourself. You probably don't brag about your regular job's pay cheque and this should be no different!  All the complaining will only get you deleted from our roster.  Many ask about how they get to join the union......check out the UBCP online site found on our Links page.

  • Bring all the appropriate clothing and props you have been asked for.  You should always bring at least 3 complete outfits for the wardrobe personal to choose from.  No logos, no busy patterns and USUALLY no black, white and bright colours.  Think earth tones, muted and pastel colours.

  • Stay in the holding area and if you need to go to the washroom, etc. make sure you tell the person in charge of the extras.

  • Stay quiet if you are near set!  This is extremely important!.  We want you to have a good time but laughter and lots of talking carries!

  • When it is your time to go on set, an AD will tell you exactly what you have to do.  Don't worry, you will just be acting yourself!  Don't look at the camera.  If the DIRECTOR decides he wants to have you speak and gives you that direction make sure that the Extra's casting director or person in charge of the extras knows.  This will mean an upgrade to Actor scale for you!  Also notify your agent immediately when you get off set.  

  • Don't approach the actors.  They are working on their scenes and many will not want to be interrupted.  Most will spend some quality time with the whole set including the extras after they have finished their work.  Remember this is a job, seemingly glamorous but once you are on set, the reality is...it is work.

  • There will be lunch provided after 6 hours and most sets will have a table with light snacks and refreshments for the background performers.  Under no circumstances are you to go near the area of the actors or crews food table.  If you are upgraded to a Stand In, Photo Double or Stunt Double, then you will be kept with the Actors and so will be able to access this area.

  • Bring something to do while you are waiting to go to set.  A book, homework, knitting, crossword puzzles or a deck of cards are great ones.  No noisy Gameboy or other gadgets.  A few snacks, juices and water is a good idea too.  You can always take them home!

  • Don't bring large amounts of cash or valuables to set.  Once you are on set, they may have to be left in an open area.  Usually once your outfit is chosen, you can return all other items to your vehicle.  

  • Do not leave without permission.   Once your face has been put to camera, it is imperative that you do not disappear.  You need to sign out before you go and to  okay your arrival and departure time.  You are not paid for your lunch period.  If you were asked to bring a bike or your vehicle was used in the scene make sure it is noted on the form.  You are usually paid $25.00 or more for a bike or car.  At this time you may be given your call time for the next day if you are on continuity.

  • Continuity extras should take a close look at everything they are wearing including jewellery and the way their hair and makeup is done.  They need you to return looking exactly the same.  

Best of all enjoy your experience!