I had the pleasure of working on a new show last week. Well, it's kind of new. I had a role in the pilot, which got picked up, and then did some reshoots, at which point I wasn't in the pilot anymore. But the showrunners said they'd find a role for me in the show, and they did! That's partly because they're ridiculously wonderful people, but I have to give myself some credit and admit that it's also partly because I always do my best to be the kind of actor people love to have on set. So let's talk about what that means in practical terms.
- Be Prepared
The level of preparation required for a shoot is way different than for an audition or callback. You should be firmly, 100% off-book (but ready to adapt to last-minute changes.) Do NOT plan to rely on the little mini-sides — they're for the crew's reference, not yours, and some shows don't have them at all. If you're a co- or guest star, you should know your lines backwards and forwards, even if the leads or series regulars don't. And knowing your lines means not only knowing your own words exactly as written, but also knowing your cues, any action written into the scene, and having a general understanding of the shots described in the script.
Speaking of the script, make sure you've read it, and all revisions, even if they don't affect your lines, because they might affect your character.
You'll usually get a copy of the call sheet by email before your shoot day(s), which is the perfect opportunity to get familiar with the names of the director, producers, and ADs.
- Be Courteous
You know, like you're meeting a romantic partner's parents for the first time. Smile. Introduce yourself. Say please and thank you. Keep your trailer or dressing room tidy. Hang up your costumes at the end of the day. If you need something, ask politely. Don't steal anything. (It's ridiculous that anyone would have to say that, but it happens.)
- Be Professional
Between hair, makeup, wardrobe, rehearsing, lunch, and plain old waiting around, it can be hours before you actually get to set to shoot something. Once there, be ready to perform under pressure. The actors are treated better than anyone else on set; earn that privilege. Don't keep people waiting. Don't wander off without telling someone. Avoid sharing overly personal or potentially offensive stories or jokes, even if other people are doing it. Do your best not to get loopy, even when it's 3 a.m. and you've been there for twelve hours and everyone else is losing it.
When the camera isn't on you, give your fellow actors whatever they need to get the best coverage, which sometimes means squeezing in to tight spaces next to grips and camera guys and acting as though you're not squatting uncomfortably to avoid bumping the boom mic with your head.
When the camera IS on you, do your best to balance keeping it fresh with repeating the same movements and actions for continuity. Be flexible, whether that means taking countless tiny steps to the right or left for camera, holding your head in a weird way for lighting, or acting with a piece of tape stuck to the lens so they can get the best shot. Think of yourself as being there to help the crew, not the other way around. That attitude will be appreciated more than you know, and there is no better feeling in the world than finishing a shot and having the cast or crew earnestly tell you they're impressed.
At the same time, speak up for yourself. If you have a question that's relevant to the shot or scene, ask. If you get conflicting instructions, have a concern, or are asked to do something that makes you uncomfortable, let an AD know. Everyone is working toward the same goal, so no one wants you to suffer in silence.
And for crap's sake, turn off your phone.
Got any other on set tips? Share them in the comments!