How to Be Remembered After Your First Film Gig

There are a lot of unspoken rules in the arts and entertainment industry, especially on set. This industry is highly competitive, and that means that people are hyper-protective of the territory they hold. Thankfully, it seems that this is slowly changing in the industry. I spent two years as a Production Assistant (first in art department, then set, then office) and almost no one told me the things I’m sharing with you.

The truth is that the film industry is so simple, that it actually makes it more complicated. There are a few fundamental rules, which I’ll explain below, but above all — never be too good for a task. Not when you first start, and not when you’re in the upper echelons of the film industry. Now, on to the tips:

Here are 8 tips to be remembered on your first film set:

1. Filmmaking is a team effort.
   
   You will encounter a ton of people who don’t recognize this. Ego in LA (and in many production cities) is a dime a dozen. Don’t buy into the lie that they matter more, they don’t. Interacting with people like this is the cost of pursuing this industry.
   
   

2. Production Assistants (and all entry level roles) are the glue that keeps the movie rolling .
   
   Your role as a Production Assistant, Best Boy, Assistant HMU, or whatever-entry-level-role is vitally important. The small tasks that you do to alleviate what is on the plate of your department head make the day go smoother.
   
   

3. JARGON MATTERS.
   
   Though it seems silly to call a “clothes pin” a C-47, you don’t want to be the one person on set who doesn’t know that. (For more set lingo: click here). What is a C-stand? What is a fire watch? What is a lockup? These are common phrases on set that don’t just impact the day, but can actually impact safety (particularly lockups).
   
   

4. Talent are people too, but… don’t talk to them too much.
   
   It seems like a small thing, and there is a lot of nuance to this. Generally speaking, the rule is: if you’re not ATL (above-the-line, e.g. producers/talent/agency/studio), don’t talk to talent without reason. Making a movie or a tv show is fun, but this is a job and professionalism is paramount. In this particular situation, treating actors as common people isn’t wrong, but going out of your way to chat with them like you’re bffs is most always frowned upon (there are always exceptions, but it’s safer to assume the former than the latter). What does that mean, really? It means if you’re going to ask for a picture with a cast member, make sure that it will not interrupt the flow of the day, or take the actor/actress out of their character space.
   
   This is also a huge indicator to the people around you that you are green.
   
   

5. “Do you need help with that?”
   
   It’s a simple phrase that really helps highlight you (in a good way). If you are just standing around waiting and you see someone looking for something, simply ask, “Do you need help with something?” They may say they’re fine, but you asked. A big part of making yourself rememberable is anticipating peoples needs. Examples of this are: taking out the trash when you see it’s full, clearing tables and carts of empty water bottles, offering water or drinks to people who are working, making sure there are always available hot bricks (walkie-batteries).
   
   

6. Don’t hit the honey wagon without a hall pass.
   
   I say this in jest, but in all serious, don’t go to the bathroom without telling your Dept Head you’ll be off location for a few. The last thing you want is for someone to be asking for you, and for you to have disappeared without notice. I know you’ve been holding it since they started rolling 20 minutes ago, but if you have to go, let someone know. Or, you’ll get caught with your pants down. Literally.
   
   

7. Familiarize yourself with the call sheet.
   
   Knowing who is who on set can only help you. You don’t have to be an expert, but be familiar with each department on set. They will likely have their own PA’s, but you never know when you might be asked to flex into another department. Most importantly, make sure that you don’t just look at the “General Call” - make sure you find your specific call. It is rare, but occasionally (particularly if you’re an Office Production Assistant) you will come in earlier than the general call time.
   
   

8. Never take phone numbers or emails off of the call sheet to solicit them.
   
   What do I mean by this?
   
   Depending on the production, you will have access to tier one executives, directors, producers, etc. Fight the carnal urge to take that phone number or email and try and pitch your show, get casted in the next film, or just generally advance your career.
   
   AND UNDER ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU TAKE SOMEONES NUMBER FROM THE CALL SHEET TO ASK THEM OUT. If you can’t ask them to their face, you probably shouldn’t ask them. I get it, we’re all a little nervous face-to-face, but that is not only a serious infraction professionally, but it’s also just not appropriate. If they haven’t given you their number personally, keep it professional.
   
   

That about covers it for your first few times on set. If this is useful, let me know and I’ll put together a PART II.

That’s a wrap!

Stevie