Extras, Background Actors, or Walking Furniture Part 3

Things you need to know before arriving on the set and The Do and Don’t Checklist once you are there


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ARRIVING ON THE SET

1). What season are you Dressing for. On my 1st Acting job “The Replacements” 1999 - In the August 105 Degree heat of the day we filmed Winter playoff Football Games - In October at Night we filmed Late summer
early fall Games and yes we had to dress for the season we filmed not the season we were actually in.
You have to listen carefully when the wardrobe information is given out

2). How you are getting to and from the set. If you are driving What route?
Not Driving Is the person you are going with reliable? Public Transportation
Does it run 24 hours a day 7 days a week?? What is the overnight/Weekend Schedule like??


THE DO LIST

1). Be Professional at all times - this is a Job not an adventure
2). Follow Every Direction given - As it is given - Because it was given
No one has time to explain every direction to you - don’t ask about them
3). Make sure you have a working Pen - you can’t get paid turning in a blank voucher
4). Make sure you have the proper ID’s For 99% of you this will be your drivers license and Social security Number
5). Cell phones and pagers MUST BE OFF OR ON A SILENT SETTING NOT VIBRATE- THE SOUND EQUIPMENT CAN PICK UP THE VIBRATIONS
6). Do not Move from your spot without the PA (Production Assistant also called a wrangler) Knowing where you are (Even to the bathroom) This is for both onset and in Holding.
7). Have Sunscreen and a hat (if allowed for your wardrobe - A folding hat if not) For those Sunny Day outside shoots.
8). Be Quite on the set at all times - Even in holding


THE DON’T LIST

1). NEVER look directly into the Camera unless you are directed to
2). NEVER try to talk to the AD (Assistant Director), Director or the Main Actors - They are busy working - you should be as well.
3). Do not bring any valuables on set - If you can’t wear it as part of your approved wardrobe while working - there is no place to leave it on set.
The Production Company is not responsible for lost or damaged items that you just happened to bring with you.
4). Do not bring friends with you to the set or tell them where it is
5). Never try to get Autographs from the Main Actors - They are Working and you should be to