10 Things NOT To Do On A Film Set: TV & Film Set Etiquette

[@thecontinentalist8816]

37 yrs in the 'business', still find myself sticking to the advise I was given back in 1984 from an old Mole Richardson gaffer, in London. 'Be on time and keep your mouth shout.' I'd add, keep your eyes and ears open at all times.

[@FilmJams]

Haha love that advice!! Those old gaffers know what’s up. Thanks for watching and stopping by the channel 😄👍🎥

[@Kiky812]

Great advice I totally agree.

[@tinderbox218]

Basically, if you weren't given a specific job to do then stay quietly and attentively out of the way until asked to do something.

[@FilmJams]

Tinderbox definitely good to be quiet and non-intrusive! :)

[@onsetandbeyond7984]

good tips. I would add be careful where you stand, you don't want to create shadows in the cinematographer lighting and don't touch the rails the grips are setting up. :P

[@FilmJams]

On set and beyond thanks! I like it. Good tips! :)

[@Sutterjack]

Great tips - my number one pet peeve is people who are late - inexcusable. I have NEVER gotten in trouble for arriving early. Arriving early often gives you time to scout the set, find the ideal place to stage your gear, start to build and test and be ready to go when the actually "on time" production is ready to go.

[@FilmJams]

100000%% agree with this! Anytime I hire crew I always tell them this. Someone mentioned a good saying on here: 15 minutes early is on time. On time is late. And if you’re actually late...That typically means you’re fired. It’s very important to be on time in show biz!. Thanks for your comment and for watching! 😀👍

[@lucasschatzberg1606]

Good tips. I had a friend in film school who wore sandals to every set until we started calling him out for it

[@FilmJams]

Hey it is hot down here! :)

[@Chuene_Ashley_kgomo]

what may I ask, is the issue with sandals?

[@FilmJams]

@@Chuene_Ashley_kgomo Safety and Professionalism.

[@margarethudak293]

These are great tips! I try to live by the rule "15 minutes is early and on time is late!"

[@FilmJams]

Margaret Hudak that’s a film set classic! Definitely the way to go :)

[@brih9613]

and late is fired?

[@FilmJams]

@@brih9613 indeed! ...I’ve seen it happen on films. Punctuality is no joke on a film set!

[@wowzers6178]

If you're 5 minutes early then you are 15 minutes late.

[@FilmJams]

@@wowzers6178 yes! true words 😀👍

[@zachnallpowell8565]

Every aspiring film maker should watch this to avoid very embarrassing moments! You won't get a call sheet for the next day if you touch a light and you aren't G&E folks.

[@FilmJams]

Zach Nall Powell thanks for watching Zach! Very true haha :)

[@an_hooo]

Hahaha, I liked it.

[@FilmJams]

@@an_hooo 😆👍 thanks for watching!

[@an_hooo]

@@FilmJams good information, bro. Thanks for posting)

[@FilmJams]

@@an_hooo of course! Let us know if there’s other topics you’re interested in so we can make more videos! 😆👍🎥🚀

[@Film_It_Yourself]

Great video! Loved it! I'd say another great tip is don't give direction to the actors if you're not the director. I've seen it on indie film sets where everyone starts shouting out ideas. It just confuses the actors and disrespects the director.

[@FilmJams]

Film It Yourself definitely! Couldn’t agree more. It’s happened so many times on small indie sets I’ve been on... And while collaboration is great - shouting out ideas can get very distracting. Thanks for watching!

[@Film_It_Yourself]

@@FilmJams Totally! As a director, I always tell my crew that I'm open to ideas but ask them to share them with me privately off to the side instead of shouting them out to the actors.

[@FilmJams]

Film It Yourself yes! Good call. That’s the best way to do it. Otherwise everything goes to mayhem and the actors are confused. I remember being on set and someone was shouting out ideas and then the actors looked back and forth from the director to the “shouter” and was pretty awkward and basically stopped the momentum of the whole shoot.

[@elizabethpoarchtv180]

“Nobody thinks your funny” felt that 😰

[@FilmJams]

😲...😁

[@benhall2235]

Nobody thinks his funny what? Finish the sentence...

[@FilmJams]

@@benhall2235 I think she was referring to the line in the video where we say that 👍🎥

[@benhall2235]

@@FilmJams “Your” is a possessive pronoun. It denotes ownership. “Nobody thinks you are funny” would be correct or “...you’re funny” you’re it’s a contraction of you and are. Your and you’re are two completely different words with very different meanings. This grammar lesson has been brought to you by the good people at Good Grammar 4 U.

[@FilmJams]

@@benhall2235 Right I get the grammar. Just wasn't sure if you had missed that part in the video and was pointing it out to clarify :)

[@BarneyWobba]

Bit different in the UK but pretty much don't do these things here as well. Walking in front of a camera on a set that is filming is easy to do, especially if you are a floor assistant/ manager. I remember when I was very new, I broadcast on the cans something I thought was helpful to the director and I was subtlety told never to do that later on. Been late as well. Also, just because you may be behind a set, messing about there can cause shadow on the backdrop from all the lighting. Being quiet and respectful up in the gallery or the outside broadcast unit is also a thing.

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for stopping by the channel Barney. I am planning to do some filming work in the UK, so glad to hear your additions to our list...maybe will have to pick your brain before I head over!

[@tirsomorales750]

Here are 5 additional things not to do on a film set: 1. Don’t Run 2. Don’t Disrespect the Actors 3. Don’t Counter the Director’s Decisions 4. Don’t Misbehave 5. Don’t Get Caught Lacking (a.k.a., Don’t Get Caught Just Standing and Doing Nothing)

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for watching ! Good ones 👍

[@SouthernBelleTells]

Thanks for such great information! I also loved the presentation. Such personality! 😍🔥

[@FilmJams]

You’re welcome! And thank YOU! Really appreciate that 😃

[@jaycemcqueen306]

I start my first day as a paid PA tomorrow and I’m really stressed. Usually confident but for my first time I’m nervous. Don’t have a car so rides will be a struggle for the month long shoot, but going to try my best just sooooo stressed out about everything. Praying it goes well tomorrow

[@FilmJams]

Awesome. Enjoy the ride! And watch your Film Jams. You’ll be fine!

[@MilwoodHughes]

Hopefully it went well.

[@sbsheep]

Love your humor!

[@FilmJams]

Thanks so much! Appreciate that! 😆🎥👍

[@Carmine0x]

I work in audio dept. And I'm on my phone probably 70% of the day when we're shooting lol. I do more non-union reality more than anything, I'm guessing union scripted is a lot more strict on that

[@FilmJams]

Yeah it can depend on the set and the director or AD. For instance some directors like Quentin Tarantino will collect cell phones at the door to set and they are forbidden (people get fired if caught on set w them). But in general like we say in the video if it’s your job- like a coordinator texting the caterer or a sound tech using an audio phone app then yes that’s different. I think reality production has a lot less rules than scripted or even corporate video production. I’ve filmed for corporate clients like Apple that don’t like phones on set either.

[@nnk2391]

Oh man I got one, make sure your director is ok with smoking, I was on an outside set, WAY off from the shooting and the Director saw me way from the the distance and made a point to stop shooting, walk a 100ft or so and scold, ive also been on set where ive had a smoke with the director, always varies

[@FilmJams]

Yeah that’s a good point! I think asking upfront and figuring out what’s good and what’s not is always a safe bet. Same with cell phones. Some directors are cool with texting and BTS photos and I’ve seen other sets where people get in trouble for it. I always try to put on the call sheet if there’s any limitations like that but it’s not always there for when I’m on other folks’ sets.

[@nnk2391]

@@FilmJams Yah, I mean im set dressing, I've had people yell at me for cell phone pictures.....only to tell them im aloud and the only one aloud for continuity of the set, its happened when it was people on top that i didnt want to make look dumb because...well you know, so i just whisper it to em

[@FilmJams]

@@nnk2391 haha very true! Continuity people need to take photos. But that’s mighty cool of you to whisper to them. You’re an A-ok crew member! 😄👍

[@filmmaker5457]

Ha ha ha! I needed that laugh! Cheers!

[@FilmJams]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@LaurenWittFilm]

Some of this stuff is soooo on point! Very nicely done! I totally agree! I just subscribed!

[@FilmJams]

Thanks Lauren! Appreciate you stopping by the channel. Thanks for subscribing! ;)

[@dornravlin]

Thanks for the video I learned alot

[@FilmJams]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@sckios]

Tysm! I’m audition for a tv and if I get in this is gonna help me so much! 😁😁

[@FilmJams]

Awesome. Good luck! Thanks for checking out the video 😀👍

[@johnnyrife2427]

Thank you.

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertwesterfield3454]

Good rules to live by I’ve only broken too so far

[@FilmJams]

Haha nice! Thanks for watching. Which two?!

[@katypatra1948]

Omg i wish o have seen this vid before , cuz a lot of this situations has happened to me and ouch it hurts

[@FilmJams]

katy patra haha learning the hard way does hurt sometimes! Glad you found it helpful ;)

[@marialallave]

I am so neurotic, this sounds perfect to me

[@FilmJams]

Haha thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@camila-mk8mp]

“No you’re not funny , Nobody thinks you’re funny.” OoF meeeeeee!

[@FilmJams]

😲...😆

[@rustyshacleford5844]

And NEVER be caught standing around. If your job is done or there’s nothing to do at that moment….pick up a broom go smoke…anything, but don’t get caught looking like you’ve got nothing to do. The line producer is ALWAYS watchin.

[@FilmJams]

100% Agree Rusty! There's always gear that can be organized or cleaned. No reason to be standing around - and thanks for watching!

[@emalical_]

i have a question (i havent been on a tv set yet) im scared that there will be a time when i seriously don't know what to do. do i just walk around and look busy? what can i do when im not being needed at the time?

[@rustyshacleford5844]

@@emalical_ Depending on your craft, there’s very rarely a time you will have those moments. I worked rigging and electric for Walking Dead for example and there was always something to do. We worked with grips and set Deck and a lot of times I’m holding ladders or helping someone on a condor. I’ve worked set dresser and you may find yourself helping out. It really depends on the craft you are in and the type of production. If you find yourself with a free moment, take a trip to craftys….ask if anyone needs help. When I’m doubt though, clean up your area. Roll cable. Piss down paint. Clean brushes. Go get water for everyone in your crew. Read the set and the crew you’re with and keep an eye out for things you can do. Be on time!! If you are early, ur on time If you are on time, ur late If you are late, ur gone.

[@FilmJams]

Yeah have to agree with what Rusty said. That’s good advice. Bigger crews it’s a little different than a Small indie crew. On smaller crews you will more likely be busy since there’s less people power (unless the production is just moving really slow). And I generally would say yes it’s good to look and be busy. If you’re not busy the producer may question - “did we really need that 3rd grip or that 4th PA” and you might not be back the next week. So yes be busy and make yourself useful however you can.

[@andreahawkins5890]

thank you

[@FilmJams]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@Capohanf1]

As a Prop Master and Set Decorator for a few small production companies, I ALWAYS arrived as early as possible because without me NO ONE ELSE COULD DO THEIR JOB! AND you FORGOT one EXTREMELY important rule, "ON SET THE DIRECTOR'S WORD IS THE WORD OF GOD!!!!!!!!!!!'' NO ONE, Star, Producer, ANY ONE, goes against that he or she wants! Except maybe the Safety Officer or Stunt Coordinator!

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for watching! I can’t agree more with getting to set early. So important to keep production running smoothly. Def my #1 pet peeve when crew are late.

[@SeanRochau]

Very informative and helpful to avoid common mistakes on a set! Keep it up with the videos !

[@FilmJams]

Sean Rochau thanks Sean! Glad it was helpful!

[@VincentRutley]

AWESOME VIDEO

[@FilmJams]

Thanks! Appreciate that!

[@sapphirw5231]

Lmaoo I thought this was for actors 😂and I was confused on why we had to do all of this.

[@FilmJams]

Oh true! Sorry about that. More for crew 😆🎥!

[@JayneNicoletti]

I have been on sets where a lot of people did these lol.

[@FilmJams]

Jayne Nicoletti haha definitely. We’ve all been there! 😄

[@gulemsara]

Okay I’ve got a question. If we were given a walkie talkie and they call action do you somehow mute it or not? This is a serious question lol

[@FilmJams]

Typically on sets where sound is being recorded you would wear a surveillance headset so you only hear the sound in your ear.

[@BrianRockMedia]

No running on set

[@FilmJams]

A good one for sure 👍 thanks for watching!

[@clintcalvert9250]

I do all those things.

[@FilmJams]

Which ones? Just don’t eat the yellow snow!

[@spartacusforlife1508]

Things that have actually happened during filming in Liverpool. 1. An Oscar winning actor was told to " shut up you big tart " after he said " get my car I'm not being looked after" three times during one day 2. An actor who was harassing a runner, new to the job, because she wouldn't search an actresses bag for " his " phone" was told " hey, D lister. She's not looking for it now fuck off. 3. People on dale Street waited for an hour to see a 50 ft Toblerone, on a float, and with 50 people dressed as individual Toblerones dancing behind it. It was a wind up, the crew had left to film at the 2nd location 4. A guy from lighting department screamed racist abuse because he thought a black traffic warden had ticketed his car in a coned off bay little realising the traffic envelope had a folded up asda bill in it. The traffic warden hadn't given him a ticket 5. A stuntman arrived in his brand new truck, at the shoot, tossed his keys to security and said "move it if you need to" he came back at lunch to find a for sale sign on his motor saying " for sale.£1200 or ten boxes of viagra" 6. A female runner upset security who later set her up by getting a producer to ask her where he could get a bavarian custard slice at 6.pm.. she then got on the radio and asked that exact question whereupon the first A.D. screamed back " who the fuck is asking for a bavarian custard slice, get off this fucking radio" she disappeared off the scene 7. On the t.v. series bulletproof, a bank robbery scene involving two guys dressed as arabs, on a motorbike and firing realistic sounding machine gun was about to be shot. Side streets were blocked off and action was shouted. An old lady, none the wiser, walked down the steps of a building in the street. Even worse she was holding the hand of her 90 Yr old mother. The motorbike entered the street. The Arab robes were flowing in the wind and the machine gun was firing. Both women were screaming because they thought it was a terrorist attack 🤣🤣🤣🤣 7.nice guy that Tom Hardy is. He took a pic with forty women, separately after the days filming had ended. The security guys asked for pictures to which he obligingly did until he looked at the last guard as if to say, " do you want one" whereupon the guard said " I don't want your picture. What am I twelve"

[@FilmJams]

Dang! You need to write a book w all these lol! Thanks for sharing.

[@chok1169]

Don't pass in front of the camera (I got morally destroyed after doing that).

[@FilmJams]

Haha oh yeah! I learned that one the hard way too!

[@stenbiller99]

definitely don't 10-2 in the middle of the set

[@FilmJams]

Ha! That’s just solid advice there! 🫡

[@Nueztoy]

Keep track of your water bottle.

[@FilmJams]

That’s a good one. Labeling the cap is a good practice for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@javidlj8676]

I know you guys don't mean any harm by it or maybe dont even notice it, but being less gendered with language can go a long way for people trying to become filmmakers like myself. Like only referring to fellas as people on set(not sure what exactly the cutaway was about so maybe i missed something? but it was hilarious lol) & referring to the director as a 'he' kinda lets us know that you pretty much expect the director to always be a man... I'm not saying go and hire some random lady or non-binary person, just saying language and representation can go a long way.. it can be really demoralizing/discouraging to know pros that I'm learning from speak as though I wouldn't exist on set. Love you guys' videos and hope it can improve in this way w small changes! thx for reading.

[@FilmJams]

Hi Javi! Thanks for the message. We definitely can try to improve that. I can understand where you’re coming from. Have you checked out any of our videos with Ash? She’s awesome and has done some of my favorite videos on our channel. Here’s one from Ash who was our resident female director last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmiwfmNjjbuqY5o

[@sdd201]

Don't direct when the director or the AD is not there.

[@FilmJams]

Yes good one! 👍👍

[@anonimofied]

tough life

[@FilmJams]

What you mean?

[@davedave9780]

Should have had someone walk in front of your camera when you were talking about not walking in front of the cameras.

[@FilmJams]

I thought we did ! At 3:36 right?

[@davedave9780]

@@FilmJams yes..I meant before that..when you first started talking about it while sitting on the couch...all good though👍

[@FilmJams]

Right on! I think we were short on crew that day haha 😃 thanks for watching tho and good suggestion !

[@DanTasticEntertainment]

Don’t move lights during filming. Especially if you’re working with Christian Bale

[@FilmJams]

DanTastic haha great addition! I’m sorry that missed the video lol. 😆

[@maxsdad538]

That was actually the camera operator (Shane Hurlburt) who crossed in front of the camera. And Bale was TOTALLY out of line.

[@FilmJams]

@@maxsdad538 Wish I could've been a fly on the wall on that set!

[@maxsdad538]

@@FilmJams I later asked Shane about it, and (being the consummate gentleman and overall nice guy), he said that Bale was correct... except that Shane was the Director of Photography on the set (Terminator Salvation), and he was the only one ALLOWED to cross. Bale later apologized and, to his credit, ate a TON of crow.

[@FilmJams]

@@maxsdad538 Oh wow interesting! I've seen some pretty crazy arguments on set, but that one was pretty nuts from the audio I heard anyway.

[@Helen-sound]

‘Stand by ‘ means shut up . Even the words ‘Roll to record’ would be a good time to stop talking . This is when I’m listening for that incoming plane , or irritating noise and all I can hear is talking ....usually underneath the mics . I also need to hear the clap of the board and be able to get the scissors in after the AD or director shouts “Action” We don’t want to hear about your next job or your personal private life stories. Sometimes the sound is being heard all over the building so out of respect I fade the booms down and tell my guys to ask the AD to go on set and explain my dilemma . The mics are usually faded up so the PA can hear if the director is on set giving notes and especially if they have called lunch . There is nothing worse than realising we , the PA , vision mixer , LD , vision guys and myself are all sitting there and the floor has been cleared .

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for your comment and sharing experiences :) I agree nothing worse than missing lunch or a wrap!

[@PureMediaCreative]

Don't wear white... ever. Only wear black if you are anywhere near the camera and definitely don't ever wear white, you will be abruptly scolded and chased off the set for messing up the lighting and looking like an idiot.

[@FilmJams]

Good one! Definitely always wear crew blacks especially if you’re working with a producer or crew you haven’t before.

[@PureMediaCreative]

I have another one... if you are new and working as a PA... if they send you for bagels don’t EVER get them from the grocery store. Go to a bagel place or they will ridicule you literally for years. Happened to me when I was starting out. 🤣

[@PureMediaCreative]

I have a friend who was working on a set in LA where he did that.... they took the offensive bagels and circled up and all threw them at the PA who got them. Harsh! True story. Hazing is real. Lol

[@FilmJams]

@@PureMediaCreative wow! That is really harsh! I was on a shoot a couple years back and the caterer brought Macdonald’s sandwiches for breakfast and the producer practically flipped out. Some clients expect high end treatment for sure. I can understand having good food, but better communication and planning normally alleviates those kinds of issues I’ve found. Be VERY specific when ordering food lol.

[@PureMediaCreative]

@@FilmJams Dealing with the food ordering or catering is by far the worst job on set... in my opinion. It's just the worst, you could do a whole video on just handling food on set, setting up, planning around your shoot schedule, plate counting, meal penalties, last man through, who goes first in line, (aka don't get miffed when the crew goes first), how to order the right amount, head count, how many tables/chairs/pop-ups, shuttling to and from, special orders, special plates and utensils for special people, different lunch rules like walk away lunch, come having had, French Hours, OMG it goes on and on and on. Ack!

[@ti6091]

You never talk during a film set ever that’s an automatic strike

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for watching Tí! Silence is golden 😀🎥👍

[@clintcalvert9250]

Screw rules.

[@FilmJams]

You sound like you ride a Harley without a diaper. I like that.

[@chriswright4677]

I’m surprised 21k continued watching after your “no no’s” introduction. I’m out!

[@FilmJams]

Awesome! We don’t want ya hanging around if ya can’t appreciate a little sassiness. You’re on the wrong channel cowboy, and probably in the wrong profession 😂