20 Tips Before You Step onto a Film Set!

[@JoshuaFortuna]

Two tips that stick in people’s minds the most (in my experience). Carry two sharpies on you at all times and offer to mark people’s waters/coffees. This instills that you are reliable, dependable, and thoughtful. Whoever brought you into the job (DP if you’re an AC, Gaffer if you’re a Grip, etc) shoot them a text and ask them their coffee order (from a good coffee shop) before you arrive on set.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Great tips Joshua! Appreciate the contribution

[@FlyingJackalope]

One more: “quiet on set” means “quiet on set”. Do not move a muscle. Any move you make can end up in audio or become a distraction. Shifting your weight could reveal a squeaky noise on a hardwood floor, etc. And for God sakes, turn the phone completely off during takes. I usually keep it off unless we’re specifically on break. Ruining a take is one of the worst feelings.

[@AtlantaTerry]

LOL! That happened to me. I was shooting stills on the set of a PSA that was using an OLD high school gymnasium for the location. I swear that EVERY floor board would squeak if any pressure was applied to it. This drove the camera dolly crew crazy. Eventually, we just had to lock the camera down for every shot and no one was allowed to walk around during a take. BTW, the school was one that Julia Roberts attended. And modes such as "Silent" or "Airplane" may not be enough. On some phones, an alarm or reminder that you set may still blast out some noise. OFF is best.

[@Loonboy82]

And it feels sooo much worse when you ruin a take shot on film

[@FlyingJackalope]

Loonboy82 OMG! I know, right?

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

@@AtlantaTerry Thank you for the alarm tip.

[@clbazar]

Great comment. Not that long ago I hired a different audio guy because of scheduling issues with my normal ones. This new location audio engineer is a very nice and fun fellow, but twice his phone rang during shots, causing us to have to cut and go back to one. The first time it happened, I looked at him, and felt that my expression had communicated all that needed to be said. I didn’t scowl, but I probably squinted and tilted my head to the side the way dogs do when they don’t understand what is happening. I should probably clarify that I was serving in the producer/director role for a smaller shoot. Anyway, apparently I was wrong because at the next location it happened again. At which point I turned to him and said, “You know you’re the audio guy, right?” He laughed, but I wasn’t laughing that second time and neither was the rest of the company. I also wasn’t chuckling much during the edit of those parts. Did he ruin the project? Of course not, but as anyone who works in this world will tell you, time is your most precious asset. I tend to take a “first one is free” attitude in that we all make mistakes, probably no one more than me, but you don’t make the same mistake more than once. He ended up moving to another part of the country - and remember, I thought he was very nice and had a great sense of humor, but moving forward from that project, I didn’t hire him again because of that second time that he allowed his personal communication device to cost everyone their time. I enjoy working with others who don’t take themselves too seriously, but always take the work seriously and his actions told me that he did neither. I do my best to create a relaxed and fun environment on set, but it’s important to remember that when you’re on set, unless it is a self-funded solo project, you’re always there on someone else’s dime, and your actions constantly communicate your attitude and reveal your value. Looong winded way of saying, yeah, great comment, lol.

[@codyandvictoria]

I find that 90% of people on set are just there to stare at the monitor. Like... what are you doing here? lol

[@DannyGevirtz]

hahaha oh yeah man especially on the client side.

[@jadencoleman3186]

you all prolly dont give a damn but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@brantleyjoaquin3238]

@Jaden Coleman Instablaster =)

[@jadencoleman3186]

@Brantley Joaquin Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jadencoleman3186]

@Brantley Joaquin it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out!

[@davidkujawiak7987]

Calling it now! This channel is sooner or later going to join the big ones like Potato Jet, Gerald, or Josh. Amazing quality as always!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha i would be very grateful if that happens, but im already genuinely happy this many people have tuned in. Blows my mind. Thanks so much for the hope David!

[@HristoGeorgiev]

It is already better. 💙

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

That's the thing, if you are giving real helpful info folks will catch on sooner or later. Keep doing your thing man.

[@JudiChristopher]

"Amen Brother David" ... "Amen"

[@buknar456]

Ya this channel has nothing to do with those other KZbinrs. Danny is someone who has clearly worked in the industry

[@sixfoot6films]

This is great Danny. I've been on set for 26 years as a FAD and a couple things I would add is don't be a fan boy/girl....externally anyway. I've had my share of PA's who loiter around the director's split too much and talk about wanting to direct. Almost EVERYONE wants to direct, but for this moment just do the job you have right now properly! Also you need to have a thick skin, you will f*ck up and you will get yelled at....we all have, but you learn, you pick yourself up and you carry on. 95% of your success in this industry is persistence. LOVE your channel.

[@MatthewEncina]

Set etiquette and shared language are so important. I too had to learn on set. This is a great public service you're doing Danny. Keep sharing.

[@blackfish807]

Finally someone who knows his stuff, has a sense of self-irony and talks at a normal speed without waving the hands like crazy. Great channel, best regards from Germany! :)

[@EricaMeeee]

Well, the first two, anyway.

[@imgiovan]

this guy is so nice that starts the video with "my little angels" and ends it with "i love you"

[@isaacwhite3396]

Note on the lens changing, when you retrieve the lens, take off both front and back caps and place them in the lens case. Do not put them in your pocket, that is how they get lost.

[@MFD541]

Not the best protocol, supply a pouch for the ac to have on his batman belt. Always keep lenses capped until on camera. Last thing I want is a scratch or big fat finger prints on the glass. Lowe's or home depot have perfect cheap pouches that can hold both the in cap and the front Lens element cap. If an AC is replaced He can just hand the pouch off to the replacement AC.

[@edithgonzalezdesign]

I like the way you end "I love you" means you're nervous regardless the position where you are, and I would say I love the way you explain, so smooth made it sound so easy altough it looks like a lot of pressure once you are in set. Thanks you so much💕 I love you too😉

[@kylandochsenbein2462]

Watching this at 4am before going on a commercial set just saved me from making a fool of myself 🙏

[@lauritee]

I cant stress enough how much this channel has helped me to understand filming and all the technicals that go into it. Just amazing. Danny, we are all grateful and please continue your incredible work!

[@MaxMiecchi]

This is the most honest and useful video about "real" filmmaking for beginners. Well done.

[@nicolasvillarreal2769]

This is the kind of information people should be aware of, you should make a Part 2

[@qrisq794]

just wrapped my first day on set shadowing 2nd AC and this video will help me some much during day two and beyond. i just wished i had watched this earlier. thank you

[@sambrandner]

Dude I love wrapping cables 😂😂😂 Over-under is a technique everyone should know even for house extension cords

[@mikebmth23]

This channel truly feels like the journal of a filmmaker, nowaday filmmaking channels are all about following the trends, so refreshing to watch yet so underrated, plz don't lose yourself when this channel blow, cause I know it will.

[@rebeliousautie541]

Thank you for this. You explain everything so well, and adding in like that you have been yelled at for running on set, or made a fool of for not asking, makes someone with RSD autism who is extra hard on myself about how I do the job, feel less crappy about mistakes I've made.

[@RafaelGringo]

Hey, Danny! So much good information in so short time! 19 minutes passed so smoothly it felt more like 5. The way you tell things, we can imerse ourselves into your story as we were part of it. Sooo good. Although I'm in a different country and lingo can be a bit different, I still find valuable content in here! Keep the good work!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Ah thanks so much man! I was nervous it was a little too long, but its a lot of tips haha.

[@swoognotswag]

I feel like I should be paying for this

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha just passing on what others have taught me!

[@JudiChristopher]

YES... He should have a Master Class.

[@DillPhobia]

*Gasp*! Work can be done for free?? The spectre is haunting again isn't it?

[@GhostStealth590]

Should note: When it comes to lens hand-offs, some environments should require you to keep that sensor cap on, especially in situations of high dust, debris, moisture, etc... That lens sensor needs to be protected at all costs, and if you're walking 50 meters with that lens sensor unprotected, that can introduce problems. Always be aware what situation you are shooting in.

[@AladinBendaliBraham]

damn, i just discovered danny's channel last week and i've been addicted ever since! the value he provides is just insane 😍

[@DannyGevirtz]

What an awesome name Aladin. Thanks so much for the support! Pumped you discovered the channel!

[@Lexington101]

11:11 Before I made films, I was a musician for 10 years. The first couple of years, before we could afford roadies, I had to wrap my own sound cables. Learning this skill translated seamlessly to the film set. Today, I own those cables (or I should say my company owns them), and I personally teach this skill to anyone working with sound cables.

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

Thanks. Yes, there are a lot of terms that are used on set. The thing is, none of the popular channels are tell what they are. I think this will be helpful to many people.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Glad you enjoyed this and for sure! Thanks Autumn!

[@Mumbo]

A super valuable video, very interesting. Can't wait to confuse all my friends on set by requesting a gang of Gary Colemans.

[@DannyGevirtz]

hahahaha thanks so much man! Appreciate you coming through here. I've seen a couple of your shorts and their beautiful.

[@asdf-channel3800]

thank you so much for the info. I got my first real time to work as PA on a big budget production tomorrow. I can't wait and I can't believe it's happening.

[@JudiChristopher]

1:52 I cracked up... (FUNNY) ... You hitting that C-Stand... I am impressed. *Show don't tell... You're do a great job by not just telling us, but showing us too.

[@christopherbuckenhamphotog368]

phone on set is both a hindrence and a great help as AC AD and DOP i have the call sheet and shot list on my phone and i also use my phone to keep an eye on continuity as you said the big no no is social media a rule i learnt early on as my first sets where as a stills photographer.

[@auzziewest]

I love the Hollywood section. Shoulders burning on set.

[@JosepBautista]

So many things I also learned in photography school, and now as an assistant in a studio. But in Japan, so I needed lot of the English vocabulary you showed us in this video. Always learning!

[@muskratrepairservices7701]

First professional shoot tomorrow morning. So pumped. Thanks for taking some of the nervousness and changing it into excitement. Also, pretty pumped that I’m going in knowing the over-under technique for cables hahaha.

[@jemmacox]

Love this! Even for the C stand bit alone. I never had any formal studio training so totally feel like I'm winging it sometimes but this was amazing. Such a fan of all your content : )

[@PureMediaCreative]

LOVE your tips! Reminds me of when I first moved to Hollywood, sleeping on floors until I could start working as a PA on paid jobs. I think my first job was literally picking up cig butts off the set. 😂 I especially liked your text graphic about being someone's rock... that will take you so far and make you invaluable!

[@slipoch6635]

for wrapping cables I came across a set where they showed how to wrap one way then the other alternating (reversed loop), this was an outdoor action shooting group and doing it this way meant that the cable couldn't tangle or crimp and pulling one end would undo the loops correctly every time.

[@mikeprice25]

the fact you've colour schemed your tshirts and backgrounds impressed me lol Green t shirt, purple bg and vice versa

[@Danumals]

11:10 Haha, I argued until my senior year at film school that none of us learned how to properly wrap a cable. This list is really great Danny. Thanks for sharing.

[@DannyGevirtz]

haha thanks so much Juan!

[@neymatsyed]

loved this! really liked the way you explained everything and how honest you were :D

[@acheproductions2426]

I have been following your day plan and its perfect, this is what I chosen to watch while eating breakfast I have learned allot

[@AhmedmohamedSaleh]

Hello, I am Ahmed composer and singer from Egypt, and I wish you all success. You are a professional in your work and I learned a lot from you, wishing you every success

[@tannerkeuter3170]

Incredibly helpful and informative video - can't believe this kind of stuff is free! I will add one thing, and someone may have mentioned this already, but coming from an audio engineer, best practice for wrapping cables is the over-under method - it looks like you were only wrapping over which has a higher tendency to cause kinks and tangling. Hope this doesn't come across as trying to criticize, just thought I'd share my own experience :) cheers, Danny!

[@DillPhobia]

Learning how to make an independent film with a very small budget, so this may seem like useless information for me but I actually loved the info. I will look into some of this equipment and definitely learned about communicating, handling and transporting them all properly!

[@prajjwalvinodh968]

He is the big brother everyone needs.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha aw thanks man!

[@skycedi]

I’ve been solo shooting or with a small crew up to this point, so this is super valuable! Also, nice to see your channel grow :)

[@DannyGevirtz]

So glad this was helpful thanks so much bro!

[@keksgles7288]

Yo man thank you so much for this!! Literally watched this 22 times before I walked on set today and I new all the terminology/ rules cuz for you!! Ty❤️

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha of course thanks!

[@GuidoSkale]

This is about all of the things I was uncertain on my first shootings, learning them the hard way was fun tho lol, also loved the feedback on comment section, this channel is gonna form a beautiful community. Best low budget crafty is cereal and yogurt, maybe fruits in it too. Breakfast, in between snacks and dessert if you wish, just love it. (English not my first language so sorry for the mistakes if there is some)

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks man!

[@matthewlivingston3168]

Of course the vernacular is different in every area. I always was taught "hands on" instead of "got it" before you let go. And "solid" instead of "floppy". I enjoy the video content. Thanks for the visual art.

[@DannyGevirtz]

For sure! And thank you!!

[@desotaku5202]

3:40 i had that on a wedding😬 Luckily, it was them kissing after the ceremony specifically for the video. I told them "that shot was great👌 But can we take another shot, just to be safe?"😂

[@DannyGevirtz]

haha we've all been there

[@bwstuff]

This is a great service to people trying to get into the industry. Thank you! Just a quick note on your cord wrapping section, in my experience the over-over technique you shared isn't used for everything. I use that technique for stingers but use the over-under technique for XLRs.

[@braystaylor]

Another solid video man! I’ve been binging your stuff the past two weeks as I’ve had a sudden interest in trying out more film work vs photo for a while and your channel is full of good info so thanks heaps for putting that all out there. Keep the killer stuff coming mate. 🤘🏻

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much Bray! Really glad youre finding value in these!

[@kencult]

This is just good information for anybody making videos and who will likely work with some of this gear in the future on set or not. Especially C stand etiquette. People can get seriously injured (and have) by not using them properly. Even larger KZbinrs, Peter McKinnon specifically don't always use c stands right like in his overhead rig video. All of this is just good practice everyone should know if they plan on being in the film industry in any capacity. Awesome video as always man! Another great video would be work flow and post production file management going from raw files to hard drives. There needs to be a lot more of these videos covering the less flashy parts of video production, but arguably the most important things that can save your ass in the long run

[@DannyGevirtz]

So glad you feel this way Ken!! Thanks so much for the watch and comment!

[@MelHyde]

Wish I had someone like you before starting my production career. Great advice and hope people find it helpful :)

[@francesconavarro2725]

You've got a great presentation style. Honest, humble, sincere, and very genuine. Learned a lot from this clip... count me in as a subscriber, mate!

[@ryanhasler9980]

Your comment about always wanting to be running struck a wonderful flicker of a memory. When I was 19-20ish I somehow got an interview with a big production company and I knew I was going to kill it and be the next big dude on set... Long story short, after a great interview I was relaxed and for some reason blurted out, yea, you know I always have the need to run up a flight of stairs, that's just who I am and they all looked at me like, uh I was crazy! lol Didn't get the job but I still run up stairs.

[@morriskohl7388]

Man, honestly, such a blessing for having you on the journey. Keep it up Danny!

[@DannyGevirtz]

That’s amazing man thank you!

[@doodleharsha]

i am going to start my film career and you spread a smile on my face, i really feel excited to be on the set because of you! thank you!! you're a great help! :)

[@adrianhernandez3204]

never seen a video like this; going over on-set terms, LOVE IT!! Always learning something new from your videos and i appreciate the efforts you put in, it does not go unnoticed. Thanks Danny!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Arian! Thanks so much man! Glad you enjoyed this one as well. Appreciate you!

[@AngelaAndronache]

your personality is just amazing. thanks for this educational video. Wonderful

[@dgillphotos]

"10-1" - "10-2" - "Butt Plug" - "Stand in" - "Apple Box - Chicago" - "Martini Shot" (I love learning the language and traditions on the film set)

[@binaryvoid0101]

Sounds like a boy’s club.

[@GriffinConway]

So much value in these simple tips!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Dude glad you thought so! Thanks as always Griffin!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Anyone else have any good tips they want to add??

[@mochouinard]

You forgot about what is a Gobo Head and how to use it safely. Also, how to position the arm so it end is not at eye level (And if so, add safety ball to it end). All the different Apple box size and their position.

[@Mumbo]

A lot of the walky talky lingo was lost on me when on set for the first time. People requesting hot bricks etc.

[@DannyGevirtz]

@@mochouinard For sure man!

[@DannyGevirtz]

@@Mumbo Yep certainly a great point!

[@billc6734]

you forgot to mention... Points

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

This is a great video. I do have a further question with the C Stand. The big leg facing the heavy load. Also place the sand bag on the tallest leg. Would that leave the C Stand with no weight on the back/ side legs? Thank you.

[@ravholly]

Great tips, also some different etiqutee on Union sets vs Commerial Non Union sets. Entertainment PA's have nothing to do with Crafty, or Craft Services and if you try to do something as a PA the crafty people might murder you lol

[@ZhiJien]

finally have time to watch this long video of yours🤩🤩🤩 istg u are always making amazing content🔥 always my motivation to work harder! 🙏🏼🙏🏼 THANK YOU!!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha thank you man!

[@EmilyOsborne]

I'm English but go to film school in Barcelona so it's so interesting to learn all these set terms in English, thanks!

[@TK-lu5mp]

Hey..! You are one of my favorite KZbinrs ever... It's super helpful-! Many blessings-! From South Korea~~!!

[@DannyGevirtz]

That makes me so happy! I was just in Seoul and Busan not too long ago!

[@TK-lu5mp]

@@DannyGevirtz Please come again to Korea. When Corona-virus is gone :)-!!

[@VineCountryPhotoVideo]

I love the over over wrapping. If you go over under and someone left handed picks the cable up they could knot each loop if they throw it out wrong

[@MarvinCetiner]

I won't stop until I've seen all of your videos.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahah I love that dedication brotha. Thank you

[@GrantAce]

Most film tips videos are pretty straightforward and logical but I've learned a lot just from this one video I PLAN TO WATCH A TON MORE!!!

[@NewLayer]

This video makes it obvious that you have real life experience that many KZbinrs (like me) never get. Just by watching this I feel much more prepared for my first day on set, should that ever come 🤔

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha itll come! Glad you enjoyed this one man!!

[@NewLayer]

@@DannyGevirtz I just mean that I don't think that's my plan or path. It would definitely be fun and a great experience, just don't know if I'd enjoy doing it long term, but you never know til you try so...

[@theactorshyam]

I wish you had uploaded a separate video on film pre/production/post etiquette right after I saw the C-stand one.

[@jeremyzhu8885]

Aputure light is sooooo true! I still don't have a chance to work with international crews, but this video would help me fly one day!

[@NimTV]

Thankfully I learned how to properly coil cords at my college as well. It wasn’t films school, but it was video production. I actually didn’t even learn it through classes either. I learned it through the work study job I had, which was filming live broadcasts of our school’s sports games.

[@PjPerez]

I am so glad you admitted having hit "record" at the end of a take only to find out you were not recording, because my man, I have done that too many times.

[@alejomontoya9420]

Hey man great video. Thank you so much for all that useful information. Would you mind sharing how do you prepare that nice set, what backing do you use and how do you light it? Thanks.

[@dylanfeuling1432]

This is such valuable information! I can’t wait until I get on my first set. Thanks Danny

[@nbvideofactory]

Very sympathetic and down to earth. Great channel. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany.

[@tufsoft1]

One thing I learned on film sets which is maybe counter-intuitive is that just because a set looks like a house or a boat doesn't mean it will be built to the standard of an actual house or boat, I worked on some sets where parts of the set had floors that wouldn't bear the weight of a person or even no floors at all if they were not intending to film in that place, so you need to be careful wandering around on large sets.

[@PARALIGHTWORX]

Thank you for this video! Greetings from Germany :)

[@TreeTop_Studios]

Great! Tips like this can get you a long way.

[@andrewcedeno8747]

I can already see you getting 1 million subs! For real! Keep up the good work 👊🏼👊🏼 Your vidoes are very informative and you got a charming personality !

[@DannyGevirtz]

Ay! Thanks so much Andrew. Really appreciate the encouragement here a ton!!!

[@lesliesmith5266]

Excellent video, thank you. Well presented, valuabe info. I was a stills fashion/still life pro and have taken an interest in film production and though there are some similarities on set it's great to know film production lingo. Cheers for that 👍

[@jklbnmzxc]

Love your videos man binging lots of it and learning a lot, keep at it 🎥🙌

[@particlestudiosio]

I love you! Protect Danny at all costs!!! Great Video !

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahaha thanks man!

[@rinusworldzm]

Your videos are gold man. Thank you so much for sharing these tips.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha of course my dude! Thanks again

[@rinusworldzm]

@@DannyGevirtz indeed. I'm learning the terminologies.

[@jarrahfarkash1052]

I'm new to the world of film making and am not considering going to film school. I was wondering how you got involved in the world of filmmaking while not going to film school. How did you find out about jobs and get connections? Also, how did you start making short films? What sorts of equipment are essential when starting to make short films? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@SandyChase]

Apple boxes have 3 orientations: 1 - Los Angeles (flat) 2 - Texas or Chicago (side) 3 - New York (end - think skyscraper)

[@aaronsilver9765]

youre awesome and you always inspire me. SERIOUSLY!

[@eahimel]

Love your videos man! Keep up the good work❤️

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much man! Appreciate the encouragement a ton!

[@shahrulamar6023]

Amazing content! Too add on are lights on set! Say "striking" when turning on lights! Haha.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks dude! And absolutely man!!

[@aholder4471]

In the audio industry we flip every other coil when wrapping cables. This allows them to be thrown out without tangling and also keeps the internal cable from breaking.

[@chrisparker5372]

Aaron's got it. A twist of the wrist on every other coil, (hrrmmm... we need a video) and you get a cord with no kinks. It'll last longer, and it'll unwrap more easily the next time someone uses it.

[@aholder4471]

@@chrisparker5372 We're probably on a lot tighter timeline in the music world then the video guys most of the time. 😉

[@christopherlazaro7115]

Why am i emotional at the end? 😥 Thank you for this!

[@alejandropargaa]

Watching this during quarantine because I'm missing set life. 🙁 (Just recently discovered your channel. Loving it 🤙)

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha it’s tough but glad you’re enjoying the videos. Thanks man!

[@thebigdawg4996]

Haha the 'wear black' one is perdonal for me. I jumped onto set out of high school and was doing quite well and getting a couple of jobs and then the first time i stepped onto a proper big set i got absolutely shat on by the focus puller for wearing the bright, stripey red shirt

[@skene19]

I knew most but there was a couple little things in there as a fun reminder. Well done as always my friend. -Little Angel #19

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahahah I hate that I kept the little angel part in there. Thanks for watching brotha!

[@skene19]

@@DannyGevirtz No way dude! The little angel part sealed the deal for me. If I had one tip to add, it be to keep using that. haha

[@VillaFilmProductions]

I wish I had this 2 years ago but I'm okay with being your little angel. Just subscribed!

[@mitchmedmedia5386]

Great stuff. Thanks for laying everything out!

[@happysnowfairy2147]

So helpful :) Do you also have experience on what to avoid when you are an extra?

[@JaroAtry]

Nice video. What do you think is the reason Aputure lights are not being used on bigger sets?

[@AlecLangton]

Love it, the whole video resonated with me so hard 😂 keep up the great work though Danny, you’ve got it coming for sure.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Alec Thanks so much man! Glad this one landed for you!

[@sashamortira1108]

Every video you make is awesome!