5 Simple Set Etiquette Tips to Boost Your Career

I wrote this post on set etiquette primarily for everyone who works or wants to work as an extra.  If you’re relatively new to the industry or working as an extra for the first time, there are some set etiquette tips you need to know.  Brand new actors may find some of them helpful, too.

Understanding set etiquette will prevent you from pissing off people who are in the position to hire you again.  You’ll also look professional, which is always good for your career.

Here are five set etiquette do’s and don’t’s to practice every time you’re on set:

1. Check-in with an a.d. as soon as you arrive.

I can’t remember the number of times I’ve been looking everywhere for an actor or extra who’s been hanging around but never checked in with anyone.  The a.d.s need to know you’ve arrived so we can send you to makeup and wardrobe to get ready.  If you’re going to be late, call the number you’ve been given to report delays.

Getting everyone ready and to set promptly takes many people’s efforts, so be considerate of everyone else involved.

Don’t wander off during the day, either.  Someone always needs to know where you are.  It makes you look very unprofessional and wastes time if people have to search for you.

2. Stay quiet during rehearsals and filming.

If you’re an extra, once you get to set, stay quiet and listen.  Other departments are working and setting up the shot.  The a.d.s or even the director will tell you what you’re supposed to do in the scene.  Your actions and reactions as a background actor are often vital to the scene, so pay attention to all directions.

It’s not the time to chat with others around you on set.  Unfortunately, many extras ignore this and treat this time as a social hour.  Please don’t be one of those folks.  No one wants to have to tell your agent that you behaved unprofessionally on set, and we don’t want you back.

3. Stay out of the way of other departments.

People working in other departments are busy and working under time pressure.  They don’t have time to chat or answer your questions.

You can learn a great deal by observing what’s going on around you.  As an a.d., I’ll always answer a question when I can.  However, I don’t want other departments telling me that extras are getting in the way of them working.

Be considerate and professional.

4. Keep track of your wardrobe and props.

The wardrobe department will often provide an extra with a piece of wardrobe or jewelry.  It’s your job to treat it gently and remember to return it at the end of the day.

If the prop department gives you a prop to use in a scene, use it as instructed and then return it.  It’s frustrating and time-consuming to search for misplaced items.

No one should have to hunt you down to retrieve wardrobe or props.  It’s proper set etiquette for you to return any loaned items to the appropriate department.  It may seem like a given, but many extras neglect to do it.

5. Bring the information you need to fill out your paperwork.

If you’re a parent bringing a child to set to work, have all their information, including their social security number, with you.  I’ve seen parents spend half the day making calls to track down their child’s social security number.

Bring your ID and agent’s information, too.  Ideally, all paperwork should be virtual with the pandemic.  Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, especially for commercials.  You still have to come prepared to fill out paperwork once you arrive.

Bring a pen with you, too.  Communally used pens spread germs, and because of the pandemic, I’ve stopped providing them for extras.

So those are my five essential set etiquette tips for extras.  As an a.d., I want you to have a productive experience on set and have the day run smoothly.  The more prepared and professional you are, the better the day will be for everyone involved.

Picture’s up!

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