blog

On Set: It's Called "Work" for a Reason

Stepping onto a film or TV set isn’t a social call—it’s showing up for work. And like any professional environment, that comes with expectations: punctuality, preparation, and professionalism.

​

While the atmosphere may seem creative and exciting (and it is), the reality is that every second on set is carefully scheduled and budgeted. There's little room for delays because someone "isn’t feeling it" or would rather chat about their favorite TV shows. This is especially true if you're a day player—brought in for a single day to shoot one or two scenes. In those situations, time is tight, and focus is everything.

​

As a day player, the production's primary responsibility is to get you into wardrobe, process you through hair and makeup, give you a space to wait, and then get you onto set when your scene is ready. Once there, you'll be introduced to the key crew, run through the scene to block camera movements and marks, and then step off while lighting is adjusted. You may wait again. Eventually, you'll shoot your scene, and once it's complete, you’ll hear those bittersweet words: "You’re picture wrapped!" A quick round of polite applause, a few thank-yous, and you're escorted back to your trailer and, soon after, off the lot and back to your life.

​

It’s important to remember: everyone on set has a role—and everyone’s under pressure. From the director to the dolly grip, the makeup artist to the gaffer, every person is working toward the same goal: artistic excellence delivered on a tight schedule. You're just one spoke in the wheel, and it takes many spokes to keep that wheel turning.

The guy hauling cable at 5 a.m., the lead grip unloading the truck before you’ve even had your morning coffee—they’re part of the reason you get to do your bit in front of the camera. Mutual respect matters. As my grandmother wisely used to say: “If you don’t have money, have manners.” On set, courtesy is the currency of professionalism.

In short: come prepared, stay gracious, and do your job with care. That’s what keeps a set running smoothly—and earns you a good reputation in an industry that thrives on word-of-mouth.