10 Tips to Never Look Like a Newbie on Set Again
If you want to be taken seriously, you have to act like you know what you’re doing, even if you really don’t. Here are 10 ways to avoid looking like a newbie on set:
Be Confident and Make Eye Contact
When meeting people for the first time, make sure to stand up straight and shake their hand with a firm grip. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself; just because people seem busy doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate an introduction. Also keep in mind that if someone doesn’t remember your name, they will usually ask you again! This is especially important when meeting people who are higher up than you are in the production hierarchy (for example, the director or producer). When talking with these people, speak clearly and make eye contact. Be professional and polite, but also show them that you’re not afraid of them! After a few days on set, everyone becomes friends and the hierarchy starts to fade away. But it’s still important to make a good first impression, so don’t be afraid to put your best foot forward!
Know Your Lines Ahead of Time
Some productions may not have time for rehearsal or table reads
1. Be on time
Actors should show up at least 30 minutes before their call time. Use this time to sign in, print off your sides and make sure you have everything you need for the day. While you’re at it, say hello to production and get to know everyone working that day. It’s important to be friendly and professional, as most people on set will be seeing you again in the future. The key is to remember everyone’s name and use it throughout the day. This makes a huge difference!
2. Don’t sit in front of the crafty table
If there is one thing that a lot of new actors do when they first show up on set, it’s sitting down at the crafty table to eat breakfast or lunch. I’m not sure why this happens, but it does…a lot! You see, that crafty table is reserved for production only. If there are no chairs available, ask nicely if you can borrow one from somewhere else (but make sure to bring it back after your meal).
3. Ask questions
If you don’t understand something or want more information about your role or the scene you are about to shoot, ask someone about it! But make sure that person isn’t busy with something else
It’s a newbie’s job to endear him or herself to the crew. It will make their lives easier and your life easier in turn. Be nice, be polite, and be helpful. The worst thing you can do is create tension on set while trying to act.
Yes, you are the star of this scene, but there are at least 30 other people working as well. If you break down crying in front of everyone because you just can’t get it right, it’s going to make everyone feel awkward and uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s best for the director to give you your moment and then speak with you privately after the scene.
The most important thing is that you relax and enjoy yourself on set. The more fun you have, the better your performance will be!
Whether you are a fresh new actor, or a seasoned Hollywood veteran, there is always room to learn more. Here are some tips that every actor should know when stepping foot on set.
1: When in doubt, act like you own the place. Never look lost, even if you are.
2: Be prepared for anything. Bring a book, bring your homework, but most importantly bring your acting tools.
3: Always be ready for your scene.
4: Don’t be afraid of the crew or other actors. They are there to help you succeed.
5: Never get into anyone’s way while they are trying to work.
6: You will get cold on set; bring extra clothes and socks to keep warm!
7: Take advantage of any downtime you have between takes to study your lines or rehearse in your head. It’s not real life when the camera is rolling, so don’t “live” in it between takes!
8: If you have any questions about what is going on, don’t be afraid to ask! That is what we are there for- to help you create the best performance possible!
9: Smile and enjoy yourself!! Have fun with it! It isn’t real life! Let loose and
1. Always arrive early
2. Always know when you work
3. Always know your lines
4. Always be prepared for anything
5. Always be polite and courteous to everyone
6. Always remember that EVERYONE has a job to do
7. Always be respectful of the crew, their equipment and their time
8. Always ask questions if you don’t know something
9. Remember that your performance is important but so is everything else on the set – don’t make it all about you!
10. Have fun! If you’re not having fun, why are you there?
1. Always bring your sides (your scene for that day), pen, and highlighter. There’s nothing worse than realizing you left your sides at home and have to ask for a copy on set. A lot of times the other actor has made notes on their copy, so you don’t want to look like a lazy actor by asking for their copy. Also, you never know when you’ll get a chance to study in between takes, so keep your sides with you at all times.
2. Always dress appropriately. Unless your character is supposed to be naked or an actual hobo, don’t show up in jeans and a t-shirt. That doesn’t mean you need to show up in a 3-piece suit either – just dress naturally. If the scene takes place in the morning, wear something you would normally wear on a Saturday morning if you were having breakfast with friends or going to the park with your dog or whatever. Think about what would be natural for your character at this time of day and dress accordingly. For some reason, actors always have this idea that they can show up in pajamas and bathrobes if it’s an early call time – no! You’re not actually sleeping until noon every day, so don’t act like
The biggest difference between an amateur and a professional is that professionals have tricks. They have tricks to keep them from looking like idiots in front of an audience, or to keep them from having to do a show over again because they were unprepared.
So here are a few tricks, based on my experience as an actor, director and producer, that will help you look more experienced than you are and make your job a lot easier:
1) Watch the monitors.
2) Be prepared to do something different.
3) Know your lines well enough to improvise with them.
4) When in doubt, ask the director (or someone who looks like they know what they’re doing).
5) Always assume the camera can see you.
6) Have three sizes of props: one for your pocket, one for the table and one for across the room.
7) Don’t be afraid to move if it makes the scene work better.
8) If there is a script supervisor present, listen to them when they talk about blocking or continuity issues.
9) The crew doesn’t need to know your motivation for doing something; just do it as scripted/directed. And finally…
10) If you think you can’t do something, find
