Part two of “Expectations of an Actor Once Hired, at Home and on Set” will delve into what happens once you walk out of your home and start your production day.
Obey Call Times. Always err on the side of being early – but no more than 30 minutes early. When actors show up hours before they are called, we may not have the space to accommodate them. Producers, hair, and makeup don’t have time blocked off to handle early arrivals. Call times are given with many considerations. If you do show early, check in briefly and then ask where you can sit to be out of the way. If you arrive during our lunch hour, we probably ordered just enough sandwiches for our morning shift cast and crew, and we may not have enough to feed you. Eating a crew member’s roast beef and cheese might mean the microphone gaffer tape ends up super-glued to your neck. Be considerate of those who have been on set since 6 a.m.
Don’t Bring Grandma. Unless you are a minor, it is not professional to bring family, friends (or your parish priest, as one actor did) on set with you. Occasionally there is an exception if an actor has a disability or is unable to drive. If so, please clear this with the production company so we can make accommodations. The crew moves fast, space is at a premium, and sometimes four-letter words fly for the good of the workday. Worrying about making others comfortable during your scenes is something we sadly don’t have time for.
You Want My Hair How? You are at the mercy of hair and makeup and the director and client’s vision of your character. If time is tight, or we don’t have a hair and makeup artist on set, you may be told to show up “camera ready.” If we are fortunate enough to have someone on set to handle your appearance, let him do what he needs to do. Complaints about your wig or wearing your hair up might just get the ponytail pulled tighter. Use the hair and makeup provided to get into character, even if it’s not the way you normally wear it.
And You Want Me to Wear What? Just as with your hair, you are expected to wear whatever clothes we put you in. This can be dictated by character, what looks good on camera, or what other actors who shot scenes before you have worn. We have a vested interest in making you look good. Trust us!
Be Ready to Roll. Once on set, please don’t wander. Always tell someone where you’re going, even if it’s the third time you’ve had to pee since you got there. Inquiring minds need to know. You might need a quiet place to run your lines before a big scene, but we don’t have time for a rousing game of hide-and-seek when you’re needed on set. We appreciate your need for peace or potty time, but please remember to tell the production team where you are!
The Director is Always Right. Be ready to be courteous and flexible when working with the director. He is in charge of what you do and how you do it. Often he is taking some of his cues directly from the client. Arguing with a director is a surefire way to ensure your headshot is lost in the shuffle the next time we’re casting.
But I’m Hungry! Productions typically have craft services available with snacks, drinks and fruit to nibble on between scenes. At mealtimes, don’t be the first in line unless specifically told to do so. On most sets, the crew eats first because their meal break is typically the shortest. The PA will tell you when to line up and get your plate. And it’s always a good idea to bring a large shirt or a cape to wear over your clothes. Strawberry juice and lasagna spots on wardrobe can be difficult to get out. Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste for after-meal hygiene so our editor doesn’t have to spend two days editing lettuce out of your teeth. If you have very specific dietary needs, please let the producer know before you get on set. We always try to have a vegetarian option and can do our best to accommodate special needs if we are aware of them. But never, as one actor did, ask the producer for money to go out for lunch simply because you don’t care for what’s being served on set.
Are Pictures Okay? Sometimes – but be sure to check with the producer before bringing a camera on set. Be conscious of when other scenes are filming, as most cameras make a flash or a click and could ruin a shot. The best time to take photos is during down time when you are finished with hair and makeup and waiting to shoot. Stay out of the way of the crew and keep pictures to a minimum. The good news is that on most productions, Contrast Creative takes tons of still photos and posts them to facebook.com/ContrastCreative. “Like” us on Facebook! (We like to be liked!) We invite you to share the images with your friends and families.
Time to Go! Be absolutely sure that you are wrapped before you change clothes and leave the set. Only the director or the producer has the authority to let you go. A grip or gaffer telling you “I think we’re done” is not enough. Ensure your release is signed and that you have completed your scenes. If you have a business card to pass along or just want to say “thank you,” now is the time to do that.
Don’t be Greedy. We’re happy for you to take a drink or a snack from craft services after you wrap for the road, but don’t fill your pockets, or as one actor did, a shopping bag! It might leave a good taste in your mouth on the ride home, but it leaves a bad taste in ours.
Umm….Aren’t I supposed to get paid? Your agent will send an invoice to the production company once the job is complete. After that, it can take four to six weeks for a check to be sent to your agent, and then your agency pays you.
I Want to Show Off My Mad Acting Skills. Not all projects or production companies are able to give copies of what you have filmed. If our contract allows us to share the work at all, we may not be allowed to distribute it until our client has approved it, and it’s been aired or released for the purpose it was created. Sometimes this can be many months down the road. Contrast Creative’s website has links to most of the videos, commercials and PSA’s we have produced and can be a great source for actors who have worked for us. We also post all of our production pictures on Facebook, so “liking” us is a great way to get an early preview for friends and family of what we shot and the fun team you worked with!
Production companies love to work with actors who are professional and prepared. Following these guidelines and exceeding expectations is a key component to booking consistently and being successful. We want to remember you for all the right reasons!