If you’re here, then it’s safe to assume: YOU BOOKED THE JOB! Congratulations are in order. No matter what you’re shooting, whether it’s a day player role or a Hollywood film, sets run in a pretty similar way.
Below, we’ll break down the key components of what you need to know for your first time on set. Let’s dive in, and get you on your way to that first Oscar win.
Getting to Set: Production Schedules and Call Sheets
The first thing to tackle is the process of getting to set. The production team will communicate with you, usually through your agent, to tell you which days you are shooting. When this information comes through, know that it will definitely change. It always does!
The production schedule gives you some idea of which scene will be shot when, but it pays to learn all scenes in case things change. Typically, you are issued a final call sheet the night before you shoot – this is the bible. Below, we’ll go into what you need to know to understand the production schedule and call sheet.
Production Schedules: The Schedule One-Liner
This schedule is developed by either the first AD or the Production manager. A ‘schedule one-liner’ encapsulates the scene content. Note that the day is marked at the end of the list of scenes for that day – with END OF DAY 1. You will have a cast number so you can check down the cast required column and see what days you will be shooting.
Fun fact: this is where the phrase ‘Number 1 on the call sheet’ comes from. The leading actor is #1.
The one-liner schedule only contains information about the shooting schedule. You may also be required for costume fittings, rehearsals or even second unit shoots. The scene number is noted in the first column and the scene location. The Actual Location is located in the final column.
How to Read a Call Sheet & On-Set Basics
The first thing to be said about call sheets is that you should read your call sheet very carefully. I recommend you google some examples of a call sheet to get your head around the different formats.
Usually, you will be sent a call sheet from the production as well as from your agent. If you are a series regular you will only get it from the production office. It is the second or third AD’s role to write up the call sheet, and the production co-ordinator or production secretary’s role to issue the call sheet. Good 2nd AD’s will also text you to make sure you know the call time, and that you are clear on how you’re getting to set.
Script Location / Actual Location
This will tell you where you are shooting. But, this is not where you go to first. Your first location when you arrive on set is Unit Base.
Unit Base
Unit Base is where you go when you first arrive. On the back of the call sheet will be a map and it will show you where to park and give you any instructions. Unit base is where make-up, wardrobe, your trailer, and most importantly, catering, are located. Of course if you are really special you will be picked up by a runner and they will transport you straight to unit base. The 2nd AD will communicate this with you.
2nd AD
The second AD is responsible for making sure you arrive at unit base on time and that you get on to set on time. The 2nd AD is the first person you report to on arrival. They will sign you in and let you know when to go to wardrobe and make up. They are in constant contact with the 1st AD who stays on set. And they will know if you have to wait a little. On a really big movie this job may be shared with one of the 3rd AD’s. If you are run-in traffic or have broken down call the 2nd. NEVER BE LATE TO SET!!!!
Meals
This is really important because it helps you to pace yourself and to turn your day around to the film day. The first meal of a shoot day will always be breakfast even if your call is 2.00pm for a night shoot. You want to be well fed but not feel over fed to work, so look at the meals throughout the shoot day. Always make sure your needs are catered to. Catering are always wonderful and if your agent says you have special requirements they will be able to help out.
Script Location
This shows you the script location. If there is a change here there may be a location change. Usually they arrange locations to be very close to each other so there isn’t a unit change.
Your Name
Your name is here. Do make sure they spell your name correctly.
Travel
There are two ways that actors get to set. They transport themselves, or they are collected from their home/accommodation. An important acronym to know is MOW = make own way.
If you are being picked up this will be your pick up time. This will tell you who your driver is if you are being picked up.Refer to the back of the call sheet for cast and crew parking.
Make Up
Wardrobe assistant, designer might be there too. Sometimes you will be sent straight to makeup. Just do whatever the 2nd AD tells you to do. Bring a book or a puzzle or something.
M/U (make up) W/R (wardrobe)
This is your actual call time. So make sure you have clocked this time. ALWAYS arrive early. The 2nd will love you if you do. They might want to put you into wardrobe a little earlier. You usually go to wardrobe first as the make up artist likes to see your costume. It may be that you need to wear a gown for make up as not to crease your costume. Either way you won’t be in your own clothes when you are in make up.
What Actually Happens the First Day On Set?
Let’s take you through what the day looks like, from call time to wrap. It’s pretty simple, actually! Here’s the breakdown:
Arrive at Unit Base.
Wardrobe & Make Up
Travel to Set
Block Through
Camera and lighting set up
Camera Rehearsals
Standby to shoot
Action
CUT
New Set Up
Scene Completed
Next scene or released for the day
Arrive at Unit Base
When we arrive on set, we will head straight to unit base. Arrive at Unit Base EARLY and go straight to the 2nd AD. If you can’t find them the unit manager will direct you to them. You will sign in with the 2nd AD. It’s the 2nd ADs job to know where you are at all times. So, if you need to go to the bathroom, this is who you tell.
Wardrobe & Make Up
The 2nd AD will then send you to wardrobe when they are ready for you. You will get changed into your costume and leave your own clothes in the wardrobe truck. When make up are ready for you the 2nd will take you to make up. You may have to relax in your trailer or a common space between wardrobe and makeup up.
Travel to set
Once you are finished in wardrobe and make up you will standby to be travelled up to set. If there is a drive involved you will be taken by a runner. You will never use your own car.On set you will be met by the 3rd or 1st AD. They will take you to a rest area or have you go straight into a block through – just do what they tell you to do.
Block Through
You will be asked to do a block through of the scene. This may end out looking very different to what you thought the scene would look like. Go with the flow. The team are working to a tight schedule and will need you to cooperate. Make sure you take in every move as you will need to replay it many times. Note where the camera is going to be and how you can make life easier for everyone by not blocking another actor.
Camera and lighting set up
The team will now need time to set up the camera and the lighting. This may take some time. The 3rd AD will have a place for you to relax off set. Use this time to run lines with your fellow actors if they are up for that or to talk through the scene. Some stars like to run lines but some will be ferried off to a special place where they won’t want to talk to you. Don’t take it personally! If you need to go to the loo or anything then let the 3rd AD know. Always make sure the AD’s know where you are at all times.
Camera Rehearsals & Final checks
Once all the gear is set up you will be asked back on set to go through the moves with camera. Make sure you repeat the blocking from earlier. If you have a simple suggestion that makes things easier then mention it to the director. You can gauge if the director is open to your input. If you are a 50 wonder – just there to do this one scene – then you really don’t have much sway. Take a deep breath and find your motivation to do the scene and off you go. Don’t save it for the take use the rehearsals to play with the other actors.
Just before they roll camera you will have final checks. The standby wardrobe person will check your costume. The make up person will check your make up. This may be the person who did your make up earlier on or it may be an on set make up artist. Make sure you are still and patient so they can do their job. If you are using any props you don’t need to worry about them stand by props will make sure there is liquid in the bottle and things are in their place. Sometimes they are really busy and will appreciate you pointing something out if you notice something missing.
Standby to shoot
You’ll hear the 1st AD say ‘standby to shoot’. Make up and wardrobe and standby props will all scurry out of sight of camera and you will asked to go to your number 1 position. Sometimes you’ll also be asked to come to your final position so they can check the focus. Just listen for instructions as to where you should go next.
Action
From your first position you will need to make sure you repeat the blocking that you have done in your final rehearsal. If you’ve gone over it a few times you should be fine and you can concentrate on what you are doing in the scene. The first AD or the Director will call Action. They will say Roll Camera, Sound and once both have confirmed rolling, and speed, they will say ACTION. Many directors these days use improvisation to have the actors already engaged in the scene so you are not suddenly acting on action. You may be talking out your inner monologue or improvising what preceded the scene. This can be so useful – play with this. If the director is not instigating this do it yourself in your head so you are already engaged on action.
CUT
Always keep the scene rolling until you hear CUT. Sometimes you will find some lovely little moments at the end of the scene that end up in the final edit. Never decide the scene is over – always keep playing until you hear CUT. After cut stay focused and ready to go into another take. Listen to the directs notes and try to implement them as best as possible. If you went well you won’t hear anything. We all want praise but rarely does a director come over and praise you sometimes they will!
New set up
When the director is happy with this set up they will shoot the scene from another angle. This will repeat the whole process again. A camera rehearsal to see where they will position camera and set up lighting. And you will get to relax in between set ups. You may do this for several different set ups.
Scene completed
When the scene is complete you will hear “That completes that scene, moving on to …” If this is your last scene the 1st AD usually says And that’s the last scene for….” and everyone gives you a clap. But sometimes that doesn’t happen. Don’t take it personally.
Next scene or released for the day
If you have another scene they may go straight into blocking the next scene even if you require a costume change. Once that is blocked you will have your costume change on set or they may take you back to the wardrobe bus at unit base. If that was your last scene for the day you will be taken back to unit base where you go to wardrobe first to change back into your own clothes and remove any jewellery. Then you go to make up where they may offer to take off your make up or they may just take a few photos and send you on your way.
What Does the First AD Do?
The first AD is responsible for making sure all of the scenes are shot according to the schedule. They are the most incredible people. They are super aware of every element of the shoot. They are always listening out for the directors needs and are aware of all location issues. Perhaps the weather is changing and the scene needs to be shot before the clouds come over. Perhaps there is an artist who has to be somewhere at a certain time. Perhaps the artist is on a 4 hour call and if they go over it will cost too much. The crew need to eat at a certain time and the first is liaising with catering as to what time they will break for lunch.
The first is responsible to the producers and will be trying to keep cost down. Overtime is expensive so the first will be making sure all is shot within the allocated times. They will be in constant contact with the 2nd and the 3rd to make sure actors are ready ahead of time. If you are late to your call you muck up the whole day for everyone. And that costs money! You do it twice you may never work for that producer again. The first is also your friend on set. If you have an emotional scene you may need to say to the first that you need a moment – not too long- to prepare for that scene.
Post-Filming: What do After a Day on Set
After a day on set you may feel quite vulnerable. You have been working on your scene and preparing your role and then it’s all over very quickly. Perhaps the wardrobe mistress seemed a little rushed and you thought they didn’t like you. Perhaps you fluffed a line. Perhaps you did the wrong blocking. Perhaps you didn’t know who to talk to in the lunch break. There are so many factors to consider in a shoot day. Be kind to yourself. Every actor fluffs a line and mucks up their blocking. You are human. Take some time out to reflect on your day. Make some notes. What went well. What would you do differently next time? What was within your control and what wasn’t? Remember that other people are not within your control. If the other actors are having a bad day that is their problem.
Finally, the very best thing you can do is be polite to everyone. Every crew member is there to make you look good. They all have a job to do. If you pull rank you will quickly get a name for yourself. Be humble and always ask others about their day. Don’t get caught up in what other work you have done or what other work they have done. That is a real trap. You might end up feeling inferior or self conscious. People talk. And if you are a lovely polite sensitive person on set it will travel to the producer who will remember that and hopefully use you again. This is a very small industry!!!
