Set etiquette and production Safety A film set is an exciting, intense, and often pressure-packed environment filled with energetic people who are focused, driven, and usually working with limited time and resources. In this environment there is often a temptation to cut corners to get the job done. But cutting certain corners often proves to be counterproductive--or worse, downright foolish and dangerous. The following sections cover essential set etiquette and safety issues that should always be observed so that your project is safe, productive, and rewarding (Figure 18-1). 18 Chapter Set etiquette: reSpect, courteSy, and good work Everyone on a film set should be treated with respect. This is not just a top-down issue (i.e., producers respecting the grips) but goes for all crewmembers toward each other. As they say in the business, when you come onto a film set, leave your ego at the door. Respect has three dimensions on a film set: we must respect the project, we must respect the people on the project, and we must respect ourselves by doing good work. This brief code of conduct outlines the standards of behavior on a film set for showing and earning respect as a member of a film production team: 1. Do your job, whatever that job is, to the best of your ability. Films are created by a coordinated group of individuals; one person slacking off can throw the whole thing off and places unfair burden on someone else who has their own job to do. Doing your job well also means knowing your job well. If you sign on to be the sound mixer on someone's film, then you had better know how to be an excellent sound mixer. Educate yourself, train, learn what you need to know to be exceptional at your job, whatever that job is. Doing your job well also means staying alert and being ready when you are needed. Sometimes, there are chunks of downtime on a film set, but you must keep your ears and eyes open for any- thing that needs doing in your department. Lulls in activity are not invitations to go wandering off to get snacks or make personal phone calls. You never know when the set will suddenly come alive, and the last thing you want is for a producer or direc- tor to shout, "Anybody know where the hell [so- and-so] is? We need to shoot a take!" If you are a knowledgeable, conscientious, reliable, and effec- tive worker, whether you're a production assistant photocopying screenplay sides or the D.P., people will want to work with you again and again. Every project is part of the reputation you establish for yourself. 2. Always be on time, which means be early! The film industry places a very high premium on prompt- ness. Being late shows a phenomenal lack of respect toward the other people who arrive on time Figure 18-1 Film sets involve an intense, focused, and highly ready to work; in other words, when you are late, coordinated effort by a group of individuals engaging in diverse tasks you waste other people's valuable time. This goes yet sharing a common goal--to make a great movie. For this "controlled for everyone on a film during all stages, from direc- chaos" to work, proper set etiquette must be observed at all times. (Photo tors showing up, to crew meetings starting on time, by Gary Knight (CC).) 379