Your first day on set: a survival guide

Film sets run on time, hierarchy and quiet. Nobody expects you to know everything on day one — but a few habits will make you someone people want to work with again.

Before you arrive

• —Read the call sheet carefully: your call time, location, nearest landmark and contact numbers.
• —Arrive 15 minutes before your call time. On set, on time means early.
• —Carry ID, a charged phone, a power bank, water and anything the production asked you to bring.

Who's who

The assistant directors (ADs) run the floor. For actors and background artists, your point of contact is usually an AD, not the director. For crew, it is your department head.

On the floor

• —When you hear “rolling”, freeze and stay silent until “cut”.
• —Do not step into a lit area or in front of the camera unless asked.
• —Phones on silent. No photos or videos of the set unless the production allows it.

Look after yourself

Eat when meals are called, drink water, and speak up early if you feel unwell or unsafe. A professional set takes this seriously.

After wrap

Thank your department head and the ADs. Save numbers. Many careers are built on one good first impression.