Ever been on a film set? If so, you know that it’s not always the most exciting place to be. Occasionally, you’ll find that a shot requires lots of wizardry and exciting machinery that brings you joy to handle. But most of the time, you’re just waiting and waiting for others to work their magic first. Check out these film making tips on 8 things everyone does on a film set, newbies of course.
1. RESEARCH THE SWEETS, FOOD, COFFEE AND TEA
So, savvy film crew members have resorted to various measures over the years to keep them from dying of boredom on the film set. There are 8 things you’ll find just about everyone doing on the set while they wait for their times to shine:
Try being on your feet for 12 hours or more every day without caffeine or sugar. So, make sure you know exactly where to find your daily dose. If not, you’ll lag behind on the film set, which is the perfect way to never get called back again.
2. TRY TO BE FRIENDS WITH EVERYONE ON THE FILM SET
When filming first begins, everyone wants to be friends with everyone. So go for it. Make new friends. Just be aware that by the time filming wraps in a few weeks, your new friends will be sick of looking at your face… and vice versa.
3. KNOCK OVER THAT IMPORTANT LIGHT STAND
Don’t worry. All newbies tend to knock over something important on the film set at some point. Yes, time will stand still as it slowly falls to the ground. You’ll get over the on-the-set jokes and giggles… sooner or later.
4. DROP SOMETHING WORTH GETTING FIRED OVER
It happens to the best of us on the film set. The rule of thumb here is not to touch anything that’s not a part of your department. Keep your butterfingers where they belong.
5. BECOME BUDDIES WITH THE SOUND GUYS ON THE FILM SET
Savvy crew members insist that sound guys are the most helpful, nicest, quietest crew members on the film set. They spend so much of their time sitting quietly, simply reflecting on the numerous sounds that only they hear. These guys may also hold some secrets that only they hear, too!
6. FIND AN ACTOR TO FALL IN LOVE WITH
Thought only other actors and actresses did this? Guess again. These charismatic folks make all the other crew members on the film set look like goons. Who could pass up a chance to add a beautiful, sexy vision with a perfect star to their list of dream time fantasy players?
7. FALL OUT OF LOVE WITH YOUR NEW FANTASY FLING
This actually happens more often than you can imagine. Your fantasy love may be beautiful on the outside, but as soon as you become a victim of his/her on the film set conceit, the script will quickly flip. In time, you’ll learn to fantasize, without actually expecting a fantasy to come true.
8. MAKE WRAP PARTY PLANS
Those infamous wrap parties are nothing like they’re pumped up to be. For 12 weeks, the crew discusses and plans them, never realizing the common attitude will be “who cares?” after spending 12 hours a day with these people for six long weeks.
HOW TO GET ON THE FILM SET
Still interested in working on the film set? A quality filmmaking education and some hands-on experience will open great doors for you in the film industry. Check out the Film and Video Production courses offered at F.I.R.S.T. Institute and start paving your path to working on a film set today.