Be the Actor People Want to Work With. It Will Pay Off

One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies.
“You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You’re the same decaying organic matter as everything else.” ~Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club)

I have been on many sets in my short career (over 25 at last count). Most of these projects have been great; professional cast and crew, fun people to work with, and an overall positive experience. Saying that, every once in a while, you’ll get an actor who has an ego. The weird part is, aside from a few SAG projects I’ve done, most of the projects I’ve been a part of were small low budget or no budget projects. So to have an ego on small projects is weird and unfounded. This “attitude” can also follow an actor and as big as this industry it, everyone knows everyone. And being difficult to work with can have a negative impact on your career.

How to Act on Set

Here are some key tips for acting professionally on set as an actor:

1. Be punctual: Arrive early for call times, rehearsals, and meetings. Time is money in film production. Even on low and no budget productions, people are giving up their time. Being on time shows you appreciate the others.
2. Be prepared: Know your lines, understand your character, and be ready to perform when called.
3. Respect the crew: Learn crew members’ names and roles. Treat everyone with equal respect regardless of their position.
4. Stay focused: Minimize distractions between takes. Stay in character or mentally prepared.
5. Be flexible: Be open to direction and changes. Film sets can be unpredictable.
6. Maintain a positive attitude: Even during long days or multiple takes, keep a good spirit.
7. Follow set etiquette: Be quiet when cameras are rolling, respect closed sets, and follow instructions from the assistant directors.
8. Take care of yourself: Stay hydrated, eat when possible, and get rest to maintain your energy and focus.
9. Be collaborative: Work well with your fellow actors and crew members. Acting is a team effort. There is a fine line here as you should never tell other actors how to act unless asked.
10. Avoid gossip or complaints: Maintain a professional demeanor and avoid negative talk about the production or other people.
11. Be patient: There’s often a lot of waiting on set. Use this time productively to prepare or rest.

I was recently asked if I would be interested in a role in a feature film. The person who asked me was someone I had previously worked with. Apparently, he liked working with me enough to want to work with me again. This is what being good to work with means. It can get you more work. You see it all the time in Hollywood. Directors using the same actors on multiple projects. It’s because they know they can work with them and know what to expect from them.