How to Prepare for Your First Day on Set

Were you recently booked as a background actor for the first time? Or are you coming back to background work after some time off? We've got you covered with everything you need to know to prepare for your workday.

Be clear on your details

All the information you need for your workday will be included in your booking details, which you will receive as a details message. This message will include your initial call time, call location, check-in instructions and any hair, makeup, or wardrobe notes.

In some cases, your details message may include a Booking Details page link or other resource with information related to your booking. If your details message does not include instructions on how to access a Booking Details page, then all the information you need for your workday will be included in the body of the message.

It's important to read all this information fully and carefully so you show up on time as expected.

Keep in mind, casting directors receive booking information from multiple departments within production and it's likely you will not receive your details message until later in the evening before your work date. Don't forget to respond to this message so we know you have received your booking information.

Know when and where you're going

One of the best things you can do to show you're a professional is to arrive to set on time. Due to production schedules, call times can, and often do, change. Call time changes can be sent as a message from our casting portal or your details may include instructions for how to obtain your call time changes.

Productions film at a variety of studio lots and locations. Make sure you're clear on where you're working. Many studios provide maps online that can help you find the gate, parking structure and check-in location you're supposed to report to. Having this information before you leave can help ensure you're not delayed getting to set.

Create your look

A big part of working as a background actor is putting together camera ready looks for set. If you're booked for the first time, this can seem a little daunting, but it's also a really fun part of being a background actor. Your details will include any wardrobe, hair and makeup information from production. Sometimes these notes will be general or will be very detailed for you to emulate a specific look.

Always remember that the look you're creating is based on the style of that production. For example, if you're booked as a gala attendee, you may have an outfit in mind that reflects your personal style, but it may not be what production is looking for. That's why it's important to carefully read and follow the directions in your details.

Come to set prepared

Movie and TV sets can seem like a whole other world and knowing what to expect can help your first day go smoothly.

While filming, background actors are given direction by second assistant directors (2nd AD), second second assistant directors (2nd 2nd AD), or production assistants. They will instruct you where and when to move throughout a scene; pay attention to all instructions given so you can recreate your movements across multiple takes. While there are a lot of entertainment industry-related terms used on set, getting to know common production terms like:

• Cross: A cross is the movement of a background actor as they pass through the view of the camera. If an assistant director instructs you to do a cross, your path may take you directly in front of the camera.
• Back to one: When the director (or assistant director) says "back to one," you need to move back to your original position. Always pay attention to your movement in a scene so you can recreate it every take.
• Pantomime: When filming, background actors will silently mouth conversations so they don't interfere with the sound being recorded by the principal actors.
• Wrap: Wrap refers to when talent or the entire production has finished filming. Never leave set without an assistant director specifically telling you you're wrapped.

When you're not filming, you'll be taken to Holding. You can bring snacks and entertainment with you to Holding, just make sure you're respectful of those around you and you have headphones so as not to disturb production or your fellow background actors.