Set Safety and Setiquette

When it comes to working on sets, your #1 priority should be safety -

Film sets are crawling with potentially dangerous equipment, like hot lights, temporary cables and lots of equipment cases. Mishandling any of these things can lead to some very serious situations, which is why it's important to know how to make your set as secure as possible.

• Tech scout: Always tech scout your locations. Locate potential hazards, power sources, and escape routes in case of an emergency.

• Separate your circuits: You don't want to blow a fuse by overloading a circuit.

• Locate the breaker box: Just in case you do blow a fuse or breaker, it's good to know where the electrical service panel is before all the lights go out.   NOTE: Signs should be posted for location of breaker box/breaker box room.

• Be Fire Marshal compliant: Make sure there is a safe way to exit the building if there's an emergency. Don't block exits or doorways, and always make sure there is at least 2 feet of space along your emergency route.

• Manage and organize cables: When directed, tape down all of your cables so people don't trip on them. This rule varies, so always check preferences with the Unit Production Manager, Production Coordinator and/or AD.

• Communicate with your crew: Whether you're rounding a corner carrying a C-stand or spot a potential hazard, it's always a good idea to communicate with your crew clearly and often.

• Use a C-stand correctly: C-stands fly some potentially dangerous stuff, like heavy, hot lights, so learn how to use one properly so it doesn't tip or trip anyone.

Review this safety video from the 4 Minute Film School

Setiquette -

• Don't Run: Walk on set; do not run on a movie set under any circumstances, no matter how quickly something needs to be done or how high the pressure might be. A film set is a place of great artistic concentration and, in addition, some crew members perform technically precise and delicate work. Hustle and bustle are therefore not only counterproductive, it can even be dangerous.

• Be Quiet: To maintain a professional atmosphere where people can concentrate on their work, it is important not to shout or talk loudly or exaggeratedly. The only exceptions on set: the announcements of the assistant director or location manager.

• Find a Position and Stay There: During a rehearsal or a take, the actors always play the same part, the camera films with the same movements and after each run all departments bring their work area back to where it was at the start. To make your life easier and avoid being a nuisance, don't stand somewhere different every time this process occurs. Find a position where you can follow the action and make your corrections after each take and stay there until the end of the shoot. You must not stand in the light or in the eyelines of the actors and you should avoid standing between director and camera or director and actors in case they want to communicate with eye contact.

• The Director Rules the Set: Director corrections always come first. After each rehearsal or take, all employees remain in their positions until the director has completed their corrections; only then should they bring their work area back to the starting point.

• Understand Your Role and the Roles of Others: Every member of the crew has a defined role in the production process. Know your role and respect the roles of others. For details, please review The On-Set Duties of the Main Crew Positions.

• Hands Off the Equipment of Other Departments: It doesn't matter if it's in the way or you need it right now - the equipment of other departments is off-limits. Equipment is not common property; it is managed on set by various departments. Before you use or touch anything, you should always ask for permission, even if you just want to clear it out of the way.

• Respect the Acting Process: Do not engage the actors in small talk or otherwise disturb their concentration. Avoid eye contact with actors to help them stay in character. The only people who should touch the actors are makeup, hair, and costumers - and they will always ask permission first.

• Have Good Manners: As a general rule, behave as politely and respectfully as you would in your normal life when on set.

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