On Set

You've been booked on a show, so now what?

1. Check a reliable map the night before to make sure you know where you are going. Please DO NOT ask us for directions. That is your responsibilty. Get yourself a good map book and plan your route. We do not want to be responsible for you getting lost and being late. Maps are often provided when locations are difficult to find or do not have an address. Another option to finding directions is to use mapquest. If you are taking transit, call them directly and ask them to help plan your trip.
2. Keep your phone on all night in case you are pushed (later time), or pulled (earlier time).
3. Allow extra time if you have not been to the location as well as for traffic.
4. BE ON TIME! This is a job and being late is not excusable! Your call time is the time you should be signed in, been through wardrobe and are ready to walk to set. (Your agent will be called if you are even one minute late to find out where you are. Time is money.) Being early will impress. Side note: If you are running late, call your agent on their emergency line BEFORE your call time. (If you are driving and do not have a hands free device, you must stop driving to make this call) They will contact the casting director or wrangler and let them know your ETA.
5. Sign in with the wrangler in extra's holding. (follow signs). You will be given a voucher to fill out every time you are on set. Under “agency”,write “GET”. Check off “mail check to agent”. Put your own address. You will need your SIN number and if you are in the country under a work permit, a copy of your SIN card and work permit. (keep some copies on you at all times) You will be required to bring additional information if they are filing for tax credits.
6. See Wardrobe. Always arrive in your first choice with hair dry, done and make-up ready. Wardrobe will either come around to see you or you may have to go to them. (wranglers will have this information) Once wardrobe/make up has looked at you, do not make any changes unless you are told to!
7. Wait. You may be called to set immediately or be waiting for a while. Do not disappear anywhere without asking the wrangler. They need to know where you are at all times, even if you are just going to the bathroom.
8. Craft Service. The snacks and beverages provided are a privlege. Do not take advantage of this service. Craft service people are trained in first aid. You should always eat before arriving to set. Taking food home without permission is not allowed. If craft service is not in holding, do not leave holding without checking with a wrangler.
9. Lunch. Lunch is served 6 hours after crew call, which may be before of after your call time. You can ask a wrangler what crew call is. Please be courteous in the lunch line. Bring your own lunch if you have special dietary needs.
10. Set. When the wrangler or AD calls you to set, go immediately. Listen to all instructions given to you and follow them exactly. Your first position will be referred to as “your one” or your “first mark”. You will start your action when “background“ or “background action” is called. Do not look into the camera. After the scene is over, you may be asked to “go back to your one”. Make sure you remember where that is. To match each shot, it is important that your movements, clothes and props are the same for each “take”. Only make changes when told. You will not be permitted to bring anything to set. No chairs, food, beverages, smoking or cameras, will be allowed on set. Keep your phone on silent while on set! Do not talk to the actors and be sure to keep quiet between takes so the crew can talk to each other without disruptions.
11. End of the day. You must work the entire day. You will not be allowed to leave for appointments or other commitments. When signing out, you may be “blanket wrapped”. This means all background are signed out at the same time and may not be given copies of their vouchers. If this happens, take note of the sign out time. You will be provided with a copy when you receive your check. If you must physically sign out, keep your copy of your voucher. Do not leave without signing out because failure to do so will mean you will not get paid. Remove all of your belongings and clean up all of your garbage.

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