Protocol & Conduct

These guidelines represent essential expectations for professional conduct. All members of the production must be listened to and respected. 

Conduct & Behavior

Here are some guidelines for establishing an efficient and respectful production environment:

• Adhere to professional conduct and uphold the standards of on- and off-set behavior, maintaining professionalism at all times. 
• Refrain from using offensive language that may create a hostile or uncomfortable work atmosphere.
• Respect and follow the chain of command on the production set.
  • If there is a problem, consult your direct superior.  If you are the key to your department make sure you go to the right production team member. 
• Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of each set. A lead crew member should inform the crew about these rules prior to filming. 
• Read the call sheet carefully, as it contains vital information essential to the production. Consider it your comprehensive guide.
  • Look at the call sheet first to answer your questions. In most cases, many of your questions can be answered by looking at the call sheet.
• Do not exceed a 12-hour production day limit, this is inclusive or crew call and wrap time.
  • A full meal must be served between the 5th and 6th hour after call time on each and every 10-hour production day. Water and snacks must be available at all times during each production day.
• Work starts at call time. Be there before to settle in, prepare (go to the bathroom, eat, etc.) and be ready to start at the stated call time.
• It is mandatory to have a minimum 10-hour turnaround between the wrap time of one production day and the start time of the next.
• Be prepared for the day’s work. Have all the tools you need. Bring proper clothing for weather changes. Stay hydrated and fed.
• All cast and crew members must be provided with safe and adequate means of transportation to and from all locations and for any production-related runs.
• Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and suitable for the type of work and weather. 
  • It is important that footwear be sturdy sneakers or boots. There are no high-heeled shoes or open-toed shoes allowed on set. 
  • Do not wear loose jewelry or any clothing with fringe or hanging material that might get caught on equipment. The only exception is for actors in wardrobe.
  • It is easier to guard against frostbite, hypothermia, heat stroke, or heat exhaustion than it is to treat it. Always have water available on set and be prepared for changes in the weather.
• Always double-check with producers to ensure the equipment you need will be brought to set or arrive on set prepared with the tools you need.
• When there are delineated departments, never touch another department’s equipment without permission.
• Call out anytime you are turning on a light (striking), flying in gear, carrying gear that could hit someone (points), etc.
• When working with electricity, Always assume everything is hot. Never plug or unplug anything, ALWAYS ask a set electric.
• Check the location for: production space, equipment storage, cast and extras holding, space for hair and make-up, rooms for wardrobe, restrooms, phones, local hospital, grocery store, hardware store, and any other vendor that you might need at the last minute.
• Whether you are filming on private or public property, always investigate the local rules and regulations regarding film production. Laws vary from place to place, and it is always a good idea to have the support of the local authorities.
• Consider reaching out to neighbors before filming if the production is going to have an impact on the area. Provide information to address any inquiries or concerns they may have, as well as listing contact information.
• Write a ‘service list’ for each location that includes the name, address, phone, and hours of the nearest following services: hospital, police, fire department, hardware store, 24-hour deli, and several restaurants that are open during the hours you will be at the location.
• When filming in a limited space, keep only the minimal amount of crew members and equipment.
• When asked to perform a task and you are in the middle of another task, communicate that at the moment to determine which task takes priority.
• Always communicate and make sure others acknowledge the change you make.
• Watch your department head and be aware of what is going on in your department and around you.
• When you need to leave the set be sure to tell your department head. Whether you are the department head or PA, let someone know where you are.
• Know the roles of the production staff; it will get your issues dealt with more efficiently.
• Always ask if you don’t know how to operate certain equipment.
• When the AD shouts, “quiet on the set”, everyone on set needs to immediately stop talking.
• Each department head must speak up at the end of the take if something was not satisfactory with the department.
• When working on walkies:
  • Channel 1: General conversation relevant to everyone. 
    • Keep it short, five words or less. Go to another open channel if you need to say more or need to speak to a specific person.
  • When receiving information over the walkie be sure to acknowledge by saying “copy” or “copy that”. 
    • Do not copy if you do not fully understand the instructions. 
    • Feel free to repeat back, ask questions, or do whatever it takes to fully understand what you are being instructed to do.
• Producers, First Assistant Director (AD), Production Manager (PM) are charged with the proper enforcement of all the above rules of production.
• Respect actors' preparation time and stay out of their eye line while filming.
• Only the Director says CUT. 

Exercise common sense:

• If you don’t know, ask.
• Understand what makes a set safe and do your best to act in a professional manner.