What to Expect: Before Your First Shoot

BTS Photography of HOLIDAY HOLDUP

T'was the night before filming and through the set, all the ADs were scurrying to release their headsets. All the background were waiting on baited breath to see what the filmmakers would tell them next. While it's sort of a joke, it does feel like Christmas on nights before shoots we're excited about. Here's a few things to keep in mind as we all wait patiently together:

Where's my info?!

We often get folks checking in around 5pm, then 6pm, and when 7pm rolls around, our phone is...exploding. The reason we can't get information sooner is because production can't officially tell us anything until they wrap. We don't want to send the wrong information, and would hate to send two different times/locations/etc. so we wait until the official information comes out.

The filmmaking unions have minimum turnarounds (meaning folks have __ hours off before they're allowed to come back to work.) Those hours start as soon as that person is wrapped, and those turnarounds dictate what time the next day is allowed to begin. We're sitting and waiting for the information with you, and we promise we'll get it to you as fast as we can!

Wardrobe Requests

Most wardrobe teams will send out mood board with inspiration of what to bring, and instructions on color, and how many options they'd like, and any other information about the type of person you're playing. While you don't need to go out and buy anything for these shoots, have fun digging through your closet to find the looks you think would help push the story forward!

If you're receiving extra payment for your looks, make sure you/your agent keep an eye on that in your paystub. Most background work doesn't include a pay bump, but most speaking/principal roles do.

Paperwork + IDs

Remember to bring a photo ID with you! Because Illinois locals get priority, and productions have to verify your state of residents, a Driver's License is best. Some productions will send you paperwork ahead of time, and you can submit through their online ports. Others will email you and ask you to read it, and sign on the day, and some will spring it on you then and there. No matter what, make sure you read your paperwork carefully, and bring an ID of some sort to set.

Don't show up early

If you arrive to the location before your calltime, please hang out in your car, or somewhere close to set, without bumrushing the filmmakers who won't be ready for you until your call. There's usually some sort of food available, which also takes a second to set up, so be patient, wait for your call, and enjoy the coffee when you get signed in.

Who to look for

Most projects will give you an on-set-contact in your call information. The casting team isn't usually on set, so don't call us asking about a parking lot we've never been to either 😉 When you arrive on set after parking/commuting, look for your on-set-contact, who's usually a PA in the assistant directing (AD) department. You'll check in with them, and they'll tell you where to go, where to put your stuff, and what's next.

Go have fun, friends! Filmmaking is a blast, and it's always kind of wild your first time - doing anything! There are lots of people to help you, so have fun being someone totally different for a day.