How To Behave on a Film Set: Key Techniques for Film Actors

Most actors spend years and years learning about the craft of acting. If you’re an actor, you’ve probably spent hours studying acting techniques such as the Stanislavski Method or the Meisner Technique. While you may now be adept at creating a truthful character, this is only a tiny part of your job – another is learning how to behave on a film set.

Actors must also learn some of the more practical skills that come with their job description. Because most actors spend most of their time learning about the creative aspects of acting, many are left wondering, “how do you actually behave on a film set”? If you’re wondering about this critical (yet often untaught) side of film acting, we’ll delve into it here! But first, let’s talk about the subtle – and not-so-subtle – nuances between film acting and theatre acting!

 

The Difference Between Film Acting and Theatre Acting

Many trained actors come from a theatre background. This means that they learn technical skills to help them project their body and voice across large spaces. Most theatre-trained actors tend to exaggerate their emotions when they get in front of a camera because they are used to needing to reach the back of an auditorium. On the other hand, film acting needs to be more intimate and nuanced: when a director says “do nothing”, they really mean do nothing!

As you can see, there is a whole host of new practical skills to learn with film acting. Here are some top tips for how you act on a film set instead of on a stage. Whether it’s your first day on a film set or your thousandth… these techniques will always help you create a character that comes across realistically.

 

Get Used to the Process

One of the most significant differences between acting on a film set and acting on a stage is the pacing. With theatre productions, actors spend hours and hours leading up to the performance in rehearsal. With film acting, there is often no rehearsal at all. There is also very different pacing to the performance. Film actors film scenes from a variety of angles. For example, the crew needs to move around the cameras, lights, and sound equipment between each shot. This can take much longer than some actors realise.

To act well on a film set, you will need to get used to this process and flow, finding techniques for staying in character or switching back into character when the cameras start rolling again.

 

Continuity

Films are made by shooting one scene multiple times and then splicing it all together in the editing room. While you may think that the script supervisor (learn more about this role here) is responsible for pointing out continuity issues, actors should also be aware of their movements and actions throughout the scene. For instance, if you pick up a cup on a particular line on one take, you’ll need to repeat this action at the same point for every take after that.

If you learn to master continuity as an actor, you’ll not only save the crew lots of time; you’ll improve your chances of getting lots of screen time. Unfortunately, if you make continuity errors, the editor will need to cut away from your take more frequently. So, if you’re making a guest appearance in a TV series, be hyper-aware of your movements and actions while filming – this way, you’ll be more likely to be heavily featured in the scene!

 

Hitting Your Mark

One of the most important technical skills actors need when acting on a film set is hitting their marks. Marks are small markings on the floor that technicians use to show actors where they need to be during the scene. Because cameras are focused before “action,” actors need to find the correct position to stay in focus. So, if your character walks across the room and stands in front of the window… the crew may place a marking on the floor to show you where you need to stop. If you miss your mark, the cameras won’t be able to capture a focused image of you.

Of course, you don’t want to be glancing down in the middle of the scene at your feet to see if you hit your mark! Practice hitting marks without looking. Learn to use a quick glance to judge the space so that you can always hit your mark.

 

 

Eyelines

In certain shots, actors need to cheat their eyeline to create the illusion of looking at another character. For instance, the camera will often be positioned in front of your scene partner in an extreme closeup. You’ll need to learn to look at part of the camera and imagine that you are still gazing into your scene partner’s eyes. At first, this can be disconcerting; however, it’s an essential skill to learn so that your close-ups are always good takes.

   

Let Your Eyes Tell the Story

This is one of those acting tips for film that most people learn through practice – but it really can transform the detail and clarity of your performance. With film acting, small eye movements can often be incredibly effective for conveying emotion. If you are filming a closeup of a highly emotional moment, you may be tempted to work yourself up into a state and ‘feel’ the character’s emotions. However, a more technical approach can be more effective in some cases.

Practice small eye movements and glances. A simple glance up or sideways can be as meaningful as more significant, organic movements.

 

Preparing for “Action”

When the director calls “action,” you need to be able to snap into the character and the moment. Every actor has their own method of getting ready for “action.” Whatever your technique may be, you need to be prepared and focused.

 

Do Less!

When in doubt, doing less really does work! If you feel yourself reaching for, or trying to convey something, take it back and work internally. In real life, we spend a lot of time trying to hide our emotions. If you have a thought, the camera will catch it — you don’t need to do anything to convey it!

 

 

How to Behave on a Film Set In Between Takes

Now that we’ve covered some film-specific acting techniques let’s talk about how to behave on a film set in between takes. Even though you may be an actor, it’s important to remember that you’re still at work when you aren’t acting… As with any job, you should maintain professionalism at all times. Even though acting is often thought to be ‘much more fun’ than other lines of work, be sure to stay on your best behaviour throughout the working day. You never know who’s watching!

 

Knowing how to behave on a film set starts with Being kind: to Everyone

Some actors make the mistake of thinking that they are at the top of the food chain on set. Even though you are essential to the process, every crew member fulfils an important role. Be sure to treat everyone with respect and kindness, even if you don’t know their name or their specific job on set. You might be surprised by how quickly word gets around and how easy it is to develop a bad reputation! Want to learn more? Why not take a moment to process exactly who’s who on the film crew!

   

Be On Time – it’s the obvious way to prove you take behaviour on a film set seriously

Most film cast, crew and creatives do not have the time – or energy – to deal with divas: especially on set! Treat your acting job like any other job and get to work on time. Delays will hold up the entire day and push production back. In most cases, you and the rest of the team will work longer hours — which won’t win you any friends!

 

Be Patient Between Takes

As mentioned above, new shot setups can take quite a long time. The crew needs to move everything around and change the camera, lights, and sound equipment settings. As an actor, you aren’t required to do anything during this time except to stay put and stay out of the way – and you need to do it well!

Learn to be patient and quiet during this time. It may be tempting to start goofing around with the other actors or take a break. However, it would be best if you always stayed put so that the crew could call upon you during the camera refocusing process. Plus, if you start making noise or a commotion, you’ll likely make the crew’s working conditions much more difficult. Remember, they respect you while you’re acting, so respect them while they do their thing.

 

Don’t Cut the Shot

One important rule to remember is that only the director calls cut. Even if you mess up a line, start laughing, trip, or want to start again, keep on going until the director wants to restart. While you may think that restarting is best, the director may feel that keeping the cameras rolling is best!

 

Respect Everyone’s Equipment

Film sets are full of lots of expensive, precious equipment. You aren’t involved with any of it as an actor, so don’t play with it! Even if you are on a relaxed, easy-going set… always respect the equipment. It’s a simple rule – be careful around it, and don’t touch it.

 

Respect Other Actors’ Processes

Every actor has their own unique process. Even if you like to break character between takes and have a chat, other actors may prefer to stay in character. Ask your fellow actors about their process before you start working with them. If you’re clear about how the other actors like to work, you’ll be able to help them give their best performance by giving them the space and consideration they need.

 

Don’t Argue with the director: It’s How to behave on a film set 101!

If you have ideas about the character or the scene, it’s perfectly alright to raise them with the director at an appropriate time. However, if you and the director disagree about the scene’s direction, try not to argue. Remember, the director is in charge. Your job is to give the best performance you can while following their vision.

 

Act Professionally

Finally, remember to stay professional from the start of the day to the end. Be polite and kind, and avoid becoming overly friendly with your colleagues. It’s easy to become excessively relaxed with the long, gruelling hours and the intimate nature of a film set.

Try to maintain a professional attitude at all times. Imagine the film set as a slightly relaxed office. Yes, you can chat about personal things, yes, you can go for drinks after work, but no, you can’t make inappropriate jokes or take advantage of your position of power over a colleague.

 

Final Thoughts on How to Behave on a Film Set

From the moment you step on set to the moment you go home at the end of the day, you are at work. Remember, it’s not a social setting. While the cameras are rolling, it’s your job to use creative and practical techniques to deliver the best possible performance. While the cameras aren’t rolling, you need to support the rest of the team by staying professional and respectful.