Like any other profession, if you’re working as a film stand-in, then you are responsible for handling yourself in a certain manner. Throughout my years of working on film sets as an extra, stand-in and actor, I have learned through personal mistakes and the mistakes of others of how to act while on set, which is lovingly referred to as “set etiquette.” If you are about to work on a film set, or if you’re just curious of how to act while working alongside some of the most talented individuals in the entertainment industry, then you should continue reading.
Don’t Gawk
As a film stand-in you are officially a member of the film crew. You will be on set everyday your actor is, and over time you will become accustomed to seeing celebrities walk around, and maybe even have a conversation or two. I remember having a very interesting (and comical) conversation with Bill Murray and Amber Heart; however, don’t expect much in the terms of becoming buddy-buddy with celebs…you are still quite low on the totem pole. It is important to never stare for prolonged periods of time with your mouth wide open, take pictures or generally freak out when a celebrity enters the room. This is vital as you will be working very close with these “famous” individuals, and being star-struck ever half-hour or so can not only be tiring, but also highly annoying to those around you.
Keep Quiet
During rehearsal, while you’re standing-in and throughout the actual filming of a scene you must KEEP QUIET. This is not because no one wants to hear from you, but extra chatter in the background can be distracting to those working to set-up the scene, and obviously, if you’re talking while they’re filming a scene they will have to cut, and will ultimately cost the production company money due to wasted film.
Don’t Get First in Line for Food
Ah, lunch. This is the moment six hours after you’ve arrived on set that you will come to love. Unlike working as an extra, the lunch you receive from being a stand-in is the same food that lead actors, directors, producers and all other film crew will enjoy – and let me tell you, it’s like eating at a five-star restaurant everyday. You will quickly become spoiled; however, since your job is fairly carefree, it is vital that you let the lead actors, director and practically everyone else get in line before you. Even if you’ve arrived at the lunch tent first, stand aside and let others grab their tray first. I have done this everyday while on set, and while I may be ushered first by those who are nice, doing so shows a sign of respect for the pecking order of a film set – something that will get you far in this industry, trust me.
Turn your Cell Phones Off
Never, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER keep your cell phone turned on while filming is taking place; however, you may keep your phone on (while on vibrate) in-between takes. It is important to completely turn your cell phone off in case it vibrates while their filming and the microphones pick up interference, it can happen.
Be Mindful of Smoking
Most film sets are smoke free, to a certain degree. Yes, it is true that a plethora of film crew member do smoke (and indulge in a little green plant is the “illegal”) you must be mindful of where you smoke. As a smoker, I was often confused at the beginning of my stand-in career as to whether or not I can smoke. Over time you’ll learn: yes, you can smoke, but step away from the set and if at all possible, get as far away from other people as you can.
Stay Out of the Way
A film set is very active, and very busy. There is constant movement, so much so you’ll get tired to watching. Because of all this movement, you should always stay out of the way. My favorite thing to do was after my job was done on the actual set, I would go near the craft services table or find a little nook in a corner where I would be out of the way, but still close enough to hear “Second Team” when it was called.
Be Respectful
This is perhaps the most important tip within this entire article. Respect not only the actors, director, producers and other crew members, but also your fellow stand-ins. At the latter end of a 12 to 15-hour day, tensions can get high and tempers short; however, a little respect can quickly diffuse a situation, or at least, prevent a crew member from lashing out on you for some silly, stupid reason.