As with any other place of employment, there are several items that a film extra should never bring onto a set. While there are exceptions to most rules, the following items are typically banned from all film and TV sets that I have worked on. Throughout my research for this article, I spoke to several other film extra and actor friends of mine to ensure I have not left any vital items off this list. If you are planning on a day at a film set, please read through this article to have a better understanding of what you should never bring to a film set.
Digital Camera
It may seem tempting to bring a digital camera with you as you’ll be working alongside some of the hottest celebrities; however, not only is photographing celebrities while they work unethical, there are legal implications of taking photographs a film set. While you may not be photographing the actual scenes, an entire film set is protected – a form of copyright – and if you’re caught capturing the film set, you will not only be asked to leave the set, but your camera may be confiscated with all photographs deleted and you could potentially face legal implications. Not worth it.
Illegal Substances/Alcohol
This should go without saying; however, you would be surprised by how many film extras decide to get wasted on set or bring a joint to enjoy during the down times. While you will most likely have ample opportunity to enjoy these vices, you should NEVER bring alcohol or illegal substances with you on set. Moreover, you should also never arrive on set drunk, stoned or otherwise not sober. This is a quick way to be banned from the set and blacklisted from extras casting agencies.
Computers – Laptops, Netbooks and Tablets
While bringing a computer may seem like a good idea due to the extraordinary amount of down time, doing so is not a good move for several reasons. First and foremost, when you are called to set you cannot bring your computer with you. Thus, this item must be left in extras holding, which is typically not secured by security officers. While there may be a production assistant lurking within the holding area, their attention can be quickly pulled to something happening on the set and someone may easily still your computer. I have personally witnessed several extras having valuable electronic devices stolen from a film set.
Opened Toe Shoes
For many new extras, this may seem like a weird “do not bring” item; especially when you’re working on long, hot summer days. However, film sets forbid open toe shoes for safety reasons. If you look on any typical call sheet, you will notice that at the top of the call sheet it typically states, “No open toed shoes.” Because there is heavy equipment being used regularly, having your feet being unprotected is not a good idea. Like I stated earlier, there are always exceptions to this rule – you may be instructed to bring open toed shoes; however, you should always bring an extra pair of sneakers or boots, as well.
Portable Gaming Devices
Along with the change of being stolen, portable gaming devices can be distractive to other extras and to yourself. I have personally seen an extra completely miss his call to the set because he was so focused in on his gaming system. Leave it at home, and bring a book instead.
Expensive/Valuable Jewelry
You can probably understand why this is on the list. Bringing expensive jewelry or valuable items may seem like a great idea – especially when you’re filming a high-class scene such as a ballroom dance – you do not want to risk having these items stolen. If you are required to wear “expensive” jewelry, the wardrobe department will either lend you what you need, or you can go buy cheap knock-offs of jewelry.
Bad Attitude
While this is not a physical item, having a bad attitude does nothing but bring an entire set down. While there are moments of aggravation, such as sitting in extras holding for seven hours only to actually be on set for 45 minutes before going back to holding, you should never have a bad attitude. Word gets around the set quickly, and it is common to have an extras casting director visit the set to see how his mignons are performing. If word gets out that you have been not-so-pleasant, you can probably expect this to be your last gig.