Lou On Set - Your First Day On Set

So you're all prepped and ready to go.

By now the production will have sent you a call sheet - study it carefully! It has all the contact details of the important folk on set (save these into your phone straight away) and in the production office, details of the scenes being shot that day, the location of the unit base and location for the day. Importantly it includes what time you need to report to unit base, when shooting starts and when shooting wraps.

GET TO THE UNIT BASE EARLY

Much better to be super early than even a little late - every minute is accounted for so once people start being late it affects the whole production. Remember everyone in the industry is linked to each other one way or another and they will talk - you're only as as good as your last job.

FWIEND, OO RUNNER FWIEND!

Make friends with the other runners. Yes you may end competing against each other for future jobs but they are also your ally. Runners help each other out, whether that's from the day to day activities on set to recommending you for other jobs in the future if they are too busy to take it. You're all at the same level and as you progress up the career ladder, those are friendships you'll want to keep nurturing - one day you might end up employing each other for your own projects and you'll always be able to call on them for advice.

DROP THE ATTITUDE

Artwork by David Allcock

It doesn't matter how much you filming you did at uni or whether you won awards for your student film, you are starting at the bottom and no one gives a shit - they just want you to be friendly, reliable and efficient. One of the things I heard on my course was about runners who came into the role thinking they were better than making the tea because they had a degree or had directed some shorts. If you don't want the role, there are hundreds of others who do. Embrace being a runner and don't try to run before you can walk - when people think you're ready to move up the ladder, they will let you know.

MAKE TEA WITH LOVE

Never underestimate the power of a good cuppa! Make sure you pick up on the first day how all the HODs & cast take theirs and remember. If you can't remember, write it down and stick it above the kettle! Always carry a spare stash on you if they like herbal tea or hot chocolate that isn't normally providing by the catering staff.

This excellent video shot on the set of Call The Midwife might give you some idea of what you're letting yourself in for....

Good Luck!