There can be a lot of waiting around on filming days. So ensure you bring items to keep yourself entertained during the quieter moments. Here are some examples;

• ​Book

• Laptop - You can work or watch a show, but access to power may not be guaranteed. 

• Headphones - You will not be able to play things out loud.

• Knitting, Crocheting, colouring - Any small craft which will not make too loud of a noise.

• Snacks

• Reusable water bottle and flask

• Blanket - Sometimes it can get cold

​

Do NOT bring (unless told otherwise);

• Speakers - You will not be able to play music or shows out loud when in holding.

• Animals

• Friends or Family

There may be some terminology which you are unsure of. Here are a few examples;

• Standby - This is usually shouted by ADs when they are about to start filming. When you hear this, ensure you are in position.

• Rolling/Turning - The camera is recording.

• Background Action - Sometimes you will be given a separate action which signals for you to start your movement, if so, listen out for 'Background Action'.

• Reset or Back to Ones - This means they will be going again, and to head back to your first positions.

• 10/1 - This means to use the bathroom facilities. People will often ask if they can 'go ten one'.

• Honeywagon - Bathroom trailer, usually used on location and will be parked near set.

• ​On The Day - This means 'when we actually film it'. It will usually be used in the following "Can you take the coffee cup from the counter on the day".

• Tea Table - This is where you will find the refreshments. 

Everyone's health and safety is important when on set. Find out more below:

• There will always be security on set. If you are ever feeling unsafe, please inform an AD or security guard.

• A medic is always present. If you are feeling unwell, please inform an AD and they will notify the medic of how you are feeling. If this is a medical emergency, please inform the closest person (fellow SA or crew member) and they can call the appropriate authorities. 

• We ask you to always inform an AD of your whereabouts for your safety. This is to ensure all supporting artists are accounted for when eating, moving locations or encase of an emergency. 

• Some productions will ask you to apply tape to your phone cameras, or lock them away in a locker upon arrival. This is to protect the production's story and prevent leaks.

• You will be informed before the shooting day if you will experience a difficult location, topics which are sensitive or extreme weather.

A film set can be an overwhelming place with a lot of people. It is also a working environment with professionals, such as yourselves, who all have a job to do.

• Your point of call will be an AD (Assistant Director). If you would like to do anything, such as step outside/away from holding or use the bathroom facilities, please inform an AD  so they are aware if they happen to need you while you are away.

• Always keep talking to a hushed and appropriate volume. When you are on set, there will be people trying to work out the next movements of the day, this can be stressful, so loud talking can become distracting. You are able to talk more freely in crowd holding, but be mindful, as you may still be close to set and sound travels.

• Topics of discussion are fun to have with like-minded peers, but ensure to keep the conversation respectful and appropriate for a working environment. You may be working with kids and other people from all walks of life.

• Please ensure you arrive fresh and with good personal hygiene for filming/fittings, as you may be working in close proximity with other cast and crew throughout the day.

Sometimes you will be filming on a location rather than a studio. It is important to respect the area (interior and exterior). 

• If you would like to charge an item, please find an AD to ask for access to power. Do not plug anything in which is not authorised.

• There will be a designated smoking/vaping area on location. Please speak to an AD or location marshal to be shown where.

• There will be bins near the tea table or in your holding - Please throw away your rubbish from breakfast, lunch and throughout the day.

• ​If you are ever unsure where to go when arriving at location or unit base, always look out for the location signs and follow the correct one (example pictured below).

Costume and Make Up are essential when embodying the character you are given. Below are some tips to help:

• ​You will be given a costume and make up brief the day before filming.

• When given a brief, please attempt to bring items with you which may work, even if you are not 100% sure, its best to bring the item just encase.

• If you are asked to arrive with your hair and make up complete, then please try your best to follow this. It is always best to start natural and bring your own make up, and then the teams can help to adjust when you arrive. This includes arriving clean shaven when requested prior.

• When you are derigging at the end of the day, please wait for guidance from the costume and make up teams, as they will need to neatly organise your items to ensure their stock is all accounted for. This also allows them to prep your items for the next filming day if you are in for multiple days. It is always good to hang up your items, return any clips/hair accessories and place anything that needs washing into the designated basket.

• If you are booked for multiple days, you will need to follow continuity which may require you to bring the same costume and make up for multiple days. Please check if this is needed the evening before.

• When attending a fitting, please ensure you are wearing appropriate undergarments and clothing. You may be required to try on multiple outfits, or sit in a make up chair for an extended period of time.