Movie Extra Tips - Understanding Film Set Dynamics

Throughout my time spent on professional film sets as an extra, stand-in and actor, I had a crash course in film crew dynamics. If you have never been on a film set, there are several roles you must be fully aware. While talking to a friend about this article, she asked, "Why is the film crew dynamics so important for extras to understand?" Letting her question marinate in my mind, I answered carefully, "As an extra, it's your job to not only perform certain duties, but be acutely aware of the happenings around you. I've taken many acting classes, and read countless film-set books; however, the best form of education is filmmaking is to work as an extra."

If you are preparing for a day on a film set as an extra, please thoroughly read through the following to ensure you understand film set dynamics and how to appropriately act while on set.

Lighting and Camera Crew:

The lighting and camera crew will be the primary individuals you see running around on set. It is the job of these professionals to properly illuminate a scene and capture the scene. These two crews work side-by-side, and while you may hear yelling or aggravation coming from each of these crew members, they have a symbiotic relationship that when viewed comes across as a carefully rehearsed ballet.

As an extra, you will want to carefully pay attention to the placement of camera and lighting equipment. Note where the primary and secondary lights are set, and the direction the camera is. You must be acutely aware of the placement of camera equipment to prevent accidentally looking directly in the camera.

If you have any questions, do not ask lighting or camera crew; they are extremely busy, and honestly, will be highly annoyed if an extra takes away from their work to ask a simple, or even complicated, question.

Sound Crew:

Throughout my experience, the sound crew is one of the more relaxed sects of a film crew. These professionals are required to carefully position microphones and listen to the quality of audio being recorded. While on set, make sure you do not make unwanted noise during rehearsals or filming. Typically, extras must be silent or extremely quite while the lead actors perform the scene. Again, if you have any questions regarding a scene, even if it pertains to audio, do not approach the sound crew for clarification. Like lighting and camera crews, the audio crew is quite busy and focused on the task at hand.

Production Assistants:

I have a special affinity toward production assistants. While you may occasionally run across an unpleasant P.A. who has a major attitude, typically a production assistant is your go-to source for questions. These professionals are responsible for handling the minor details within a film set, such as handing out daily sides, call sheets or corralling extras. You will most likely be given a primary production assistant to approach for questions. Memorize his or her face, and don't be afraid to approach him/her if you have any questions or concerns.