Film Set Etiquette for New Filmmakers: Tips for Your First Day on Set

Your first day on a real film set can feel like total chaos. People are moving fast, using weird jargon, yelling things like “Striking” and “Flying in” while you’re standing there trying to figure out where to put your bag.

And here’s the part no one tells you: there’s no onboarding. No welcome packet. No one is going to walk you through it. The second you step on set, people expect you to know how things work. If you don’t, they’re not going to tell you. They’ll just remember that you slowed things down or made their day harder.

This is the survival guide I wish I had before my first professional shoot. Whether you’re stepping on set as a PA, grip, or day player, these are the terms, behaviors, and real safety tips that will help you blend in, stay useful, and get asked back.

Let’s talk about what film set etiquette actually looks like.

Film Set Etiquette Starts By Learning the Lingo

These aren’t just words — they’re how professional crews move fast, stay safe, and communicate clearly. If you don’t speak the language, you’re going to be in the way.

Striking About to turn on a light? Call out “Striking” so no one gets blinded. Say it loud, say it clearly. It’s basic set safety.
Points or Hot Points Walking with anything long like a C-stand, flag, or boom pole? Yell “Points” as you move. It keeps people from getting jabbed or tripped.
Crossing If you’re stepping in front of the camera, even if it’s not rolling, say “Crossing.” It tells the camera team you’re not ruining their frame — just passing through respectfully.
Last Looks Right before the take, makeup, wardrobe, and hair get one last chance to fix anything. If you’re not in those departments, get out of the way.
Flying In Bringing a prop or piece of wardrobe to set? Say “Flying in” so no one freaks out when you walk into the space.
Going Dark Lights are about to turn off. If you’re near gear, cables, or equipment, brace yourself. Darkness makes everything more dangerous.
Speed When the sound mixer or camera op says “Speed,” it means their gear is rolling. That’s your cue to slate or reset for the next take. Don’t miss it.
Clear the Set When this is called, you leave — fast. It’s usually for stunts, intimacy, or a sensitive scene. Don’t wait to be told twice.
Sandbag It If you set up a stand or light, you need to sandbag it. Even indoors. This is non-negotiable. Gear falling over can seriously hurt someone.
Watch Your Corners Don’t be the person who swings a flag around a doorway and knocks over gear — or worse, hits someone in the face. Lead with the short end and move slow in tight spaces.

Film Set Etiquette That Actually Matters

Film set etiquette isn’t just about knowing the terms — it’s about knowing how to behave. These are the things that never get said out loud but get noticed immediately.

Be early Call time means you’re already working, not just arriving. Show up at least 15 minutes early. Always.
Phone on silent Not vibrate. Silent. And don’t scroll on set unless you’re cleared to. Be present.
Don’t touch gear that isn’t yours Unless someone asks for help, keep your hands off equipment outside your department. Even if it’s falling over, ask first.
Stay alert Sets change fast. Dolly tracks, stands, lights — all of it can shift in seconds. Keep your head up.
Don’t crowd video village The monitors are for directors and department heads. If you weren’t invited over, stay clear.
Ask questions — but at the right time If you’re unsure, that’s okay. But don’t interrupt a take or setup to ask. Wait for a reset or quiet moment.
Don’t complain Everyone is tired. Everyone is hungry. If you can stay cool and keep moving, you’re already ahead of most people.
Let camera, grip, and electric eat first They’re usually the ones resetting gear while everyone else eats. Let them through the lunch line first.
Don’t be in the way Standing around looking “ready” in the wrong spot is still being in the way. Know when to move.
Respect space If an actor is prepping, don’t hover. If someone says clear the space, do it. No side-eye. No questions.

Health and Safety on Set No One Preps You For

Set life is a physical grind. You’re on your feet, under lights, on location, carrying gear. You need to take care of yourself or the day will take you out.
Hydrate smart Water helps, but not enough. Coconut water, bananas, or a real electrolyte drink will save your energy — and your legs.
Dress right Closed-toe shoes. Good support. Darker clothes — never wear white, even if you're off-camera. White bounces light. You’ll turn into a human bounce board. Don’t be that person.
Eat like you mean it Bring snacks that actually fuel you. Yes, there’s crafty. But if you have a long day ahead, it helps to pack what works for you — trail mix, protein bars, fruit, jerky.
Take breaks — but stay close When you get a break, take it, but don’t disappear. If someone has to go looking for you, you’re already creating a problem.
Protect your ears Loud sets happen — explosions, gunfire, generators. If you know you’ll be exposed to that, bring earplugs.
Lift smart Use your legs. Ask for help. You’re not proving anything by wrecking your back on Day One.

Real Talk: Don’t Be the Story

This is the rule behind all the others. If you’re memorable for the wrong reasons, that’s a wrap on your reputation.

Don’t be the person who made an inappropriate joke in front of talent. Don’t be the one who “helped” by touching something you shouldn’t. Don’t get labeled as the person who talks more than they listen.

Be steady. Be respectful. Be useful.

The best crew members don’t make noise. They make the day easier.

Your First-Set Survival Checklist

Film Set Terms You Need to Know

StrikingPoints
Crossing
Last Looks
Flying In
Going Dark
Speed
Clear the Set
Sandbag It
Watch Your Corners

Film Set Etiquette That Builds Respect

Show up early
Keep your phone
silentStay alert
Respect space and departments
Ask questions at the right time
Don’t hover near monitors
Let key crew eat first
Don’t complainBe invisible when needed

Health and Safety That Keeps You Going

Hydrate with electrolytes
Dress for comfort and the job
Pack smart snacks
Protect your hearing
Lift correctly
Don’t wander off on breaks

This is everything I wish someone had told me before I stepped onto my first professional film set. If you made it this far, you’re already ahead of the game.

You don’t have to act like a know-it-all. You just need to move like someone who respects the craft, respects the crew, and pays attention.

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