On-Set Etiquette for Production Interns

A set runs on timing, teamwork, and attention. As a production intern, nobody expects you to know everything, but you are expected to be on time, paying attention, and easy to work with.

Before your first day

• Read the call sheet. It lists your call time, the location, parking, the day's schedule, key contacts, the weather, and usually the nearest hospital. Read the whole thing the night before.
• Know who you report to. Interns usually take direction from a key PA, an assistant director (AD), or a production coordinator. Find out who, and bring your questions to them rather than to the director.
• Plan to arrive early. "Early is on time, and on time is late" is a common saying on set. Leave room for traffic, parking, and finding where to check in.

What to pack

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes you can stand in all day
• Layers and rain gear, since you may be outside for hours
• A phone charger or power bank
• A pen, a Sharpie, and a small notebook
• A refillable water bottle
• A small flashlight
• Any paperwork production asked you to bring

Walkie etiquette

Production staff on many sets carry walkies (two-way radios). The channel is shared, so a few habits go a long way:

• Press the button, pause a beat, then speak, so your first word doesn't get cut off.
• Keep it short and skip the chit-chat.
• Listen before you talk so you don't talk over someone else.
• Wear your earpiece so the radio never plays out loud during a take.
• When someone calls your name, answer with "Go for [your name]."
• Ask which channel to stay on and which one to switch to for longer conversations.

Common walkie terms:

• Copy or Copy that: I heard you and understand.
• Stand by: I need a moment; please wait.
• What's your 20?: Where are you?
• Flying in: I'm on my way right now.
• Eyes on: asking whether anyone can see a person or item, as in "Does anyone have eyes on the producer?"
• 10-1: a common code for a bathroom break, though codes can vary by set.

Words you'll hear on set

• Rolling: the camera is recording. Freeze, stay silent, and hold your lockup until you hear "cut."
• Cut: the take is over. You can move again, quietly.
• Back to one: actors and crew return to their starting positions for another take.
• Last looks: hair, makeup, and wardrobe make final touches before rolling.
• Crossing: say this when you need to walk in front of the camera between takes.
• Hot points: someone is carrying something heavy or awkward through the area. Clear the way.
• Check the gate: originally, the camera team inspecting the film gate for debris after a shot; you'll still hear it as a sign the company is about to move on.
• Abby Singer: the second-to-last shot of the day.
• Martini shot: the last shot of the day.

Lockups

You may be asked to "lock up" a door, hallway, or sidewalk so no one walks into a shot. Stay at your post, politely hold people when you hear "rolling," and don't leave until someone relieves you or releases you over the walkie.

The unwritten rules

• Keep your phone away unless you're using it for work.
• Never post photos, videos, or details from set without permission. Productions often ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Don't approach talent for photos or autographs. Be polite, and let them work.
• Don't touch another department's equipment, and don't sit in chairs with names on them.
• Watch where you step: avoid cables, tape marks on the floor, and anything that could be in frame.
• Repeat instructions back, as in "Copy, two cases of water to the set," so everyone knows you've got it.
• When you finish a task, tell your supervisor and ask what's next.
• At wrap, help where you're needed and don't leave until you've been released.

Tip: The fastest way to earn more responsibility on set is to do small jobs quickly, quietly, and without being reminded.

Next step

Ready to put this into practice? Browse internships and look for production assistant and production intern roles.