The Unspoken Rules of Set: 8 Professional Habits That Land You More Gigs
Posted on: Aug 28, 2025
Photo Credit: Lisa Blue // iStock PhotoFilmmaking jobs can be competitive, and have been hit with a rash of strikes and other setbacks over the last few years. What many fail to realize until it’s too late, is that your reputation becomes your resume.
Talent or technical skill will only get you so far, and many producers prefer reliability and ease of collaboration, over talent. Here is some feedback gathered from producers to help you keep getting hired, especially on tight-budget indie projects.
Key Insights:
- Reliability is a valuable currency. More than talent or skill, producers prioritize crew members they can depend on. This includes showing up early and prepared, being a proactive problem-solver, and managing a project’s budget with respect and care.
- Respect is non-negotiable. The most successful crew members are those who treat everyone on set with decency—from the newest PA to the most experienced director. This also extends to respecting the rented equipment, borrowed locations, and the established chain of command.
- Constructive communication is key. A professional crew member voices concerns calmly and discreetly. They pick their battles and focus on solutions rather than just complaining, demonstrating that they are invested in the success of the project.
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1. Show Up On Time and Prepared
It may sound obvious, but it’s the very core of dependability. In production, “on time” means early, and “prepared” means ready to work the moment you arrive. You should have any necessary tools, know and understand the call sheet, and have a basic understanding of what is expected of your department that day. A general idea of what’s expected through the duration of the shoot is even better.
Being prepared also means knowing your job well. Stay up to date on the latest trends, know what you need to get the job done, and be clear on what is expected of you.
If you can’t be on time, it’s hard to believe you can be depended on for anything. In this industry where time is money, reliability is currency.
2. Have a Good Attitude
You don’t have to be bubbly or fake. You should be respectful, professional and generally pleasant to work with. Film sets can have brutal conditions, and often lead to flared emotions. People who can keep their cool, and treat others with decency, stand out. Some of the key detriments to a film set are ego, gossip or entitlement.
It’s also important to be nice to things and places. Keep in mind that most film sets are relying on borrowed and rented props, gear and properties. There should be a sense of gratitude that so many people have shared their belongings in order to make the production work, and get you paid.
One producer put it simply, “Be aware of your surroundings, respect the people, the equipment and the location.”
3. Be a Problem Solver
Every production faces snags, and coordinators often have folders full of problems to deal with. Your bosses can get worn out by people dumping problems on them consistently, without any help offered to solve them.
Valuable crew members understand one simple rule: “Try not to mention problems unless you have potential solutions to suggest.”
There are exceptions where there may be problems outside your own capabilities, or that need to be brought to your superior’s attention immediately, such as a medical emergency. That being said, there are almost always times you can show you are thinking constructively about a problem by having at least one possible fix.
4. Respect the Chain of Command and Stay in Your Lane
It’s true bosses want solutions offered with problems you are reporting, but let me clarify that problems and solutions should be reported according to the proper chain of command.
Wild suggestions, or offers to help on problems outside of your role or department can be a problem. It’s important to respect boundaries while remaining collaborative. Every department has put a lot of time and effort into their planning and preparation. Giving your opinion about other people’s jobs without being asked, or offering suggestions to people trying to focus on their own task can be disruptive, annoying and even detrimental.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak up if you see something dangerous, or if you’re asked for your opinion. You might even ask, “Is it okay if I make a comment?” if things are going in circles. But if you think you have a better idea about how another department should be doing their job, ask before you offer. There may be a dozen reasons why things are being done a certain way that you haven’t considered.
When in doubt, speak to the person directly above you in your department, and ask for guidance.
5. Spend Appropriately
Film budgets are fragile entities, especially in independent productions. Surprise expenses can derail the production.
Sending unexpected invoices, or overspending, are a major red flag for producers. I’ve had producers report entire gear rental charges for things they’ve never asked for, taxi rides when someone didn’t feel like driving, unapproved prep or wrap days, and unnecessarily expensive items for the art department that can’t be returned or stored.
One producer vented, “Don’t invoice me for things I never agreed on. I didn’t sign off on that Starbucks run for your department, your taxi for no reason, or that random set piece you bought with no receipt.”
Communication solves everything. Even if it seems minor, you should get approval. Keep receipts. It shows respect for the production — and it protects you, too.
6. Be Present
While phones are often a necessary tool, they need to be put away and put on silent mode when not using them for work. The last feature I was on suffered consistently from production assistants failing at a major part of their job — to yell out “rolling” and “cut” because they were on their phones and missed cues on their walkies. This allowed people to slip past them into buildings while the crew was filming, or even right through the doors inside.
If you need to make a call or handle something personal, alert your team and do it discreetly away from set. Your focus shows you take your job seriously.
7. Communicate
Set life is tough with long hours, repetitive tasks and the occasional cold meal. A professional crew member voices concerns calmly, constructively and in the right setting, such as a production meeting or directly with their superior — not in front of the cast, or loudly to coworkers.
One producer said it best, “It’s one thing to express needs and have conversations about issues you’ve run into. It’s another to complain constantly about everything from the food to your coworkers.”
It’s like the old saying: “Pick your battles.” Bring up real issues, but don’t let negativity define your presence on set. It tells producers you don’t want to be there.
8. Come Prepared with Samples and References
Every person hiring in this industry probably has a sea of bad experiences and wild stories. When applying, you should have the proper tools in place to help you stand out from the beginning. Resumes are useful, but sending a link, or letting people know work samples are available, stands out. It’s even better if you make it clear you have professional references they can contact, because that means someone is willing to vouch for you.
The people I’ve hired impressed me most by continuing to separate friendship or acquaintanceship from professionalism. Even though we’ve worked together before, or know each other professionally, they treat each new gig the same — by politely applying, sending new work samples, or making it clear they take me seriously. This stands heads and shoulders above people who slop through to let me know they’re available and seem entitled to the role.
Producers are more likely to remember and trust someone who came prepared to prove their value.
Reliability, respect and communication were the three traits mentioned unanimously by producers, but you should treat everyone on set with the same considerations. You never know when the person working under, or beside you, might be the one hiring in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- Always have a solution. When you encounter a problem, be prepared to present at least one possible solution, no matter how small. This shows you’re a valuable team player.
- Separate professionalism from familiarity. Even with people you’ve worked with before, treat every new job application and gig with the same professional rigor, providing up-to-date samples and references.
- Be present and aware. Put your phone away and stay focused on your job. Being fully present demonstrates your commitment and professionalism to everyone on set.
Jessica Mathis (AKA Divinity Rose) is an award winning screenwriter/performer/producer from Louisville, Kentucky. She is the CEO of She Dreams Content Development and Production, which focuses on female-forward projects in comedy, docustyle and genre entertainment.
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