SET ETIQUETTE

Working on television and film sets can be a lot of fun, but this non glamorous job can be grueling with long hours and very little rest. It takes on average about 3 months to shoot a film and although you're working a minimum of 14 hours per day, the money can be quite lucrative if it's a high paying film. Television shows and commercials can have long hours as well. Sitcoms and television series shoot as long as 8 hours a day, however, you're usually only shooting 2-3 days a week. Soap operas and news are daily shoots and those hours can range anywhere from 8-12 hours.

I enjoy Access Hollywood because we only shoot 2 hours for our daily show. The show does shoot 5 days a week. Our long days are usually Wednesday or Thursday where we shoot two shows, the daily show and the weekend show. Sometimes we have set visits where we go to different television, film or music video sets and the talent interviews different stars between their shooting time. Or we have Press junkets at various hotels where stars are interviewed for their upcoming film. Red carpet movie premieres and Awards shows are also part of our job and I'm pulling my makeup bag along for the ride to make sure my talent, Shaun Robinson is always looking fresh.

With all this being said there is an etiquette that goes along with these jobs. As an artist, whether you're hair, makeup or wardrobe there is a professional protocol that you are required to adhere to. Working on music videos, film or sitcoms your days are quite long, however, you still need to maintain a very professional demeanor. I've seen artists talking on cell phones on set, sleeping, being disruptive talking with other artists, or cursing, causing the director or assistant director to reprimand them. You will lose your job. Yes, this really happens!

Unprofessional dress code such as wearing revealing clothes is also unacceptable. This can be a distraction and is just in poor taste. Always make sure you're dressed appropriately. On certain sets high heels or open toe shoes are forbidden because of the risk of falling on set with all the wires or possible equipment falling on your feet. Some sets are a little freer with their dresscode, but even still, you always want to display a professional look. Men this goes for you as well. Wearing bagging or sagging jeans is inappropriate so you too want to have a professional look at all times.
Always listen to the stage manager or assistant director and follow instructions without talking back or getting an attitude. Even if you have a difficult talent in your chair, try to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. If you are being disrespected by your talent, don't try to take the situation into your own hands, get the director IMMEDIATELY! Why? Because more than likely, the talent will usually win and you could be sent home.

Make your job as easy on yourself as possible by using great common sense and extremely good manners. These jobs are lots of fun and a real privilege so enjoy them but take them seriously. Have fun!