Professionalism on Set

"Here in Nevada, members often mention that we are not taken seriously by production crew, or not seriously considered for principal roles. While a majority of our members understand what it means to be a professional, we are often characterized by the unprofessional actions of a few.

"These actions are not exclusive to Nevada, and the same level of professionalism is incumbent on all working SAG-AFTRA members. A recent social media posting by a well-known L.A. and national casting director states, “It is highly unprofessional to cancel a job the day before or even two days before your booking. We keep track of cancellations — it goes into your file. Please keep your commitment when you make one. If you worked at a bank, you would not call in the day before nor would you just not show up because something came up. This job is no different. We expect professional behavior from everyone we book.”

"Keep your commitments! I’ve recently worked with a local member who was a no-show, with no call, on two consecutive productions. If you don’t want to work, don’t accept the job in the first place. There are plenty of members who would love to have the work.

"When you come to set, be prepared. I can’t even begin to count how many pens I’ve loaned and given away on set to working performers who did not bring their own pens. A former SAG Nevada Branch council member famously spoke for several minutes at a membership meeting, stating that pens are free in every hotel in Las Vegas, and that members reporting to set, especially in a hotel, have no excuse not to be prepared with a pen. 

"Proper preparation also means having the requested wardrobe. A complete change means an entirely different outfit. Wardrobe allowances are paid, and it is our responsibility as members to bring what is asked of us. On a recent Las Vegas feature, the wardrobe department mentioned that a number of background performers, including union members, did not bring the requested wardrobe. This is not acceptable, and makes us look bad as a group.

"As background, principal performers and stand-ins, one of our main duties is to assist in making a production run smoothly by acting as we are directed and working together as performers. Whether on set, in an audition or on stage, professionalism involves working with your scene partners, which makes everyone look good. On auditions, live events and in film scenes, I’ve worked with certain performers who seem to be trying to direct their own scene, even going so far as to contradict specific directions from the assistant director. 

"Regardless of differences that may separate us when not on set, it is everyone’s responsibility to work together when the cameras are rolling. 

"By being punctual and reliable, prepared and professional, we can all help to encourage more production here in Nevada, providing more work for everyone."

This item was originally featured in the August 2014 local newsletter.