Quick Answer
The key to becoming a better actor is maintaining professionalism, being prepared, showing respect for fellow cast and crew, and having a positive attitude. Avoid behaviors like showing up unprepared, questioning the director's vision, disrespecting the script or set, making unreasonable demands, disregarding continuity and safety, spreading gossip, complaining about the workload, and forgetting to be grateful. Instead, build collaborative relationships by knowing your lines cold, trusting the director's choices, treating all cast and crew as valuable contributors, listening closely to instructions, keeping off-set distractions to a minimum, remaining neutral in co-star conflicts, making publicity a priority, and thanking everyone for their hard work. Displaying work ethic, team spirit, and appreciation for the craft will impress directors and build your reputation as a talented actor devoted to the project's overall success.
Introduction
Working on a film set can be a high-pressure environment. Tempers often flare when budgets are tight and deadlines loom. As an actor, it's important to maintain professionalism and not take things personally. However, there are some behaviors that will rub even the most zen director the wrong way. Here are 20 guaranteed ways to get on your director's bad side:
1. Show up Unprepared
Nothing raises a director's blood pressure faster than an actor who hasn't learned their lines or bothered to understand their character's motivations. Do your homework and come to set ready to hit the ground running. The entire production schedule depends on you knowing your stuff.
Read and Re-Read the Script
Memorize your lines until you can recite them in your sleep. Understand the arc of your character so you can inhabit them fully. Study the script for clues about your character's background and personality.
Do Your Research
If your character has a specific accent or skill, work with a dialect or acting coach to perfect it. Observe people who share your character's profession or background. Immerse yourself in your character's world.
2. Question the Director's Vision
The director is the creative lead on set. While input is often welcomed, especially from veteran actors, repeatedly challenging or second-guessing the director's choices will not make you any friends.
Pick Your Battles
Reserve questions or concerns for conversations off set or during rehearsals. During filming, trust the director's vision or risk slowing down production.
Make Suggestions Tactfully
If you feel strongly about a creative choice, frame it as a suggestion rather than a complaint. "What do you think about trying it this way?" shows respect.
3. Disrespect the Script
No matter how small the role, approach it with the same commitment and professionalism you would a leading part. Even background actors play a key part in bringing the script to life.
Don't Improvise
Stick to the lines and action in the script unless explicitly directed otherwise. Relying on improvisation is unprofessional and unfair to fellow actors.
Give It Your All
Don't "phone it in" because you don't think your role matters. Play every scene as integral to the story. Bring energy and enthusiasm to even one-line roles.
4. Obsess Over Screentime
Judging performance quality by the size of a role or number of lines will breed jealousy and resentment on set. Keep your ego in check and remember that every player is there to serve the story.
It's Not Personal
Try not to take it personally if your role is smaller than expected. Focus on doing your best with the material given. Let go of what's beyond your control.
Look Beyond Yourself
Don't count lines or compare screentime. Appreciate how each person contributes to the production's success. Focus on the final product, not your own ego.
5. Disrespect the Set
Movie sets are workplaces with multiple departments relying on each other. Rude or unprofessional behavior towards any crew member will hurt morale and reflect poorly on you.
Treat Everyone with Respect
Be kind to the PA who brings your coffee and the costume assistant who dresses you. They work just as hard as anyone else on set.
Observe Set Etiquette
Learn set etiquette like not sitting in the director's chair or touching props/wardrobe without permission. These rules matter. Follow them.
6. Make the Crew Wait
With hundreds or even thousands of dollars ticking away by the minute, every delay on a movie set equals money wasted. Don't be the reason for costs running over budget.
Know Call Times
Double check call times and arrive early. Factoring in traffic, parking, and wardrobe means being ready to shoot at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
Mind Your Breaks
Return promptly from scheduled meal and wardrobe breaks. Adhere to the assistant director's breaks schedule as they are planning down to the minute.
7. Have Poor Hygiene
Filming is physically demanding, often in hot studios or outdoor locations. That's no excuse for poor hygiene that can nauseate fellow cast and crew.
Bathe Regularly
Shower, shave, brush your teeth, and apply deodorant before every shoot day. You will be working in close quarters with others. Smelling fresh is common courtesy.
Dress Comfortably
Wear clean, breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes for long days. Changing out sweaty clothes during breaks can help you stay cool and odor-free.
8. Obsess Over Your Looks
Vanity has no place on a collaborative film set. While reasonable make-up and wardrobe prep is expected, high-maintenance primping will cause annoyance.
Let the Professionals Primp You
Leave hair, make-up, and wardrobe to the experts hired to make you look camera-ready. Resist asking for touch-ups unless absolutely necessary.
Skip the Entourage
Don't clutter the set with your personal make-up artist, stylist, acting coach, and assistant. A few key crew members will get you ready to shoot. Trust them.
9. Skimp on Rehearsals
Rehearsals are critical for working out the kinks and allowing the director to assess what does and doesn't work before filming. Blowing them off is unwise.
Make Rehearsals a Priority
Treat rehearsals like shooting days. Clear your schedule and come prepared. Getting notes from the director now will make filming go smoother.
Don't Dismiss Table Reads
Table reads are more than just reading lines aloud. Pay close attention to feedback on timing, intention, and chemistry at the table.
10. Play the Diva
Throwing fits, making outrageous demands, and requiring special treatment will demolish goodwill among the cast and crew. Leave the drama for the screen.
Lose the Entitlement
Successful actors are still coworkers on set. Be polite and colleague-like with fellow cast and crew. No one likes a diva.
Don't Make Demands
Reasonable needs will be accommodated, but special requests or demands will frustrate busy crew dealing with tight budgets and schedules. Stay low maintenance.
11. Disregard Safety
Film sets can house electrical equipment, heavy machinery, and expensive props. Disregarding safety puts everyone at risk.
Attend Safety Meetings
Whether a staged fight scene or pyrotechnic explosion, listen closely to safety instructions and protocol. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Avoid Dangerous Improvising
Don't deviate from agreed upon choreography in an action scene. Rigging and props have been painstakingly set up to allow for controlled safety.
12. Invite an Entourage
A noisy entourage of friends, family, or hangers-on has no place crowding a professional set. Wait for the wrap party to show off.
Leave Visitors at Home
Don't invite friends to "check out" the set or chat with you in your trailer between takes. It's unprofessional and annoying.
Focus When Working
When "working", be 100% mentally present. Engrossed in your phone or distracted by visitors will show in your performance.
13. Spread Gossip
Like a high school, gossip spreads quickly on set and can create friction amongst the cast and crew. Don't feed the rumor mill.
Keep Confidences
If entrusted with secret storylines or character details, keep them. Spoiler leaks can be costly and get traced back to loose-lipped actors.
Verify Before Spreading
If you overhear a salacious rumor about a coworker, verify facts before repeating. Idle gossip helps no one.
14. Disrespect Continuity
Film scenes out of sequence under the guidance of the script supervisor. Failing to precisely match every detail of wardrobe, props, and actions will lead to costly reshoots.
Study the Shooting Schedule
Note what scenes will be shot out of order. Change wardrobe and props accordingly between takes as directed.
Stick to The Script
Precisely follow the script's stage directions and blocking despite shooting out of sequence. Matching previous shots relies on this consistency.
15. Enforce Strict Method Acting
While immersing yourself in a character's mindset can lead to powerful performances, taking it to extremes can be alienating on set.
Know When to Disengage
Staying "in character" 24/7 often intimidates and isolates coworkers. Leave the intensity on set.
Don't Let It Change You
If an extreme character is impacting your personality off-camera, that's a red flag to dial it back. Don't let acting warp you.
16. Mistreat Background Actors
Even background actors are essential to authenticity and rounding out the visual world depicted on screen. Treat them as valuable contributors.
Learn Background Courtesy
Extras endure long hours on cramped sets for little pay. Going out of your way to acknowledge them is always appreciated.
Remember, They're People Too
Don't complain about "insert shoots" requiring paid background actors. Their time is as valuable as yours, though compensated less.
17. Pick Sides Among Feuding Co-Stars
Keeping the peace can be hard when cast chemistry sours. Avoid getting entangled in co-star conflicts that fuel tensions on set.
Remain Neutral
If tensions flare between colleagues, don't contribute to the drama. Distance yourself and maintain cordial relations with both.
Don't Add Fuel to the Fire
Venting or complaining to one co-star about another will only worsen matters. Say only positive things to both parties.
18. Complain About Long Hours
Filmmaking requires grueling hours over weeks or months. Griping excessively about the workload marks you as difficult.
Remember It's Temporary
The long slog of production won't last forever. Stay motivated towards the final cut and eventual promotional tour.
Save Venting for Off Set
By all means, complain to your agent or loved ones off set. But stay upbeat working; negativity is contagious.
19. Turn Down Press Opportunities
Promoting projects via interviews, festivals, and events is a big part of the job. Support the production by making publicity a priority.
Understand It's a Team Effort
Promotion benefits everyone involved. Do your part rather than leaving it to the director and bigger stars.
Remember You're Representing the Film
Act professionally in press junkets. What you say publicly reflects on the entire cast and crew.
20. Forget to Be Grateful
Filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor involving hundreds of people working tirelessly behind the scenes. Don't take it for granted.
Thank the Crew
Let producers and crew members know you appreciate their expertise and problem-solving. Gratitude goes a long way.
Write Heartfelt Wrap Notes
When filming wraps, hand out notes to cast and crew expressing your gratitude. They'll cherish the mementos.
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1. Show up Unprepared | - Memorize lines and understand character motivations - Do research on accent, skills, etc. for the role |
| 2. Question the Director's Vision | - Pick battles wisely, trust director's choices during filming - Make suggestions respectfully |
| 3. Disrespect the Script | - Don't improvise without direction - Give even small roles your all |
| 4. Obsess Over Screentime | - Don't take role size personally - Appreciate everyone's contribution |
| 5. Disrespect the Set | - Treat all crew members with respect - Follow set etiquette rules |
| 6. Make the Crew Wait | - Arrive early, know call times - Return promptly from breaks |
| 7. Have Poor Hygiene | - Bathe, wear deodorant, dress comfortably - Change sweaty clothes during breaks |
| 8. Obsess Over Your Looks | - Let professionals handle hair/makeup/wardrobe - Don't demand touch-ups |
| 9. Skimp on Rehearsals | - Prioritize rehearsals like shoot days - Pay close attention at table reads |
| 10. Play the Diva | - Be polite and collegial, lose the entitlement - Don't make special demands |
| 11. Disregard Safety | - Listen to safety instructions closely - Don't improvise/deviate from action choreography |
| 12. Invite an Entourage | - Don't invite visitors or friends to set - Stay focused when working |
| 13. Spread Gossip | - Keep spoilers and rumors confidential - Verify facts before repeating |
| 14. Disrespect Continuity | - Study shooting schedule for continuity - Precisely match blocking and staging |
| 15. Enforce Strict Method Acting | - Disengage from intense characters off-set - Don't let acting warp your personality |
| 16. Mistreat Background Actors | - Acknowledge and appreciate background performers - Respect their time and effort |
| 17. Pick Sides Among Feuding Co-Stars | - Remain neutral in co-star conflicts - Don't fuel tensions on set |
| 18. Complain About Long Hours | - Remember schedule is temporary - Vent off-set, stay upbeat on set |
| 19. Turn Down Press Opportunities | - Do your part in promotion and publicity - Act professionally representing the film |
| 20. Forget to Be Grateful | - Thank the crew for their hard work - Write heartfelt wrap notes |
Conclusion
Making a quality film requires cooperation, patience, and mutual respect among the entire cast and crew. As an actor, maintaining high standards of professionalism is the best way to contribute to a stellar final product everyone can be proud of. By avoiding these 20 behaviors, you'll demonstrate work ethic, team spirit, and respect for the craft. With a positive attitude and consideration for others, you'll build collaborative relationships that can last an entire career.