Do you do something to not let your mind wander to all kinds of places?
Do you read, do you listen to music...? Maybe you like chatting with people...maybe you are doing something useful, beneficial, for your mind, for your life, in that waiting time (even if it's just a small thing, but useful)?
Do you mind waiting on the movie set? Or it doesn't bother you?
Please say your opinions if you wish. Thank you.
Also, maybe you will find this article helpful:
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/waiting-take-27389/
2 people like this
Great question, Florin Şumălan. I've never been on set, but I'd probably see where I could help out and build relationships/network with my waiting time.
4 people like this
I've been on several short sets. All no/low budget. You just help where you can, We shot one in a park and I was on duty at one end to guide people away from the bench the actors were on. Hoping to be on a proper set soon as an observer, then I'll really have nothing to do!
3 people like this
Down time is a great time to volunteer and learn something new. Especially on small budget productions where things are not so much following a set of rules.
4 people like this
Read the crew's scripts 'cause someone always has a printed paper script in hand.
2 people like this
In what job on the set are you waiting?
2 people like this
Xochi Blymyer, any job on the set
2 people like this
I agree with learning new skills and helping out wherever you can. There is a lot of waiting but there is always something that needs to be done. And if you're looking for work on a new I recommend checking out the new Stage 32 Certification Program, a global workforce training program for production, that was announced today.
Here's a link so you can see the blog on it posted by Stage 32 founder/CEO Rich "RB" Botto: https://www.stage32.com/blog/3518
2 people like this
As some of my favorite actors have said, waiting is what I get paid for and the actual working and acting is for free! The time could be spent keeping an ear/eye out for when it's your turn again. If it's acting - get an estimate from the ADs and use that time for the bathroom or a touch up and be ready at the same time as they are ready for you. If you're part of the crew...it's all a back and forth. When the lighting crew is lighting and setting cameras, the Make Hair and Costumes are maybe getting the cast ready. Sound may be wiring actors and watching the lighting so they can see where the shadows are and how they will boom. The prop department will be getting any props needed for the scene. But at some point, every department will wait for another. But I've always been in the Assistant Director department. Waiting means keeps an eye on the set, answering questions, double checking that everyone knows what the next shot is. If the director is waiting, they may be checking the shot list, thinking about notes for cast. Sure, everyone gets on their phones or reads but in reality, we are all at work and whatever you can do to be ready (while waiting) do that. It keeps the set moving along. Also, if you are on a union show, you cannot help if that's not your union. Seems silly sometimes but that's the way the unions work. Mostly, keep aware of your surroundings so those who's turn it is to work, you're not in their way!
2 people like this
When I first moved to LA, I worked a little bit as an extra to make ends meet, and that's the ultimate sit around and wait type of job. I read books, scripts, etc., networked (both on-set and with my email contacts), and planned my weekends. And occasionally I played Temple Run on my phone...
4 people like this
The rare moments if ever had time to spare I'd engage myself in others set jobs either observing them or directly communicating. Time on any set is a unique moment that may never happen again so instead of plugging into ongoing media available 24/7 I try to grab a slice of art as it happens albeit I'm not directly involved.
2 people like this
I agree with that Debbie! Take advantage of the work around you if you're able.