Are You New to the Filmmaking World? Here Are 20 Things You Should Know Before Walking on Set for the First Time

Are you fresh into the film and production industry and want to learn the most amount of information in the quickest amount of time? Get on a film set. But, before doing so, be sure to familiarize yourself with the top 20 things you'll be sure to hear on set. 

In any industry you get into, there is going to be a whole new set of terms and lingo that are tossed around, and it's crucial that you familiarize yourself with them before jumping in. When it comes to the film and production industry, the easiest way to learn is to get on a set, but with that comes a lot of expensive equipment and a long list of set language that you should get accustomed to. That's where this video comes into play. 

In this informative video from YouTuber and professional Director of Photography Danny Gevirtz, he runs through a jam-packed list of the top things you should know before walking onto a film set for the first time. Although the list is lengthy, it is extremely accurate and insightful.

Of the things he mentions, though, the biggest one I can attest to from experience on working on dozens of film sets in the last years is that when starting out, you must be flexible and attentive on set. Typically, when starting out, you'll be asked to be the production assistant, which consists of long days and tedious work, but as he says, it's a blessing to be on a film set and learn from the top industry professionals, so take advantage of it. Don't be on your phone or complain; just show up and work hard, and you'll make it far. 

What's your favorite tip that Danny mentioned? Leave it in the comments below. 

Eli Dreyfuss's picture

Eli Dreyfuss is a professional portrait photographer based in sunny Miami, Florida. He focuses on making ordinary people look like movie stars in his small home studio. Shortly after graduating high school he quickly established himself in the art world and became an internationally awarded & published artist.

Log in or register to post comments
2 Comments

This is really helpful and kind. Thank you!