You've accepted your first Union call to work. Congratulations! NOW WHAT?!
This information may not be available from Dispatch. Phone the production company directly for these details. if needed.
The specific tool/kit requirements are listed on the website under each department; see
Useful Information
Dress Code
Be sure to dress for changing weather. Keep additional winter gear in your vehicle. You never know when the weather will change even in the middle of summer.
Come to work clean, and in clothing suitable to the filming location. Short shorts, muscle shirts, clothing with offensive slogans, and bare midriffs are often forbidden by production companies.
Be On Time
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your call. Consider traffic and road conditions. Do not be late.
Upon arrival, report to your Department Head or Crew Supervisor to be given your work tasks. Always follow the instructions you have been given. There are no stupid questions, but there are better times than others to ask them. Unless safety is an issue, save your questions for a slow time; not when everyone is under the gun to get things set up. Beyond anything else, work safely. If you are asked to do something that you feel is unsafe, you have the responsibility to speak up. If you do not know how to do something, admit it. Do not put others in jeopardy by doing something the wrong way.
Meals
Movie productions often provide breakfast for the crew. This is on your own time prior to the start of your work day. The catering and eating tent are located in an area called 'the circus'' which is often close to crew parking but away from the filming location.
On a movie set, a catered lunch is provided. It occurs at the beginning of the 6th hour of work after Crew Call. It is either an hour or
a half hour in length, with the time measured after the last IATSE member has been served. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day at the Craft Service table. If you are working at a Theatre or on a non-shooting crew, you should bring your lunch. In most cases, a break away lunch is not possible.
Set Etiquette
Do not leave your work area without notifying someone in your department. There are washroom facilities on every set. Carry hand sanitizer with you if there is no water available for hand washing.
On a movie set, it is forbidden to take pictures. Candid shots of performers is definitely a no-no! It is also frowned upon to engage in conversation with the Director or actors unless they initiate it. Everyone is there to work. Do not, under any circumstance, report details of a movie or movie set on a blog, chat room, social network site, or to your friends.
Never be caught on a film set with your cell phone ringing! The embarrassment does not outweigh the consequences! Turn them off or leave them in your car.
Be the best you can be. Work efficiently and happily. Leave your troubles at home. Get along with the others in the department. Think ahead. Be proactive.
Getting Paid
Be sure to fill out a start pack. You cannot get paid without one. You will get this from your Department Head or Crew Supervisor. If you are unsure of anything, be sure to ask. You will also need to fill out a time sheet. These are filled out in military time. Military time does not have am or pm designations. It is based on a 24 hour clock. Therefore, 1am to noon becomes 100 to 1200. 1pm to midnight becomes 1300 to 2400. On film sets you are paid in 6 minute increments or .10 of 60. You adjust your time out to the next increment of 6. So, if you are clocking out and your watch says 5:15pm, you would put 1718 on your timesheet. The Theatre and Stage contracts vary in their pay increments; although most are in 15 minute increments. Ask your Department Supervisor if you are unsure.
When the work is done or you have been released, clean up quickly and sign out. Leave your time sheet with your Department Head. They will check it, sign it and turn it in to the Production office. Your cheque will be available at the Production office on the Friday of the following week.
Permit Hours
It is the Permit's responsiblity to track their own hours. Keep your paystubs as proof of the work you have done as this is the best way to prove hours worked for membership qualification.