As I wrapped up being on set for another film, I had the urge to write a blog about how to handle the big day or days on set of any production! If you are reading this, chances are you’re chasing your dreams of becoming a working actor. But what do you do when you finally book it?
First of all, congratulations on booking the gig! You should be full of excitement and by now, you have gone over your lines like mad! The anticipation is finally over and your big day has finally arrived. You are on your way to set and you can only hope and pray you don’t forget the lines you’ve gone over time and time again. You are a professional, working actor after all! Which means you can’t miss a word or fumble on the big day…
Relax my friend. I am here to remind you that everything will be ok. Take a big, deep breath and remember that they picked you and you have prepared for this moment. Everything will be fine, I promise. And guess what? It’s ok if you mess up here and there or draw a blank every now and then. Don’t stress over it too much!
I can tell you (at least from my experience of being on set), that IT HAPPENS! The awesome thing about filming, is that you can take a quick glance at your script if you go blank between takes. I can hear you saying “Oh yeah sure Shannon…. But what if I forget my line during the actual take. What then?”. I hear ya, it’s scary to even think about forgetting your lines. The production has trusted you to bring the script to life and the pressure is real!
Here are my tips for you when you get ready to rock and roll on set!
- Calm down. When you feel like you are overwhelmed and scared about forgetting your lines or “messing up”, remind yourself everything is alright. Get out of your head with a deep breath and try to go with the flow. Take a quick glance at your script while the crew is setting up the shot and then have fun with it when you hear that magical word “ACTION”!!!
- Loosen up. Don’t let your nerves take you down today. You worked hard to be here and you were the chosen one for this production. Trust yourself and know that everyone on set is rooting for you too.
- Block out the noise. What the heck does that mean Shannon? Well, sometimes it can be difficult to just be still and block out the noise (aka everything happening around you), especially on set where all eyes are on you. People will be talking, props and equipment will be moved around and sometimes it can get a little overwhelming to some people. If that’s you, then it’s important to find a moment to block out the noise, focus on the good and calm yourself by finding your center again.
- Self reminders. Reassurance, reassurance, reassurance. You can never have enough of it, trust me. It’s easy to get in your head and start worrying about all the things… Am I overacting? Does it look ok? Did I get those lines right? Did I hit the mark just so? All of these thoughts can creep into your brain and take over if you let them. This is when you have to remind yourself that you are a badass and you deserve to be here! Remember that this crew chose YOU to play this part and you know your shit! YOU GOT THIS!!!!
That’s a wrap!
Before you know it, you will here “THAT’S A WRAP”, and your job is done! Another production will be on your resume and you had another great day doing what you love to do. Always remember that you are a part of a team and everyone is cheering you on from start to finish. Embrace the good always and drown out the negativities that will try to bring you down on-set. You got this my friend! Now get out there and do your thing!
AND ACTION!!!!
