Breaking into the film industry can be as daunting as it is thrilling, a labyrinth where the rules of engagement are often learned through trial and error. With every aspiring professional vying for a chance to shine, it's crucial to understand not just what to do, but also what not to do. Let's flip the script and focus on the lesser-discussed side of the coin—the missteps to avoid. Whether you're on the cusp of landing your first role in a production or you're gearing up to ensure you become a recurring talent in demand, steering clear of these common faux pas will keep you on the right track in the competitive arena of filmmaking.

Before You Get Hired, Do NOT...

1. Use film school as reason you should be hired

After working in the film industry for a while, you realize this quickly becomes something nobody asks about. Whenever you are being hired, if there happens to be an interview process (which many times there is not). There will likely not be any questions about film school. The people hiring you only care about your ability to do what they need you to do for their production. If film school taught you how to do that then great but thinking just going to school is a reason you should be hired is not going to work.

2. Think you are overqualified

When you are just starting out it can be a little insulting to not be allowed into the department you want to get in. Unfortunately, you don’t always have the luxury to demand more pay or a different position. Especially if you are new, it is sometimes best to accept what they are offering and pick and choose your battles, even if you think you’re being underutilized.

3. Offer something you can not provide

It is good to know whenever you are talking to someone about a job you know exactly what you can provide, whether its an object or service. For example if you can offer an extra camera you best make sure you can provide a camera on the day. Starting off a shoot immediately losing your crews’ trust is a good way to not get hired.

4. Leave the phone ringing

In the film industry there are tight schedules with many moving pieces that need to be coordinated well with each other. If you are in talks with someone about being hired and you do not answer the phone when they call you - you are asking to be dropped for someone who will pick up the phone. Things move quickly and you will be left behind - answer the phone.

5. Take too long to “think about it”

In the same vein as the previous “Don’t”, when you are being considered for a job and they ask if you are willing to work it, they are expecting an answer as soon as possible. You can take some time to think about it and for good reason, sometimes the position requires you to be away from your home for weeks or months. But when you start taking days to decide on something you run the risk of losing the position. Again many things in the film industry move fast and if you are not on board you will be left behind.

6. Have a rigid schedule

While everything in the industry tries to run at breakneck speeds, things happen and schedules need to shift around. That’s why it is important to be flexible. When talking to someone about joining a crew you need to be open to the possibility that your dates and times can and will change by the minute. You should expect to be flexible with your working dates because if you throw a fit every time they change you are on your way to not getting hired.

Congratulations! You got hired! Now comes the part where you do your job and try to get rehired after this production is finished.

If you want to be Rehired, Do NOT

1. Talk bad about fellow crew members

If you are on set long enough, you will eventually run into people you do not like working with. This is very normal. The problems start when you create drama with other people on the crew contributing to a not so great work environment. We all know that one person on set who just really grinds your gears. But if the frustration they are causing you is just a minor inconvenience then there is no reason to talk about how so and so can’t do their job in front of everybody. Coming off to others as someone who talks behind peoples backs is not a good look and can very well be the reason you are not hired again.

2. Create problems with no solutions

Unfortunately you were hired to help solve problems, not create them. That being said, things come up that you need to help fix. You’ll run into problems and situations all the time, the important part is that you are able to provide solutions to these issues that come up in your department. If you existing on this production is creating more problems than solving - you will probably not be rehired.

3. Be late

Being on set while you’re not needed can be exceptionally boring. Not being on set while you are needed can not only prevent you from getting rehired but also get you fired. You should try to be on set the minute you are called to be there. Things come up and get in the way of that sometimes but you should mitigate them as much as possible and then let supervisors know if you are going to be late. Be present as much as you can so no one can miss you. The importance of being on time can only be trumped by being late.

4. Try to be difficult

Sometimes it's good to stand up for yourself, and sometimes it’s better to go with the flow. If your lunch came with the wrong sauce, maybe don’t always demand production get you the right order. Understand that other peoples jobs on set can be challenging at times and try not create drama over the little things. Causing a ruckus everytime something seems to not go your way is a sure fire way to get the stink eye from production and not get hired again.

5. Complain all the time

Similar to the idea that you should not be difficult, complaining about every little thing that goes wrong is not a fun trait. Part of the reason you get hired is that people like working with you. So when you complain all the time you quickly become everyone’s least favorite person on set. Don’t intentionally become someone that causes people to sigh when they see your name on the call sheet.

6. Avoid doing your job

While a large part of getting rehired is based on whether people enjoy working with you or not. The other piece to that is how capable you are at doing your job. While on set, take into account your role and try to ensure you live up to what is expected of you. You are a part of the barely functioning machine that is the production and whenever you don’t do your job it can throw all the other parts out of whack and the whole thing could come crashing down. So avoid becoming the crew member that couldn’t do their job that day.

In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of film production, your professional reputation hinges on both your technical abilities and your interpersonal skills. Whether you're aiming for that first gig or seeking to become a regular call for various productions, remember that your actions on and off set are equally vital. Demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and a solution-oriented mindset will set you apart as a valuable team player. Avoiding the pitfalls of unprofessional behavior like complaining, being inflexible, or not fulfilling your role, ensures that you not only secure a position but also sustain a career in this fast-paced industry. Those who can navigate the delicate balance of skilled performance and harmonious collaboration are the ones who find themselves in demand, film after film.