Planning Your Routes on Set

When you work on a set as a stand-in, oftentimes the physical environment is changing around you.  Walls are pulled and put back in, doorways are open but later obstructed, or even where second team is holding may suddenly be blocked in.

When production calls for second team, you may find that your most direct path to set is no longer navigable, meaning you need a few extra seconds or even minutes as you try to make your way back onto set.  These delays may actually test the patience of crew as they await your arrival.  It is a good idea to keep abreast of your surroundings as a stand-in and pay attention to the ever-changing environment.

Note the Entrances & Exits to Set

Because of the continual change of environment on set, it is best to keep aware what changes are being made, and to plot where you’ll enter and/or exit when production calls for second team.

When you are off set waiting to return, it is best not to completely ignore what is going on around you.  Occasionally peeking in on the progress of setups will keep you abreast of what set entrances and exits are no longer available.  You will be able to note what is the best way to set so that you don’t make any wrong choices as you hustle back when you’re called.

In Case of Fire

It is not a bad idea when you show up on set to note for yourself what you’ll do in case of a fire.  With equipment set up sometimes obstructing entrances and exits, a stampede of exiting crew in the event of a fire may make for a disastrous evacuation.  Planning your personal route or noting the fire protocol for the particular location where you’re shooting will help keep you calm in the event of a fire.

Some crews will offer a safety meeting at the beginning of the work day or at different locations outlining what to do in the event of a fire.  These meetings may include what to do when an alarm sounds, what paths to take, and where to meet after a fire.  It is important to pay attention to these meetings so that crew may account for all parties in case of a fire emergency.

Have you had an experience on set when you got blocked from set?  Has a fire broken out on your set and the crew had to exit?  What experiences have you had with planning your routes on set?  Got some?  Share them below!