Being Present On Set

This is a pretty simple one. 

Stay off your phone.

That’s it.

Once the shot has been set, the camera placed, the lens chosen, and you’ve worked out the move, the background, the myriad things you need to work out, there is often extra time before the shot is up. Nowadays there is a great tendency to take those few moments and check in on your phone. We are all guilty of it, myself included. Our phones are drugs and we crave the dopamine rush that scrolling and “connecting” gives us.

Fight it.

Think about the shot. Think about what might go wrong. Think about how you can make it better. Re-read the sides. Consider what other coverage you may need moving forward and what hurdles you may encounter. Discuss the upcoming shots with your AC and dolly grip so they know what is coming down the pike. Look for reflections yet again.

The bottom line is there is always something to be missed. Not only will staying off your phone make sure you don't miss anything, but it may get you your next job. Consider this. The DP has two ops on set. One is always on their phone and the other is always looking at the frame. Who are they going to call next time?

Honestly though, this goes for all of life. Having dinner with a friend? Put your phone away. Talking with your kid? Put your phone away. Reading a book or watching a movie? Put your phone away. Visiting a museum? Put your phone away. Sitting on the toilet? Put your freaking phone away.