How do you remember everyone’s name?
Names are so important! Everyone responds best when you learn their name and since we need something from everyone I try to learn them all. I used to keep a paper call sheet in my pocket the first week, now I use my phone for reference. I also don’t mind asking someone twice for their name. I think it’s so important to speak to the stand ins as part of the team and so often I hear them referred to casually as “hey you” or “young lady”. We’re all in this together, so treat others as you’d like to be treated.
Laminated card on side of camera by 2nd AC. Custom 3 column layout:
Character / actor name / Stand in
Color coded to match their mark color.
Without sounding melodramatic, this may be the most important part of being a good operator
and it’s the hardest part for me. There is no substitute for learning the names of the people you work with! Make this a priority. You will not remember everyone's name the first day, or the second day. Start small, maybe 5 to 10 people a day. That’s 25-50 the first week and that's pretty damn good. When you meet someone for the first time, try to immediately use their name. And don’t be afraid to ask their name a second time. That is much better than using the wrong name or never calling them by name at all. I will use the call sheet as my cheat sheet, and I always keep it in my pocket. It’s easiest to start with the names of the people you work the closest with and work out from there. Make this a part of your job and it will pay dividends.
Everyone likes to be called by their name, not by their job title. This also shows everyone that you care, that you are nice and that you want to be there.
Everyone has their memory method, but whatever you do, don’t underestimate the importance of knowing people’s names. Not only does it make communication easier but it makes people feel good that they are important and you know them. I tend to forget people’s names as soon as they tell me, I think because I’m nervous meeting someone new. So, to counter that, I find repeating the name out loud and commenting on it puts it in the brain.
*Dad-joke deleted here for your sanity*
I have a terrible memory for names, and I have to start small on each project. To begin, I have my assistants make up a laminated list of the main actors and their stand-ins that stays mounted on the smart side of the mattebox.
For crew, I start with my basic team if I haven’t worked with them before – my AC, 2nd, and dolly grip, and of course the director and DP. From there, I work my way out in order of importance – the 1st AD, the gaffer, the key grip, on-set dresser etc., gradually learning the names of people I’ll need to interact with as I go.
One of the more important things you can learn because calling people by their name instead of their job classification shows you respect them. I happen to be horrible with names. I read the call sheet a lot before the first day and then check it a lot during the day. I ask people their names and immediately apologize if I forget as I’m bad with names “By the way, if it takes me a few days to remember your name, I’m sorry, I just know myself and I’m terrible with names”.
I start with my immediate crew, camera and dolly grip, and the stand ins, as well as the actors of course. I work out to the boom op and the set dresser almost immediately. The set dresser I usually have written on my sides because I will likely be calling for them as soon as the rehearsal is over. I try to introduce myself to hair and makeup on the first day but sadly dont interact with them as much as I used to. Key grip, gaffer, and on down the line. If there are multiple names (5 Daves etc) it’s ok to call out for ‘Dave set dressing’ or something like that so you dont get five responses.
Bottom line, make a plan, work out what works for you, but learn those names. Second team will appreciate it more than you know.
To remember cast, I make a face sheet with their character name followed but their real name and stand-in’s name. The faces I get from screenshotting an Google image search. Then I add the names underneath and compile using a free photo app which puts multiple photos together. I print pocket sized around 4”x4”, “laminate” with 2” clear tape and put into my pocket.
To remember crew names, I cut-n-paste the names from the call sheet together into a long strip about 3” wide which I fold over so I have names on both sides. Then and “laminate” with 2” clear tape. I include Director, 2nd AD, Camera, G&E on one side. On the other Sound, On-Set Dresser, On-Set Props/HMU, anyone I may need to call by name right before the camera rolls.
