<h3 id="2680a2c7-0f16-4128-b384-dfe9605234b1" data-toc-id="2680a2c7-0f16-4128-b384-dfe9605234b1" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">First Impressions Matter—Even Before You’re on Set</h3>Your reputation starts before the camera rolls.<ul><li>Be professional at fittings and makeup. These departments are part of the production too.</li><li>Arrive on time, be polite, and don’t complain unless there’s a safety concern.</li><li>Show respect by listening, cooperating, and saying thank you.</li><li>Avoid acting like you’re already “on break.” This is part of the job.</li></ul>Remember: people notice the way you carry yourself, even during prep.<h3 id="d3728881-a270-401b-99a0-12e380cd45e1" data-toc-id="d3728881-a270-401b-99a0-12e380cd45e1" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Stay Professional—Even When You’re Not in the Spotlight</h3>It’s easy to forget you’re “at work” when you’re waiting around on set—but this is when many performers get flagged.<ul><li>Avoid unnecessary talking, especially during rehearsals, briefings, or filming.</li><li>Don’t try to stand out by being loud, overly social, or constantly cracking jokes.</li><li>Crew members are working under pressure—don’t be a distraction.</li><li>Stay aware: even if no one is filming you, someone is always observing.</li><li>Don’t talk to other departments unless told to.</li><li>Report to your Coordinator only and keep everything within the Stunt Department.</li></ul><h3 id="f1a35aff-7f9c-4d82-9fb6-4ba5f250de73" data-toc-id="f1a35aff-7f9c-4d82-9fb6-4ba5f250de73" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Follow Instructions—No Ego, No Drama</h3>Your job is to listen, execute, and adjust when asked. If something is unclear or feels unsafe, ask respectfully—but never argue with a coordinator or director during a take.<ul><li>Wait for the right moment to ask questions (usually during rehearsals or downtime).</li><li>If there’s a concern, raise it privately—not in front of the whole crew.</li><li>Always be solution-focused, not defensive.</li></ul>Being calm and collaborative builds trust with the team—and trust gets you rehired.<h3 id="b058b8d8-13e8-43c7-b2cf-9631775d2a07" data-toc-id="b058b8d8-13e8-43c7-b2cf-9631775d2a07" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Keep It Appropriate at All Times</h3>One of the fastest ways to damage your reputation is through poor social behaviour.Avoid:<ul><li>Flirting or making suggestive comments</li><li>Oversharing personal stories or drama</li><li>Interrupting or trying to join private crew conversations</li><li>Being overly confident or “too much” on set</li></ul>Set is a workplace. Keep conversations respectful and your presence professional.<h3 id="380330af-2ea0-454b-b9c3-9641ed29cd6f" data-toc-id="380330af-2ea0-454b-b9c3-9641ed29cd6f" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">“Stay Low, Learn Lots”</h3>One of the best attitudes you can have is humble confidence.<ul><li>Let your work speak for you.</li><li>Watch the experienced performers and take mental notes.</li><li>Use quiet moments to prepare, stretch, or mentally rehearse.</li><li>Avoid gossip, complaints, or ego-driven behaviour.</li></ul>Those who stay low and stay ready often gain the most respect.<h3 id="7eed3e90-3eb4-400e-8a09-94ff264eb9fb" data-toc-id="7eed3e90-3eb4-400e-8a09-94ff264eb9fb" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Take Responsibility for Your Role</h3>You represent not only yourself but also the agency, the coordinator who booked you, and the entire stunt department.<ul><li>Be self-sufficient: bring what you need, manage your costume and props, stay ready.</li><li>Don’t rely on others to tell you where to be or what to do.</li><li>If you make a mistake, own it—don’t blame, deny, or disappear.</li><li>Respect the time of everyone around you. The smoother you are to work with, the more people will want you back.</li></ul><h3 id="e8da1cfb-7157-4d6b-a9e5-37156f82d6aa" data-toc-id="e8da1cfb-7157-4d6b-a9e5-37156f82d6aa" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nzss-courses-events">Start Practicing This Attitude During Training</a></h3>Professional behaviour starts long before you get to set.At <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="Www.nzstuntschool.com">NZ Stunt School</a>, we treat training with the same standards as a film set.Instructors and coordinator watch not just your movement but your attitude.<ul><li>Be respectful to instructors and other students.</li><li>Listen carefully and apply feedback.</li><li>Stay focused and avoid unnecessary chatting during sessions.</li><li>Don’t try to show off—stay humble, stay observant.</li></ul>Training is where we build the habits that define our reputation. Take it seriously, and your career will thank you for it.<h3 id="88a9257c-4236-4dec-be6c-695af2fd737f" data-toc-id="88a9257c-4236-4dec-be6c-695af2fd737f" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Conclusion: Skills Get You In—Attitude Keeps You In</h3>In this industry, talent will open the door—but attitude is what keeps it open.Professionalism, humility, and respect for the team go a long way. Your behaviour reflects on everyone who vouched for you, trained you, or booked you.

Learn the essential on-set behaviour every stunt performer and action extra should know. This guide covers professional work attitude and how to avoid being flagged for poor conduct. Whether you’re training with NZ Stunt School or already working on set, these tips will help you build a strong reputation in the film industry.

Work Attitude on Set for Stunt Performers & Action Extras

How to Behave on Set: A Guide for Stunt Performers and Action Extras

First Impressions Matter—Even Before You’re on Set

Stay Professional—Even When You’re Not in the Spotlight

Start Practicing This Attitude During Training

Conclusion: Skills Get You In—Attitude Keeps You In

Discover acting and stunt training insights from NZSS. Blog articles and practical tips to help you start and grow a career in film and television.

Action Acting & Stunt Training Resources | NZSS Blog

Articles and insights on stunt training, acting, and performance from NZSS. Learn, prepare, and progress toward screen work.

How to Behave on Set: A Guide for Stunt Performers and Action Extras

How to Behave on Set: A Guide for Stunt Performers and Action Extras

Related Posts

Stunt Training in New Zealand: Courses and Workshops at NZ Stunt School

The Reality of Stunt Work: What to Expect From Stunt Training

Outdoor Stunt Filming Safety: Key Rules for Shooting Action Sequences in Public

Water Stunt Training Course | Pool to Open Water Stunt Skills

NZSS Ambassadors Program