The film industry is a small world, especially in New Zealand. Whether you’re a stunt performer, action extra, crew member, or working in another department, your behaviour on set is noticed far more than you think. As people who are regularly on productions, we hear feedback all the time about how others behave on set; the good, the bad, and everything in between.In this business, your reputation travels faster than you do.<h2 id="07325321-497b-41f5-9719-df04e1ed75a2" data-toc-id="07325321-497b-41f5-9719-df04e1ed75a2" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Your Attitude Can Make or Break Your Career</h2>You may be a strong performer with great potential, but the truth is simple: your attitude is what makes the real difference.A positive, respectful, and humble approach opens doors. A negative attitude closes them almost instantly.You often only get one chance in this industry — don’t waste it.<h2 id="96ed8b71-84f1-4cc3-9ad1-24a1bef5cd8b" data-toc-id="96ed8b71-84f1-4cc3-9ad1-24a1bef5cd8b" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The Reality of Reputation in the Film Industry</h2>You all need to understand that very few people in this industry will tell you directly when your behaviour is an issue. Coordinators, ADs, and production teams won’t stop to explain what went wrong — they’ll simply choose not to bring you back. It’s not always dramatic, but it is real. Blacklisting usually isn’t someone calling you out; it’s quietly being replaced by someone with a better attitude. In a small industry like ours, word travels quickly, and reputation becomes everything. This is why you all need to maintain professionalism, stay humble, and bring good energy on set — it protects your opportunities and helps you build a long-term career.<h2 id="81abcc3f-2cfa-48f0-8fc6-2dc5d016b67d" data-toc-id="81abcc3f-2cfa-48f0-8fc6-2dc5d016b67d" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Know Your Role and Stay in Your Lane</h2>You also need to remember that every department has a purpose, and we’re all there to serve the production. If you’re on set as stunt performers, you’re not there to show off or act unless directed. If you’re crew, you’re not there to demonstrate acting skills or jump into stunt moments. Staying in your position shows professionalism, respect, and discipline. Productions trust people who understand their role, follow direction, and support the workflow without trying to stand out for the wrong reasons. Knowing your job and doing it well is what keeps you working.<h2 id="a2c05707-b4e8-4be9-b931-a28f184b2b8b" data-toc-id="a2c05707-b4e8-4be9-b931-a28f184b2b8b" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Common On-Set Behaviour Mistakes and How to Avoid Them</h2>Here are behaviours coordinators, ADs, and crew notice immediately. These are the things that can prevent you from getting hired again:<ul><li>Talking back to the coordinator, ADs, or crew</li><li>Rolling your eyes, sighing, or showing frustration</li><li>Complaining about waiting times, weather, or simple tasks</li><li>Ignoring safety instructions</li><li>Acting like you know better</li><li>Being careless with props, gear, horses, or other performers</li><li>Gossiping or talking badly about others</li><li>Acting entitled or refusing easy tasks</li><li>Showing up tired, unfocused, or with a negative attitude</li></ul>These behaviours spread quickly through word of mouth and not in a good way.<h2 id="42d82589-a39d-4360-ad3c-29cea60462d7" data-toc-id="42d82589-a39d-4360-ad3c-29cea60462d7" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Stay Humble, Even If You’ve Been on Set Before</h2>Being on set few times is exciting, but it doesn’t make anyone a seasoned professional. The best performers, stunt or otherwise stay humble, keep learning, and treat every job as a chance to grow.<h2 id="27971b75-cbd2-40df-bdbc-2276520c4400" data-toc-id="27971b75-cbd2-40df-bdbc-2276520c4400" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Professionalism Matters in Every Department</h2>Even if you’re working in wardrobe, art department, locations, horses, or any other area, on-set etiquette still applies. Your behaviour affects your reputation no matter what role you currently hold.Film crews want reliable, respectful people around them. If you bring good energy, teamwork, and a professional attitude, you will get invited back.<h2 id="53fa6157-6f0b-4a25-b440-2a590f7d97f4" data-toc-id="53fa6157-6f0b-4a25-b440-2a590f7d97f4" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Self-Accountability Is Part of Being a Professional</h2>Every performer and crew member should be able to look at their own behaviour honestly and ask:<ul><li>Am I acting professionally?</li><li>Am I helping or hindering the team?</li><li>Would I rehire me?</li></ul>If you can answer these honestly, you’re already ahead of many.<h2 id="4bffc3ca-2c88-4f4d-847d-a8b440b8d361" data-toc-id="4bffc3ca-2c88-4f4d-847d-a8b440b8d361" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Your Behaviour Is Your Brand</h2>The film industry relies heavily on trust and reputation. Skill gets you noticed, but your attitude is what keeps you working.Keep it simple:<ul><li>Be respectful</li><li>Be on time</li><li>Be helpful</li><li>Be safe</li><li>Be humble</li></ul>Do that, and you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.<h2 id="fd25322b-71ac-405c-be78-d726cc0ec43b" data-toc-id="fd25322b-71ac-405c-be78-d726cc0ec43b" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Ready to Start Your Stunt Journey?</h2>If you want to build strong fundamentals, learn and apply proper on-set etiquette, and develop the skills productions look for, check out our <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nzss-training-pathway/">Stunt Training Pathway.</a> It walks you through every step from your first workshop to advanced stunt training and industry readiness.

Discover why on-set attitude matters in the film and stunt industry. Learn the behaviours that build trust — and the ones that quietly hold you back.

On-Set Behaviour: Why Your Attitude Matters in the Film & Stunt Industry

Your Attitude Can Make or Break Your Career

The Reality of Reputation in the Film Industry

Common On-Set Behaviour Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Stay Humble, Even If You’ve Been on Set Before

Professionalism Matters in Every Department

Self-Accountability Is Part of Being a Professional

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.

On-Set Behaviour: Why Your Attitude Matters in the Film & Stunt Industry

On-Set Behaviour: Why Your Attitude Matters in the Film & Stunt Industry

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