<h2 id="4e5ce7d9-bad2-452f-b9d6-14871ffbd549" data-toc-id="4e5ce7d9-bad2-452f-b9d6-14871ffbd549" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Professional Expectations in the New Zealand Film Industry</h2>Breaking into the film and television industry is exciting. Whether you’re starting as background (extras), working as an actor, or building a career as a stunt performer, stepping onto a professional set is a milestone.But there is an important truth every performer must understand early:<h3 id="f78800f6-96de-4b9f-b17d-acf5204f4fa0" data-toc-id="f78800f6-96de-4b9f-b17d-acf5204f4fa0" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Talent may get you hired once. Professional attitude determines whether you are hired again.</h3>In New Zealand’s film industry (where the network is small and closely connected) behaviour, reliability, and reputation carry real weight.<h2 id="a28c8929-a0ec-4386-b0ec-e7cfb4a08777" data-toc-id="a28c8929-a0ec-4386-b0ec-e7cfb4a08777" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The NZ Industry Is and Communication Travels</h2>New Zealand’s film and television industry is highly connected.Departments work closely together. Crews move between productions. People remember who they’ve worked with.It’s also important to understand this clearly:Internal communication circulates between departments.If there is an issue, it doesn’t stay isolated.For example:<ul><li>Costume may speak to Production.</li><li>Production may speak to Casting.</li><li>Casting may speak to the AD team.</li><li>Stunt department may hear feedback from another crew.</li></ul>Departments talk not maliciously, but professionally. Productions need reliable information about who they are hiring.This means your reputation is not limited to one department.<h2 id="6d497cd9-aa9a-4aca-8531-5dcd266a6d44" data-toc-id="6d497cd9-aa9a-4aca-8531-5dcd266a6d44" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Be Clear: Poor Behaviour Can End Opportunities</h2>This needs to be said honestly, without drama:If you demonstrate consistently poor behaviour, you can be removed from future work permanently.You may never be called back.And you may never be told directly why.There is rarely a formal warning. There is rarely a meeting. Productions simply stop booking you.Internal comments might be simple:<ul><li>“Difficult.”</li><li>“Not professional.”</li><li>“Didn’t listen.”</li><li>“Too loud.”</li><li>“Unsafe.”</li><li>“Ask too many questions.”</li><li>“Talk too much.”</li></ul>Once that perception forms, productions choose someone else.In a small industry like New Zealand, being labelled unprofessional can follow you across multiple productions.That’s not meant to intimidate; it’s meant to emphasise responsibility.<h2 id="fa599351-1b0b-42cf-9f2f-f417a411c1cc" data-toc-id="fa599351-1b0b-42cf-9f2f-f417a411c1cc" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Everything Is Heard or Observed</h2>Another important reality:Be careful what you say and what you do. Everything on set can be heard or seen by someone.Conversations in holding. Comments between takes. Frustration expressed casually. Jokes made at someone’s expense.Film sets are busy, connected environments. Word travels.Professional performers understand that:<ul><li>Negative comments can be repeated.</li><li>Visible attitude can be interpreted quickly.</li><li>Careless language can damage trust.</li></ul>Carry yourself in a way that reflects how you want to be remembered.<h2 id="d2db17c7-51f7-4499-9909-c6c4c797bacb" data-toc-id="d2db17c7-51f7-4499-9909-c6c4c797bacb" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Professional Expectations for Extras, Actors, and Stunt Performers</h2>These standards apply to everyone.<h3 id="2a70ea22-e074-4fd4-9fb3-aee236375a48" data-toc-id="2a70ea22-e074-4fd4-9fb3-aee236375a48" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">For Extras (Background)</h3><ul><li>Arrive early</li><li>Stay in holding</li><li>Follow AD instructions precisely</li><li>Avoid unnecessary noise</li><li>Maintain continuity</li><li>Be patient and respectful</li></ul>Background work builds your reputation from day one.<h3 id="36b91fdc-3081-40d7-b232-e40ffc567e56" data-toc-id="36b91fdc-3081-40d7-b232-e40ffc567e56" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">For Actors</h3><ul><li>Be prepared</li><li>Take direction without defensiveness</li><li>Respect crew time</li><li>Avoid public disagreements</li><li>Maintain composure under pressure</li></ul><h3 id="eef90aef-813d-407b-bb39-bf35c1aa4f52" data-toc-id="eef90aef-813d-407b-bb39-bf35c1aa4f52" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">For Stunt Performers</h3><ul><li>Treat safety as non-negotiable</li><li>Never improvise without approval</li><li>Respect equipment and rigging</li><li>Communicate clearly</li><li>Control ego and adrenaline</li></ul>In stunt work especially, professionalism equals safety.<h2 id="8ecd9a96-c7af-4ba6-8476-c31d39d4cd66" data-toc-id="8ecd9a96-c7af-4ba6-8476-c31d39d4cd66" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Ability vs Employability</h2>You may be talented. You may be athletic. You may have strong screen presence.But if your behaviour creates doubt, productions will choose certainty instead.There is always another performer who is:<ul><li>Skilled</li><li>Reliable</li><li>Calm</li><li>Professional</li></ul>In a small industry, employability is built on trust.<h2 id="f78976e1-14e1-4834-aeb0-97e44e8f14d6" data-toc-id="f78976e1-14e1-4834-aeb0-97e44e8f14d6" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Communication Protocol: Protect Yourself Properly</h2>If there is ever:<ul><li>Confusion</li><li>A misunderstanding</li><li>A problem on set</li><li>A concern about treatment</li><li>A payment or contract issue</li></ul>Do not communicate directly with production.Always go through your <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/en/nz-action-talent-agency/">NZAT</a> agent.Your agent’s role is to:<ul><li>Handle communication professionally</li><li>Clarify misunderstandings</li><li>Protect your reputation</li><li>Maintain working relationships</li></ul>Emotional or reactive communication can unintentionally harm your standing. Your agent exists to manage situations properly and discreetly.If something feels wrong — call your agent immediately. At any time.<h2 id="ed2a5370-d35b-4fba-9387-c613a4f01d58" data-toc-id="ed2a5370-d35b-4fba-9387-c613a4f01d58" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">A Balanced Perspective</h2>This industry is not about fear or walking on eggshells.It is about:<ul><li>Trust</li><li>Professional standards</li><li>Safety</li><li>Respect</li><li>Consistency</li></ul>Working in film is not for everyone. It requires maturity, emotional control, and awareness.But if you stay:<ul><li>Humble</li><li>Grounded</li><li>Professional</li><li>Careful with your words</li><li>Respectful across all departments</li></ul><h3 id="8dd61060-ab35-4082-9e93-6745b14f438d" data-toc-id="8dd61060-ab35-4082-9e93-6745b14f438d" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">In the New Zealand film industry, small actions can have big consequences.</h3>Sometimes it only takes one careless comment, one poor decision, or one unprofessional moment to damage your reputation. In a small, connected industry, that reputation can follow you.Productions rarely offer second chances when it comes to behaviour and reliability. There are tight schedules, large budgets, and many other performers ready to step in.That doesn’t mean the industry is unforgiving; it means it is practical.When trust is broken, productions usually move on rather than manage risk.So don’t waste your opportunity. Because in this industry:<h4 id="adf5d471-5f3a-47f4-8178-fc071c4fdc5b" data-toc-id="adf5d471-5f3a-47f4-8178-fc071c4fdc5b" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">You can build a strong reputation slowly, but you can damage it very quickly.</h4>

Learn the professional standards expected of extras, actors, and stunt performers in New Zealand’s film industry and why reputation matters.

Professional Expectations for Extras, Actors & Stunt Performers in Film Industry by NZAT

Professional Expectations in the New Zealand Film Industry

Talent may get you hired once. Professional attitude determines whether you are hired again.

The NZ Industry Is and Communication Travels

Be Clear: Poor Behaviour Can End Opportunities

Professional Expectations for Extras, Actors, and Stunt Performers

Communication Protocol: Protect Yourself Properly

In the New Zealand film industry, small actions can have big consequences.

You can build a strong reputation slowly, but you can damage it very quickly.

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.

Professional Expectations for Extras, Actors & Stunt Performers in Film Industry by NZAT

Professional Expectations for Extras, Actors & Stunt Performers in Film Industry by NZAT

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