One of the many stepping-stones to success is to acknowledge everyone you work with. In the entertainment industry, you will come into contact with hundreds of people and you never really know what networking possibilities lay ahead. Don’t be a diva, keep your ego at home and do your research to understand what role everyone plays behind the scenes. Read “It Takes A Village: The People You Will Meet On Set”

Director of Photography: The abbreviation DP can stand for a few different things, depending on what type of film set you are on. Save yourself and your dirty mind from embarrassment and know that when someone says they need a DP, they are referring to the Director of Photography. The DP is the chief of camera and lighting and might also be known by the term Cinematographer. Their job is to set up the optimal lighting, which is essentially making you look good. You should be kissing their feet.

Production Assistant: If you see someone running around with armfuls of Starbucks coffee and a look of terror on their face, they are probably a Production Assistant or PA, for short. Practice your “set etiquette” and be kind to these people because at any given moment they might be on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. Plus, five years from now they might be the next big Producer.

Grip: Grips are lighting and rigging technicians. They are generally men who lift heavy things and set rigging points for lights. They tend to be gruff and crass, and it is important to stay out of their way. If you’re a smoker, the grips might be your best bet of bumming a cigarette during a break on set.

Boom Operator: The boom operator holds a microphone that looks like a dead animal carcass on the end of a fish pole and tries to get as close as possible to you without actually entering the camera frame.

Have the courtesy to learn who these people are and know what purpose they serve on a set. If you are friendly and easy to work with chances are people will remember and want to work with you again in the future. Stay tuned for more helpful hints about people you will meet on a film set.