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Step 1
Never, never be late. If the call time is 6:00, then plan to be there at 5:45.
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Step 2
Make sure you check in and let people know that you are there, in particular the production assistant and/or AD.
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Step 3
Find the Studio Teacher and introduce yourself and your child.
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Step 4
Bring all your paperwork, such as work permit, Coogan info, your child's social security number, 3 hours of school work, including pencil and paper, and the phone numbers that you were given when your child was hired, usually the person that called you about the call times, suntan lotion, .
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Step 5
Bring an oversized shirt for your child to wear during eating and break. Especially if they are little. You don't want then to mess up their wardrobe.
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Step 6
Do not talk on the set and most importantly do not carry on phone conversations on the set. Sometimes you can get a way to make a phone call for a few minutes while the studio teacher is there.
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Step 7
Do not let your child roam around the set and make sure you can see them at all times. Your minor must be under the general supervision of a teacher or parent/guardian at all times including wardrobe, make-up, or working on the
set. Stay within sight or sound of the child unless they are in the schoolroom. -
Step 8
Never, ever bring siblings, spouses, grandparents or friends to the set.
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Step 9
Make friends with the studio teacher and if you are new ask them questions on what you can or cannot do. They are a great source. Just be respectful and don't hound them with a lot of questions. Don't forget they are working and doing an important job by watching out for your child's education and welfare.
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Step 10
Never, ever step in and try to direct your child. That is the Director's job. You may think your helping or you may be embarrassed that your child is picking their nose, but now is not the time for you to tell them to stop.
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Step 11
Do not ask anyone on the set for their autograph or picture. Usually after wrap there is time to take a picture. If you are there for one day, then after the day you can let your child ask. No matter who is on set, don't let yourself be seen as a newbie by taking pictures.
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Step 12
Bring your own chair. When on location no one is thinking about bringing the parent a chair to sit on.
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Step 13
Bring hand held games for your child to play with. Sometimes it is hours before they are ready for your child on the set and if you do have the privilege of being in a trailer it can get pretty boring.
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Step 14
Bring a large tote bag with an extra sweater for you and your child, crossword puzzles, books, anything to help keep you busy. Many parents bring laptops.
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Step 15
Be respectful that the crew needs to eat first. When the catering truck serves, be one of the last to eat and let your child go, then take your turn. Watching when the studio teacher goes is a good policy. Also, a granola bar, apple or water should be brought with you as sometimes the trucks are late getting there and you and your child may need to eat before they arrive.
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Step 16
Business cards can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with the people you meet. Even if your business card says "Johnny's Mom" with your email and phone number, it's a nice thing to have to give to the studio teacher or fellow parent.
