Film Etiquette and Guidelines:

There are many things an extra will be exposed to on set and experience with Tactical Actions Group. The following are some guidelines and Tactical Actions Group’s expectations.

  1. Appearance and Pictures
  2. Measurements
  3. Availability and Commitment
  4. Call Time
  5. Clothing / Wardrobe
  6. Grooming / Hair & Make-Up
  7. Be Early
  8. Extras / Background Holding
  9. Background Voucher / Time Sheet
  10. Tactical Actions Group On-Set Etiquette
  11. Miscellaneous
  12. Payment / Fees

APPEARANCE and PICTURES

Extras casting directors book background performers on many criteria but primarily appearance. Current pictures of you are a must. Tactical actions Group can take digital pictures of you (at no charge) or you can submit your own. If there are changes to your appearance, provide us with updated photos. Feel free to submit as many different pictures of yourself. Here are some photo guidelines and suggestions:

  • No busy backgrounds – i.e. furniture, trees and plants, wall hangings etc.
  • No friends – just you alone
  • Be natural – don’t pose
  • Head to Shoulders
  • Head to Waist
  • Head to Toe
  • No Logos on clothing
  • Casual clothing
  • Sports clothing
  • Funky/Trendy clothing
  • Vintage clothing
  • Gothic clothing
  • Suits and Tuxedo
  • Ball Gowns and Dresses
  • Uniforms
  • Muscle Shirt (if fit and muscular)
  • Things that you do – horseback riding, military, police, any sport, motorcycle, etc.

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MEASUREMENTS

Your clothing sizes and physical statistics are vital. There are times when you may be asked to wear a uniform or costume. Extras casting directors may even book folks simply on a size. It is very important we have your true measurements. Please do not embellish.

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AVAILABILITY & COMMITMENT

  1. How available you are to work is one of the factors that dictates how much work you receive. Please, on a weekly basis, let us know your availability simply by emailing us which days you can work.
  2. Production shoot days are often 12-16 hours long. When you indicate your availability and accept a booking, keep in mind you are committing to as much time as you may be required. Ensure you are free of other commitments and obligations prior to accepting a booking.
  3. We may also call you to confirm your availability for a booking. If we are unable to reach you, we will leave a message. It is imperative you check you messages frequently and call us back ASAP.
  4. Once you have accepted a booking you are expected to fulfill your commitment.

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CALL TIME

  1. Your call time is the time that you are required to be on set.
  2. We will contact you before 11:00pm the night before the day you are to be on set. If you are to be on a late afternoon or night shoot, you may receive your call time in the morning of the shoot.
  3. We will also provide you with other pertinent information such as location and contact person.
  4. If we are unable to reach you, we will leave a message. It is imperative you check your messages frequently and confirm with us that you have received the information.

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CLOTHING / WARDROBE:

  1. You will be informed of the type of clothing you are required to wear and bring to set.
  2. Take with you 3-5 changes neat and pressed in a garment bag.
  3. Do not bring bright neon colours nor clothing with logos unless asked to do so.
  4. Bring accessories that compliment what you will be wearing.
  5. If you are to wear a uniform provided by the production, arrangements will be made prior to your shoot day.
  6. Wardrobe personnel on set will look over your clothing and make any final changes if needed.

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GROOMING / HAIR & MAKE-UP

  1. Always arrive on set well groomed. Show up looking as you would want to have your picture taken.
  2. Men are to be clean-shaven unless otherwise instructed.
  3. Women should arrive with hair and make up done. It is recommended women also bring their personal cosmetics bag.
  4. Hair & Make-up personnel on set will look you over and make any final changes. Once you have been checked over, do not make any changes.

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BE EARLY

Please be 15-20 minutes early prior to your call time.

Where you sign in on set may be located some distance from where shooting is occurring and you may need the time to get there. You may also need the time to get dressed if you are to be wearing specific wardrobe. There are also unforeseen circumstances (traffic, ahead of shooting schedule, etc) in which the extra time becomes very useful.

If for any reason you are going to be late, immediately call TAG (778-889-6824).

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EXTRAS / BACKGROUND HOLDING

  1. When you arrive on set, you will go to extras or background holding. Holding is where all background performers sign in. There will be a list of names of all the extras expected that day.
  2. Your contact person (or wrangler) signing you in will check off your name and give you a background voucher / time sheet. (See background voucher on how the form is to be completed). Fill the voucher out and hand it back to the person who signed you in.
  3. Listen carefully to what the wranglers are telling you throughout the day. They will be giving you information about what you will be doing.
  4. At the end of the day when you are ‘wrapped’ the voucher will be completed. Ensure it is correct. Your contact person will give you a copy after it is completed. KEEP THE COPY! This is your record that you worked on set and also governs how much you will be paid. If there is a discrepancy or the production misplaces their copy (remember the production accounting office has literally hundreds to deal with), your copy will resolve the issue.

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BACKGROUND VOUCHER / TIME SHEET

Both union and non-union vouchers are to be filled out as follows. Please print hard
in block letters. There are 3-4 copies. We will provide you with a business card with
Tactical Actions Group contact information for completing the form.

  • Your Name
  • Non-Union or Union (You’ll know if you are union)
  • Tactical Actions Group Agency Name in Full (Tactical Actions Group)
  • Tactical Actions Group’s Address (1747 East 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5N 1L9)
  • Check Box ‘Mail Cheque to Agent’
  • Tactical Actions Group’s Phone Number (778-889-6824)
  • Social Insurance Number
  • Call Time
  • Location
  • Signature
  • Production
  • Wrap Time (will be filled out at end of day by holding personnel)
  • Initial

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TACTICAL ACTION GROUP ON SET ETIQUETTE

  1. Be professional, attentive, friendly and cooperative at all times.
  2. If for any reason you need to leave the extras holding area, inform your contact person of where you will be.
  3. Cell phones are to be turned off when on set. While at background holding you may be permitted to have your cell phone on but this is at the discretion of the wranglers or contact person.
  4. If there are any on set concerns politely inform your contact person/wrangler or you can call us.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Because filming is conducted in any locale and weather or you may be waiting for some time before you are needed, the following are some suggestions to bring with you to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

  • Umbrella
  • Wet weather gear and clothing
  • Book
  • Warm Clothing and Undergarments
  • Pen (a must)
  • Sun Screen
  • Comfortable Footwear

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PAYMENT / FEES

  1. Tactical Actions Group is an agency that works off of commission. We do not get paid until you get paid. There are no registration fees nor sign-up fees.
  2. Your earnings are processed by the accounting department of the production company and is calculated from the background voucher you signed on set. Once this is completed, a cheque for your services will be sent to Tactical Actions Group. This process could take up to 2 – 3 weeks.
  3. Always keep all copies of your background vouchers. These vouchers are your record of the productions you have worked on as well as the dates and times.
  4. When Tactical Actions Group receives your cheque from the production company, we will notify you that your cheque is ready for pickup from our office. We will also advise you of the commission owed to Tactical Actions Group.
  5. Commission is 15% based on your gross pay. HST is also payable but is based on the commission, not your gross pay.
  6. At present, since you are considered to be under contract, Income Tax, CPP and E.I. are not deducted by either Tactical Actions Group or the production companies. The filing of your taxes to the CRA is your responsibility. Tactical Actions Group will not remit taxes on your behalf.
  7. You must have your commission payment with you when you pick up your cheque. You can pay your commission by either cash or cheque. We do not accept credit nor debit cards.
  8. If your commission cheque returns NSF, you will be responsible for both the commission payment and any NSF associated bank charges. You are expected to rectify the issue immediately.

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