Be Cool – why it’s important to stay calm on set

Acting is an art that requires talent, dedication, and the ability to handle emotions. As actors, your behaviour on set affects the entire production. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s important to stay calm and remain cool on set and discuss the benefits of keeping a positive attitude.

A lot of things can – and often will – go wrong on a film set. There are delays, malfunctions, last minute changes, cold lunches, breakdowns, mistakes and so on.

But amidst all the chaos there are a group of people who stand out and who everyone else looks to as heroes: the cool, unflustered, calm, members of the cast & crew.

So, as an actor, here are a few very good reasons to be cool on set.

Acting involves working together with many people. As an actor, it’s important to show professionalism by staying calm. No matter what challenges you face, staying calm shows your commitment to the craft and earns the respect of others.

If you lose it on set, no one will respect you for it.

Film sets can be stressful, with long hours and pressure. However, by staying calm and being cool, you can help create a positive atmosphere. Your calm presence can reduce tension and inspire others to stay focused and motivated. It also encourages good communication and collaboration, leading to better creative results.

Acting requires expressing a wide range of emotions. However, getting annoyed or angry can hinder your performance. By staying calm, you can connect better with your character and deliver more nuanced performances. Being emotionally stable allows you to focus on the scene instead of negative emotions.

Film and television productions rely on strong relationships between cast and crew. By staying calm, you foster trust and friendship. Respecting others’ work, being patient, and handling disagreements well are important for building lasting professional relationships. This can lead to future opportunities in the industry.

If you get angry on set or lose your patience with another member of the cast or crew, then people will remember this and think twice about whether they want to work with you again.

On the other hand, it your cool on set, accept problems without fuss, and treat everyone with respect, you’ll get remembered as a good guy and people will want to work with you again.

As an actor, especially if you move higher up the cast list, you are a role model for others. Your behaviour on set influences the industry as a whole. By staying calm and being cool you demonstrate professionalism and inspire others to do the same. You become an advocate for a positive work culture, where respect, collaboration, and good communication are valued.

Being cool on set is not just about being professional; it’s also an opportunity for personal growth. Acting requires understanding emotions, and by practicing emotional control in difficult situations, you improve your emotional intelligence. This self-awareness can benefit both your craft and personal life, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.

So in the end we can say that staying calm on set might be challenging but it can pay great dividends.

By staying composed, you contribute to the success of the production and leave a positive impression on your colleagues and the audience. Remember, being professional, creating a positive environment, improving your performance, building relationships, setting a good example, and experiencing personal growth are all benefits of staying calm.

All film sets have problems: the weather may turn, the equipment may fail, someone falls ill and production gets delayed. If you are there and cool, calm, and professional when this happens, not only will you enjoy the set more, but you’ll make a good impression on other people and that is no bad thing in this industry where reputation is everything.