Are You A Rookie?
If you are new to KP Drama & GAPS, you'll need to read all of this at least once. Its all relevant and directly applies to you. What you'll be looking at below is related to safety, work habit and stuff you may need to bring.
What To Look Out For (Safety)
Set construction is easy and fun to work at, but you'll want to watch what you're doing. Power equipment, ladders, electronics, loose objects and slippery surfaces means you're not going to be safe carelessly running through the middle of a set in progress. The simple approach? Be careful! Here's five quick tips to ALWAYS have in mind:
- Ask plenty of questions. Ask for help and ye shall receive!
- Take note of what you're working on.
- Watch what other people are doing.
- Try to avoid construction areas if you're not working in that spot.
- Keep an eye on important things like traction and how much clearance you have above and around you.
How To Work Productively (Work Habit)
Common sense applies. KP Drama & GAPS Set Construction is not a study hall. You will be expected to work, putting time and effort in just like every other member of the cast and crew. If you're not helping out and instead are a dangerous influence, you will potentially face dismissal from the cast or crew. Safety is the number one priority. Your friends do always prefer a little less fun over dealing with a serious injury, even if it may not seem that way.
With that said, sometimes there isn't something to work on right away. Why not? Because the flat may need to get bolted down first, the paint may be drying, or a particular tool you'll need could be in use. That means you can relax and talk to whomever so long as you don't distract them from whatever they're working on. If you aren't sure if there is more to work on, ask the construction supervisor or who you worked with last.
Set construction is an easy-going atmosphere! Everyone is there to work together and get things done. If something urgently bothers you, tell your supervisor. You can leave any negativity at the doorstep, its not for set construction. Unless of course it's behind schedule!
Have fun!
Things You'll Likely Need (Stuff for Bringing)
Chances are that you're going to get paint all over the stuff you bring. This is where its preferable to wear stuff you don't care all that much about in case it gets ruined. You're also bound to want some extra protection, better grip and some tools you can carry with you.
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Thick pants, like jeans. No dresses or anything like that. Shorts are usually OK in good weather for general purposes.
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Shoes, sneakers or boots. No sandals, please.
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A hat or something to keep your hair back. A baseball cap works well.
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Pencil and notepad. (optional)
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Protective gloves, like fingerless carpentry gloves. (optional)
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A small, durable flashlight. A 'Mini-MAG' often works best, as they can be stood up capless as a hands-free torch. (optional)
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A multi-tool with a carrying case. 'Leatherman' brand is a popular and durable choice with a warranty. (optional)
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A smock; a long-sleeve light-material shirt. (optional)
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A few bucks to pitch in for pizza! (optional)
Plenty of protective gear, including eyewear in addition to all the equipment mentioned above, is available! GAPS recommends acquiring some of your own equipment so you can always carry it with you for each task, as well as have it ready for your own purposes elsewhere.