The ‘Hurry Up and Wait’ Mandate
A ‘standby call’ is a specific scheduling instruction for cast and crew that sits between a day off and a firm call time. When an individual is on standby, they are not required to report to the set or production office at a specific time. However, they are contractually obligated to be available, reachable, and ready to work if and when the production needs them. This means they must remain sober, stay within a certain proximity to the location (e.g., within a one-hour drive), and keep their phone on at all times.
Why Use a Standby Call?
Production schedules are fluid and can change at a moment’s notice. The standby call provides the Assistant Director with crucial flexibility. It’s often used in situations such as:
- Weather Contingencies: An actor scheduled for an exterior scene might be put on standby if rain is forecast. If the weather clears, they will be called in; if not, they will be wrapped for the day.
- Actor Availability: If a scene involves a major star who is only available for a few hours, supporting actors in that scene might be on standby, ready to rush in the moment the star arrives.
- Scheduling Uncertainty: A director may not be sure if they will get to a particular scene on a given day. Placing the actors for that scene on standby ensures they are available if the shoot runs ahead of schedule, but doesn’t waste their time by having them wait on set for hours.
- Specialized Crew: A special effects technician or a stunt rigger might be on standby until the moment the set is ready for their specific contribution.
Typically, a person on standby receives a reduced rate of pay (often a half-day’s salary) for their availability. If they are officially called in to work, their pay is upgraded to their full daily rate. It is a fundamental tool for efficient and adaptable production management.