26 Ways for Actors to get Camera Ready
We asked, you answered!
"How do actors get "camera ready" before and during a shoot?"
You’ve booked the role! Woohoo! You’ve got the acting chops, but now it’s time to get ready to be on the big screen…and make it through those often long and busy shoot days!
Before we dive in, let’s start with the most important FYI: you don't have to change anything about yourself to be worthy of your booking. You were booked exactly the way you are for a reason. Anything mentioned in this article are simply tips and practices submitted by actors within the context of what helps them feel healthy, strong, and confident during those very long and tiring days on set. Every actor is different. While we hope these tips can inspire you to explore new ideas, it’s important to learn about what makes YOU feel your best.
As always, take what speaks to you, and leave the rest. And never go to unhealthy extremes for a booking (always consult your healthcare provider with any health concerns or big changes.)
You’ll also want to keep in mind that it’s important not to make any major changes to your appearance before a booking unless explicitly told to do so by production. If you were booked for a role as a blonde and decide to randomly dye your hair black without consulting production the day before you go to set…you’re going to have a lot of angry people to deal with.
physical and mental health
Ensure you’re getting 6-8 hours of sleep each night so that you’re well-rested and energized!
Allow body extra sleep as needed (this is different for every person!)
Some kind of physical movement daily. This could look like: walk, run, swim, lift weights, yoga, pilates, dance, play a favorite sport. Whatever gets your body used to being active (as you’ll likely be going, going, going on set!)
Meditate daily for clarity, focus, and peace.
Epsom salt baths to release stress and relax muscles.
Create a calm playlist to unwind before or after a day on set.
Visualize & manifest a positive shoot experience daily.
Check in with healthcare providers about any specific concerns as needed before, during, and after your shoot.
food and drinks
1-2 weeks before a shoot and during the shoot…
No booze
No excess sugar
Minimize coffee/added caffeine intake
Increase water intake
Drink 3-5 Liquid IV packets per week (for extra hydration)
Avoid excess foods or drinks that cause bloating (for many people this includes dairy products or carbs)
Avoid anything you know makes you feel bad after you eat or drink it.
Increase foods or drinks that make you feel strong & energized!
Skincare and Beauty Ideas
Facial (if there’s enough heads up time)
Sheet face masks every night for a week
Teeth whitening strips
Under-eye masks
Caffeine or Vitamin-C serums for dark circles/spots
Dermaplaning the night before or morning of, to help makeup look better on a smooth surface
Double down on skincare regime (remove makeup, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc.)
Lip masks
Freshen up your hair (touch up roots or all-over hair color, trim, etc.) 1-2 weeks before the shoot
Facial or body waxing as needed
Have some more ideas to share with other actors about getting camera ready? Click here to leave a comment on our Beyond Acting Instagram post!
P.S. Now that you’re ready to rock on set…you might be starting to wonder about how to handle all those contracts, networking while you’re there, and how to know where to go, what to do, and the key people to meet to make sure you have the BEST experience on set! No worries…we’ve got a whole workshop on that topic called The Actor’s On Set Survival and Thrival Masterclass! It’s totally virtual and on demand so you can watch it right now. Click here for all the details.
