Why Signing the Contract Isn’t the Same as Starting the Job (Especially in Film & TV)

If the contract’s signed, the onboarding is done.

That is a common assumption we hear about the onboarding process.

But for freelance crew and cast, the reality often looks different.

Our data shows:

81% of those who felt unprepared for their casting or interview also lacked the time and information to properly negotiate their contract or get ready for the job.

This isn’t just a paperwork issue. It’s a readiness and culture gap — one that affects productivity, safety, and long-term cast & crew engagement.

According to Expectation Violation Theory, when the reality of a situation doesn’t meet what people are led to expect, they don’t just get confused — they lose trust.
And that’s exactly what happens when onboarding is rushed or missing altogether.

If you want get it right, here is the information cast and crew typically ask for:

- Who’s managing what?

- Where do I go on day one?

- How do I get equipment, support, or direction?

- What are the actual norms and expectations on this set?

These aren’t bonus details. They’re what cast and crew use to feel confident, grounded, and ready.

A strong production onboarding experience turns paperwork into purpose. It prevents that expectation-reality crash before it starts. Therefore, we created a quick guide with the questions you can ask yourself to build clarity and uphold culture from day one.