So, a new constellation has been added to the signs of the Zodiac. Good ol’ Ophiuchus has joined the horoscopic ranks and offset everyone’s birth sign. In the light of cosmic rebirth and a new year, we figured it to be a fitting time to address those new to the industry and provide them with some early advice. The following is the first of a two part list our company has compiled inspired by an article written by D.P. Art Adams (which you can find at provideocoalition.com).

12) Never regale your fellow crew members with stories about your student remake of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. They won’t care how faithful it was to the original, trust us.

11) Don’t be late. In fact, be the first one on set and the last one to leave. Reliability is key. At the same time, do not boast about arriving before everyone else, it does not need to be pronounced. Just be there, and if you really want to score points bring donuts.

10) Don’t expect anyone to buy you a drink at the end of the day. Not only because we’re a frugal bunch, but because there’s an important distinction between feeling like you put in a good day’s work and feeling entitled to a reward. Stay humble.

9) Being liked and liking others is important. This is an industry of bridges constantly being built. You don’t know who your boss will be tomorrow, people leap ahead and people fall behind. As a rule, adopt the golden one and do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. Cultivating environments of mutual respect not only helps to ensure future employment, but helps to create healthy end products…which ensure future employment.

8) This is a profession of intense collaboration and extensive interaction with peers. The sheer volume of both guarantees you’ll be offended from time to time and slighted occasionally. It is important not to take any of it personally. Think your way through your frustration and rationalize it. There will always be good and bad days, so when today is bad perhaps tomorrow will be good.

7) Never stop researching. You’ll always be learning on set, but it is important to carry that torch into your off-hours. The industry is always evolving and constantly changing, and as far as keeping working goes, it’s necessary to stay informed.

More advice to come!