Congratulations on scoring a behind the scenes visit to a TV or film set! If you find yourself feeling a bit nervous or unsure of how to break the ice with the cast and crew, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are ten tried and tested icebreakers that will help you make the most of your set visit and maybe even make some new friends along the way. So grab your courage, put on your best smile, and get ready to dive into the exciting world behind the camera!
Icebreaker Name Badges
The use of name badges on set visits can be a great way to break the ice and help you connect with the crew and cast members. Name badges not only help you remember people’s names, but they also provide an opportunity for conversation starters. Get creative with your name badge designs to make the interaction more fun and engaging.
Fun Fact Labels
Why not jazz up your name badges with some fun facts about yourself? You can include interesting tidbits like your favorite movie, a quirky hobby, or a unique talent. These labels can spark curiosity and give people a reason to strike up a conversation with you. Plus, it’s a memorable way for others to remember you long after the set visit.
Themed Stickers
If you’re visiting a TV or film set with a specific theme, consider using themed stickers on your name badges. Whether it’s a superhero movie, a period drama, or a science fiction series, themed stickers can show your enthusiasm for the project and provide an instant connection with like-minded fans. It’s a simple yet effective way to break the ice and bond with others on the set.
Get-to-Know-You Bingo
Now, if you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to break the ice on set visits, Get-to-Know-You Bingo is a great option. This game involves handing out bingo cards with different fun facts or characteristics in each square. The goal is to find fellow crew members who match these descriptions and get them to sign off on the square. The first person to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins!
Production Role Squares
For the Production Role Squares, you can include squares like “Director,” “DP,” “Sound Mixer,” and “Script Supervisor.” This encourages you to mingle with crew members from different departments and learn about their roles in the production. It’s a great way to show appreciation for the hard work that everyone puts in behind the scenes to make the magic happen. Plus, you might just discover a new interest or career path you hadn’t considered before.
Personal Interest Spaces
In the Personal Interest Spaces section, you can include squares like “Favorite TV Show,” “Dream Vacation Destination,” “Hidden Talent,” and “Pet Peeve.” This allows you to bond with your colleagues on a more personal level and find common interests outside of work. These conversations can help you build stronger relationships on set and create a more positive and supportive work environment. Who knows, you might even make some lifelong friends through these connections.
Two Truths and a Lie
Obviously, the game “Two Truths and a Lie” is a classic icebreaker that always gets people engaged and laughing. The premise is simple – each person tells two truths about themselves and one lie, and the rest of the group has to guess which statement is the lie. It’s a great way to get everyone talking and sharing fun facts about themselves.
Personal Storytelling
When playing “Two Truths and a Lie”, think carefully about the truths and the lie you are going to tell. Personal stories can be powerful icebreakers and can help others connect with you on a deeper level. Share anecdotes that showcase your personality and experiences, making it more fun and engaging for everyone involved.
Guessing Game Dynamics
Guessing which statement is the lie can be a fun challenge that gets everyone involved. Consider the dynamics of the game – paying attention to body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can help you decipher the truth from the lie. It’s all part of the excitement and camaraderie that comes with playing “Two Truths and a Lie” on set visits.
Prop Show and Tell
Keep the energy flowing on your TV or film set visit by engaging the cast and crew with a fun activity like a prop show and tell. This is a fantastic way to break the ice and get everyone sharing stories and connecting with each other.
Share Favorite Item
Ask each member of the cast and crew to bring in their favorite prop from the set to share with everyone. This could be a costume piece, a unique set decoration, or even a small prop that holds special significance to them. Take turns going around the room and allowing each person to talk about their item, why it is their favorite, and any interesting stories or memories associated with it. This is a great way to learn more about your colleagues and foster a sense of camaraderie on set.
Explain Item’s Significance
After each person has shared their favorite item, take some time for a deeper dive into the significance of each prop. Encourage people to explain why their chosen prop is important to them, whether it has any symbolic meaning, or if it played a crucial role in a memorable scene. This can lead to insightful conversations and a greater appreciation for the work that goes into creating a TV or film production.
Creative Snack Breaks
When it comes to snack breaks on a TV or film set visit, there are plenty of creative options to keep you and your fellow visitors entertained and satisfied. Instead of the usual snacks, why not spice things up with some unique and fun treats?
Themed Treats Sharing
One creative idea for snack breaks on set visits is to have themed treats that everyone can enjoy together. For example, you could have a ‘movie night’ theme with popcorn, candy, and soda, or a ‘retro TV show’ theme with classic snacks like Twinkies and Jello cups. Sharing these nostalgic treats can spark conversations and connections among the group, making the experience even more memorable.
Casual Conversation Starters
To break the ice during snack breaks, consider having a variety of conversation starters available for guests to pick up and use. These could be lighthearted questions like ‘What’s your favorite TV show of all time?’ or ‘If you could be a character in any movie, who would you be?’ Having these prompts available can help spark fun and interesting discussions among visitors, leading to a more enjoyable and engaging visit.
Speed Networking Mixer
After your icebreaker games warm up, it’s time to dive into a more structured way of getting to know the people on set. A speed networking mixer can be a fantastic way to connect with fellow cast and crew members in a short amount of time. This activity is fast-paced and efficient, allowing you to meet a variety of people quickly.
How It Works
During a speed networking mixer, participants are divided into pairs or small groups. You have a set amount of time to introduce yourself, discuss your role on set, and share a fun fact about yourself. A timer is set, and when it goes off, you rotate to the next person and repeat the process. This rotation continues until you have had the chance to meet everyone in the group.
Tips for Success
To make the most of a speed networking mixer, come prepared with a few interesting talking points about yourself. Keep your introductions concise but engaging to make a lasting impression on each person you meet. Be sure to actively listen to the other person during your brief interactions. Remember to exchange contact information or social media handles with those you connect with, so you can continue the conversation later.
Benefits
Speed networking mixers are a great way to break the ice and build connections quickly. They can help you discover common interests with your colleagues and create a sense of camaraderie on set. By participating in these mixers, you can expand your professional network, potentially opening up new opportunities for collaboration or future projects.