Unpaid or unregistered crew member sneaking onto set — neighbor, fan, wannabe intern. Insurance nightmare, remove immediately.
Poacher (Film Crew)
You know the scenario: You're shooting on location, and suddenly someone is hanging around who isn't wearing a t-shirt, doesn't have a walkie, and is still trying to help with the setup and teardown. Or someone strolls by, claiming they spoke to the Production Assistant — and the next minute they're sitting at craft services, watching the monitors. That's a poacher. An unpaid, uninsured, unregistered intruder who sneaks onto the set because they think filmmaking is some kind of open sandbox.
Poachers are a classic production nightmare for several reasons. First: Insurance. Your production insurance only covers people who are on the call sheet — with names, roles, and insurance status. If the poacher falls off a ladder and breaks something, you're liable. Production management will freak out. Second: Set safety. You don't know if this person is reliable, if they understand instructions, or if they might damage the environment. This is critical during stunt shoots or with heavy equipment. Third: Chaos in the crew hierarchy. If your Key Grip suddenly has to take orders from just anyone — or not — it gets confusing.
Typically, poachers appear when filming permits are lax, during guerrilla shoots in public places, or simply because neighbors get curious. Sometimes, they're interns from friendly production houses who imagine they're allowed to tag along. Your Unit Production Manager and ADs need to have a system: daily name lists, colored crew wristbands, or at least visual control. Anyone without an official crew card is out — immediately, politely but firmly. No discussion. You can't help yourself by harming others.
The correct reaction: The 1st AD stops the action, the Production Manager handles the conversation, and the poacher is informed that the set is not a public place. On larger productions or union shoots, there's even security for this. Best approach: Inform your team explicitly before shooting begins — only those on the list are allowed. Period.