Good Old Hospitality for Film at Smith Lake Mountain

Whether you live in the area, or are visiting to see the filming of Lake Effects set at or around Smith Mountain Lake, use good old hospitality and etiquette when near the set.

Here are some tips you can follow.

For Spectators:

• Stay off the set. If you come across the perimeter of a shoot, don't cross it. There's a lot of equipment on set and a spectator could trip over cords and be injured. Equipment is expensive and if broken can delay filming.
• Be quiet. If you're watching either from land or water, keep noise to a minimum. Sound equipment is very sensitive and can pick up whispering and talking. Boaters the key word is "idle". A revving boat can ruin a scene.
• Respect the Actors. If you see them in a restaurant eating dinner assess the situation before approaching. They are not performing at this time and boundaries should be respected. Otherwise, take a quick moment to ask for their autograph, most are glad to be approached.

For Extras:

• Turn off cell phones and pagers. If they ring or beep during filming the scene may have to be reshot. Also, no talking. During the scenes you should pretend to talk and not actually vocalize anything.
• Be careful of your wardrobe. A plain or solid colored shirt is best. No logos as these would have to be edited out due to trademark infringement.
• Respect the actor's when they are working. They are getting paid for this time and it's not polite to pull out your autograph book. Also remember the cast and crew always eats first during meals.

Show the cast and crew a positive view of Smith Mountain Lake and the way we want to be remembered. If you're here for the filming and love the area and all Smith Mountain Lake has to offer, relocate or consider a second home here.

For information about relocating to Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate resource.