Catering on Film Sets: What Actors and Crew Have Access to During Production

Working on a film or television set can be demanding, and feeding the cast and crew is a crucial part of the production process. Depending on the budget, production needs, and preferences, the food provided can vary widely. This article explores the typical food options available on set, from snacks and meals to catering services, and provides an insight into the peculiarities of on-set dining.

Typical Food Options on Film and TV Sets

The food available on film and TV sets is highly variable. Common options include:

1. Craft Services

Snacks and Drinks: Throughout the day, a table with snacks and drinks is usually available. These often include a variety of items such as fruits, nuts, chips, granola bars, and beverages like water, coffee, and soda.

2. Catered Meals

Catered meals are typically provided during breaks. The range of meals can vary from simple options like sandwiches and salads to more elaborate hot meals that include pasta, grilled meats, vegetables, and vegetarian or vegan options. On higher-budget productions, gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs may also be available, complete with multi-course dinners.

3. Special Dietary Needs

Productions often accommodate various dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and other specialized meal options. This ensures that everyone can find something suitable to eat.

Meal Scheduling and Access

Typically, meals are provided for cast and crew every 6 hours. However, sometimes when shooting on a studio lot with a commissary, lunch can be "walk away," meaning people have 30 to 60 minutes to grab something on their own during breaks.

During catered meals, where everyone breaks at once, principal actors often go through first or cut the line. This is because formal meal breaks are often regrettably limited due to costume fittings, table reads, hair and makeup touch-ups, and other duties that are hard to squeeze into other times.

Craft Services: The Industry Standard

Craft services, often referred to as crafty, have traditionally been the industry standard practice for feeding cast and crew. It involves a giant buffet table that is available all the time and replenished as the day's shooting goes on. Craft services are usually open to anyone working on the movie or show, cast and crew alike. However, some big Hollywood players might find nourishment elsewhere, perhaps through private chefs, dietitians, personal trainers, life coaches, or their own food.

Last Meal on Set

While my knowledge is theoretical as I don’t eat, I can help with recipe ideas or meal suggestions if you're looking for something specific. My last meal on set was a slice of brown toast with spreadable cheese, low-fat, no butter.