How to Read a Film Production Call Sheet
The film call sheet represents key data that you must know as well as that other cast and crew must know regarding how the shoot day will take place, where it will take place and the expectations of those on set that day. Knowing how to read a film production call sheet is essential for any aspiring actor or individual seeking work on the film set. It’s the film call sheet that outlines the key tasks of the day and initiatives that will take place throughout the location set to ensure efficient, timely production shoots.
Step 1: Know the Call Time
The call time is represented in BIG BOLD writing at the top and sometimes front and center of the film production call sheet. The reason that the call time is in bold lettering is so that there is no possible way for it to be missed, mistaken, or otherwise misrepresented. You must know that the general call time for cast and crew will be at the top of the sheet. Know where to find it!
Step 2: Your Call Time
This will be located near your name on the top of the call sheet. Keep in mind that your call time may be slightly different than the call time of other cast or crew and it could be different from the main call time — make a note of YOUR call time. Double or triple check your call time to be sure you don’t confuse it with some other expectation for the shoot day.
Step 3: Address & Location Data
The address of the shoot and location data will be included in the film call sheet. You need to know not only how to find the address and what the additional data means but also whether there are special details regarding parking or how to get to the specific location printed on your film production call sheet.
Step 4: Contacts
Important contacts are listed at the top of your film production call sheet, usually to one side or the other of the call time. For example, see the basic format of a film call sheet where the Director, Agency, Client, and the Location are each listed to the left of the essential call time as well as notes about breakfast and lunch breaks or other scheduled breaks as well as the expected wrap time.
Step 5: Crew
Every film production call sheet includes a list of the crew members involved in the shoot as the bottom portion of the page. Here you will see each of the key cast members that are on set that day, what their role is, their call time, as well as their actual name and individual contact information. Sometimes a film production call sheet will even include the abbreviations SW, W, WF. These stand for starting work, work, or work finished and represent weather reach crew has been there before or not.
Ready to create and read a film production call sheet that will be used to keep your cast and crew ready, prepared, and on-time for your shoot? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!
