What is a Film Call Sheet?

What is a Film Call Sheet? If you’re in the film industry, you’ve likely not only heard the term, “call sheet” but you’ve seen a call sheet firsthand. However, for someone that’s new to the industry or never been involved in film, the question often comes up early on, “What is a film call sheet?”

Essential to the production, a film call sheet outlines key points relative to the cast, crew, and the preparations required to make the shoot day run on schedule. Let’s take a look at what a film call sheet is and how it applies to film production.

Call Sheet Definition

A simple definition of a film call sheet is as follows: a call sheet is a document that can be sent to the cast and crew involved in a shoot to provide key data on the upcoming shoot day. The call sheet includes the shooting schedule for each day as well as the local weather, time data, parking details, and other important information.

Call Sheet Considerations

There are several considerations that should be made in preparing a call sheet. Film producers utilize various best practices to ensure that each call sheet is prepared with appropriate effort and care.

Consider the following best practices relative to each film call sheet that is outlined for a production shoot day:

• The film call sheet is typically created by either the producer, the production coordinator, or the 1st AD.
• Well produced call sheets will have added room for notes and any necessary last-minute changes that should be made.
• A call sheet should only be sent out to the crew one time. DO NOT SEND IT TWICE!
• Prepare to closely monitor the RSVPs that come back after sending a call sheet.
• A call sheet is generally sent out the night before the shoot.
• The details of the call sheet are important, do not overlook ANYTHING! Always double and triple check the details so that you know where you need to be — and when!

What Makes a Call Sheet So Important?

So, now that you know what a film call sheet is, let’s take a look at what makes a film call sheet important. This valuable tool is used each day of the production to outline crucial details relative to the cast, crew, and what will take place on the shoot day.

There are a lot of opportunities for production to face challenges and setbacks in the timing of production are common. The call sheet can minimize these setbacks while keeping the entire production streamlined, but only if the details included are appropriately delivered so that your cast and crew are not confused. You certainly don’t want a confused crew to be calling you at 5 a.m. with questions pertaining to the day’s schedule.

The call sheet can literally keep the entire crew in check and prepared for the day’s events. Sending it out the night before is important to ensure the crew is prepared and that nobody is waiting on details. Need more information on what a call sheet is? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!