In the fast-paced environment of film and television production, efficient scheduling is necessary for managing large budgets and numerous personnel. The “call time” is the concept governing daily organization. This time marker dictates the beginning of the workday and serves as the anchor point for the day’s complex operations. The successful execution of a production schedule hinges on the coordinated adherence to this established starting point.
Defining Call Time
Call time is formally defined as the precise moment an individual or department must arrive at the designated production location. This time is not simply the moment of physical arrival; it signifies the required readiness to begin specific duties. For most crew members, the call time marks the official commencement of their paid workday. This designation ensures that all logistical and personnel components are synchronized.
The Primary Tool for Communication: The Call Sheet
Specific call times are delivered via the Call Sheet, the daily production document. This document is typically generated and distributed by the 2nd Assistant Director. It serves as the official operational guide for the next day’s shoot and is circulated electronically to the entire cast and crew, usually the evening before.
The Call Sheet includes several sections beyond just the timing. Basic information detailed at the top includes the production company contact numbers, the specific date, and the production title. An overview of the daily schedule follows, outlining the specific scenes scheduled for filming, the primary location, and the expected weather forecast. The document also provides detailed logistical information, such as:
- Directions and parking arrangements.
- The location of the nearest hospital in case of emergency.
- The schedule for catering and meal breaks.
Understanding Specialized Call Times
Not everyone on a film set shares the same call time, a necessity due to the sequential nature of preparation required for filming. The most common standard is the Crew Call, the designated time for the majority of technical and logistical departments to arrive. This allows them to set up cameras, lighting, and scenery. Personnel involved in readying the performers, such as hair and makeup artists, often have an even earlier Hair and Makeup Call.
The actors, generally referred to as the First Team, typically have a later call time than the crew. They only need to be ready after the set is prepared and their physical preparation is complete. For actors who are scheduled to work later in the day, a Holding Call is sometimes assigned. This indicates they must be available and reachable but are not required to physically report to the set until a specified hour, optimizing their time and minimizing unnecessary waiting periods.
Punctuality and Set Protocol
Adherence to the specified call time is a fundamental expectation of professional set protocol. The requirement is to be fully prepared and “ready to work” at the minute of the call time, meaning all personal tasks like changing clothes or getting coffee should be completed beforehand. Since a delay by one person can affect the complex choreography of the production, punctuality is essential to maintaining the schedule.
Lateness can have consequences for the production, potentially costing thousands of dollars in lost shooting time. Depending on the severity and frequency of the infraction, crew members may face financial penalties or termination from the project. This strict policy underscores the interdependent nature of film production, where the reliability of every individual impacts the success of the collective effort.
The Full Production Day Timeline
Call time establishes the start of the day, but it is one of several time markers that define the full production timeline. A slightly later, equally important marker is the Picture Up Time (P.U.T.), which is the moment the cameras are expected to begin rolling on the first setup of the day. The gap between the Crew Call and the P.U.T. is dedicated to setting up the lights, camera, and sound equipment necessary to capture the first scene.
The production schedule also includes an Estimated Wrap Time, the projected hour the day’s shooting will conclude. While this time is subject to change based on the efficiency of the shoot and unforeseen delays, it provides a necessary benchmark for planning the next day’s logistics and managing labor costs. Production management continuously monitors progress against the estimated wrap to ensure the schedule remains on track and overtime is minimized.
A legally mandated protection for all cast and crew is the Turnaround Time, which specifies the minimum rest period required between the official end of one workday and the start of the next day’s call time. This mandatory rest period, typically between 10 and 12 hours depending on union agreements, is a regulatory safeguard designed to prevent fatigue and maintain safe working conditions. Infringement on the required turnaround period results in financial penalties paid by the production company, making this a strictly enforced labor rule.