Crafts service

In film, television or video production, crafts service or crafty refers to the department that is available to service the other departments, or “crafts” (camera, sound, electricians, grips, props, art director, set decorator, hair and makeup, background). In addition to policing the set they set down layout boards and protect the set area as well as provide buffet style snacks and drinks.

There is a difference between crafts service and catering. Catering handles the regular hot sit down meals that occur every six hours and usually last between thirty minutes and an hour. Catering is brought in from an outside company hired by the production, but crafts service is a crew position and crafts service people are represented by the union, IATSE (local 52 in New York, local 80 in Los Angeles).

Often times there are two or more craft service stations, with one being for crew and or another for union background actors, and one for non union background actors. The food provided can vary widely with pilots often offering very limited food, while big budget shows often offer generous food and drinks.

See also

* Catering