What This Department Really Does
Never underestimate the power of a good meal on a film set. I've seen entire productions turn around because the caterer changed. Crew morale lives and dies at the crafty table and the lunch line.
Craft Services (crafty) is the all-day table: snacks, beverages, coffee, fruit, nuts, candy, energy drinks -- available from pre-call to wrap. A great craft services lead reads the room. Cold morning? Hot cocoa is already out. Long night shoot? Energy bars and cold brew appear at midnight. Dietary restrictions? Already handled.
Catering is the full-meal operation. Breakfast before call, lunch at the six-hour mark (mandated by union rules), and second meal if the day runs long. Professional film caterers serve restaurant-quality food from mobile kitchens, often feeding 100+ people in under an hour.
In North Carolina, we have an incredible farm-to-table culture. Fresh ingredients, regional specialties, and Southern hospitality make our craft services and catering operations something special.
Every Seat at the Table
Manages the craft services table -- the all-day snack and beverage station available to the entire crew. Responsible for setup, stocking, maintaining variety, accommodating dietary needs, and keeping the area clean and inviting throughout the shooting day.
Assists the lead with setup, restocking, cleaning, shopping runs, and maintaining the craft table. May manage a secondary craft station at a distant set or base camp location.
Manages the catering operation that provides full meals. Coordinates with the production on headcounts, dietary requirements, meal timing (based on call sheet), and special requests for cast or VIP visitors.
Runs the kitchen, designs menus, sources ingredients, cooks meals, and manages kitchen staff. Must be able to prepare diverse cuisine to accommodate all dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, allergies) while serving 100+ people from a mobile kitchen.
Assists the head chef with prep, cooking, plating, and kitchen management. Leads the kitchen when the head chef is sourcing or away.
Prep cooks, line cooks, dishwashers, servers, and assistants who keep the catering operation running smoothly. Handle food prep, cooking, serving, and cleanup.
Equipment & Technology
Kitchen Equipment
- Commercial Convection Ovens
- Flat Top Griddles & Grills
- Deep Fryers
- Steam Tables & Warming Trays
- Commercial Refrigerators & Freezers
- Prep Tables (Stainless Steel)
- Commercial Blenders & Food Processors
- Chafing Dishes & Hotel Pans
Service Equipment
- Catering Trucks / Trailers
- Pop-Up Tents & Shelters
- Folding Tables & Chairs
- Beverage Dispensers
- Commercial Coffee Makers / Urns
- Espresso Machines
- Ice Machines & Coolers
- Handwashing Stations
Supplies & Consumables
- Eco-Friendly Plates & Utensils
- Compostable Cups & Containers
- Napkins & Paper Products
- Serving Utensils & Tongs
- Trash & Recycling Receptacles
- Cleaning & Sanitation Supplies
- First Aid (Burns, Cuts)
- Food Storage Containers
Skills & Qualifications
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