Film crews work long hours and need to eat well. On sets or locations, the standard daily meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus tea or snacks if the crew are required to work late into the evening. Catering is provided by specialist companies who drive catering trucks packed with food and a range of equipment including ovens, extraction fans, fridges, gas and water, to each Unit Base.

On big films, these trucks can be 35ft in length and weigh up to 8 tons. Catering companies vary in size; the biggest have as many as 20 trucks, employ hundreds of staff and have their own garage for maintaining their vehicles. The smallest comprise of one or two individuals who prepare the menus, buy, cook and serve the food, make teas and coffees, and clean and drive the truck to and from the location.

Catering companies are hired by Production Managers who put the work out to tender according to the catering budget agreed with the Producer. Catering companies prepare quotes and supply sample menus, and if their tender is accepted, provide catering for the production. On big films, the Catering Crew typically involves Unit Leaders, Location Chefs, Salad Persons and Dish Washers. As in all jobs in the catering profession, the work is hard and hours can be long.

What is the job?
Two days before the start of principal photography, Unit Leaders organise the packing of the catering truck with equipment and food. On each shooting day, they set off early in the morning, to arrive on set in time to prepare cooked breakfasts for the cast and crew. If they need to drive a long distance to the location, or if it is difficult to find, they rendezvous with the Location Manager who escorts them to the Unit Base.

Location Chefs cook the meals according to their previously approved menus, ensuring that any special dietary requirements are catered for. The Salad Person is responsible for the preparation and presentation of all cold platters, fruit, salads, sandwiches and afternoon teas. The Dish Washer helps with service, preparing vegetables and salads, dish washing and cleaning duties. They also manage the large tea urns and coffee pots which are required throughout the day. Catering crews work every day of the shoot, finishing when the film wraps (is completed).

Typical career routes
Although there are no typical career routes for these jobs, Unit Leaders must have a minimum of 5 years experience of film catering at senior levels, and may have previously managed restaurants or been involved in corporate hospitality. Chefs must have considerable experience of location catering and may also have catered at film studios, or worked as Circuit Chefs (specialising in big outside events such as those held at Wimbledon, Cheltenham, Goodwood, etc).

The larger companies usually employ individuals with little or no experience in junior roles, and train them to eventually become Chefs. These positions are often advertised on company websites.

Essential knowledge and skills
Unit Leaders must have experience of catering management at senior levels. They also need cooking, budgeting and book keeping skills. Both Unit Leaders and Chefs must have full training in and knowledge of Health and Safety procedures in the kitchen, e.g., The Food Safety Act (1990) and Food Premises (Registration) Regulations (1991), etc. Knowledge of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), the internationally recognized and recommended approach to food safety that anticipates and prevents hazards associated with ingredients, is also required.

Unit Leaders must be confident drivers and may be required to drive LGVs (Light Goods Vehicles). Chefs must have experience of location catering and know how to run well organised kitchens, and cook and cater for large numbers, while adhering to strict budgets.
Key Skills include:

• good communication skills;
• excellent standards of cleanliness;
• ability to work to high standards in mobile kitchens;
• ability to lead and motivate staff;
• resourcefulness and flexibility;
• excellent management and organisational skills;
• excellent knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications
Unit Leaders and Chefs normally have a recognised catering qualification such as City and Guilds 706/1, 2 and 3, or NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation and Cooking. Alternatively, many larger film Location Catering companies take on junior kitchen staff with little or no experience and train them on the job over a number of years.

As Unit Leaders may be expected to drive heavy catering trucks, they must also obtain a specialist LGV licence. Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

Websites
- The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has a list of useful publications, including hospitality magazines and periodicals, on its website;

- The Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) has useful information and links on the catering business;

- Most film location catering companies have websites providing more information on location catering and also advertise for staff on a regular basis.

Publications
- Independent Caterer - a magazine providing independent caterers with the latest news, product and service information.

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Catering Crew - Film

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