A Complete Guide to Catering on Film & TV Sets

Catering plays a much bigger role on film and TV sets than many people realise. When schedules are tight, locations are unpredictable, and days run long, food becomes more than just fuel — it’s a way to keep morale high, energy steady, and productions running smoothly.

Over the years, catering for film and TV has evolved into a highly specialised service, with different styles designed to suit different production needs. Here’s a closer look at how catering works on set, and why choosing the right approach makes all the difference.

Why Catering Matters on Film & TV Productions

A well-fed crew is a focused, motivated crew. Long hours, early call times, and physically demanding work mean food needs to be reliable, filling, and available at the right moments. Good catering keeps energy levels consistent, reduces downtime, and gives cast and crew a genuine chance to recharge between takes.

It also plays a big role in the atmosphere. Shared meals and snack breaks create moments of connection on set, something that’s especially important during long shoots.

The Different Types of Catering Used on Set

Not all productions need the same catering setup. That’s why TV and film catering is usually broken down into a few key services.

• Crew catering is about inclusivity and morale. Menus are designed to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements, making sure everyone feels looked after, no matter their role on set.

• Film shoot catering is often more structured, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner around filming schedules. These services need to be flexible enough to adapt to staggered call times and changing plans.

• Production catering supports high-pressure environments where speed, organisation, and consistency are critical. It’s common on larger or longer-running projects where efficiency matters just as much as quality.

  
  

How Catering Changes with Production Size

A small independent shoot has very different needs from a large TV series or feature film. Bigger productions often require scalable catering that can handle high volumes without slowing the day down, while smaller crews may benefit from more personalised menus and tighter scheduling.

That’s why experience matters; understanding how catering needs shift as productions grow helps avoid delays, waste, and unnecessary stress.

Location, Weather and Scheduling Challenges

One of the biggest challenges in film and TV catering is location. Shoots don’t always happen in studios; they can be in forests, rural areas, city streets, or remote locations with limited access.

Catering teams need to be mobile, prepared, and adaptable. Weather changes, delayed scenes, and last-minute schedule shifts are all part of the job, and good caterers know how to respond without compromising food quality or service.

Choosing the Right Catering Partner

The best catering partners understand set life. They listen, plan ahead, and stay flexible when things change, because they always do. Experience across film, TV, and production environments means fewer surprises and a smoother day for everyone involved.

At Street Food and More, we have years of experience working with big production companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Marvel Studios. We know the quirks and challenges that come with film set catering, and we always rise to the occasion, keeping bellies full and smiles on faces.