Craft Services
Craft Services (also known as "Crafty") is a vital support role in film and television production that manages on-set food and beverages for cast and crew throughout the filming day. This is different from catering, which handles main meals. Craft Services maintains snacks, drinks, and light refreshments continuously available during production hours. This role is essential for maintaining crew morale and energy levels during long shooting days. Think of it as running a mobile convenience store and refreshment station that follows the production wherever it goes.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Craft Services for 200+ person crew on major motion picture
Coordinated Craft Services and special dietary requirements for Netflix series production
Led Crafty operations for multiple television commercial shoots
Supervised Craft Services budget and inventory for 6-month television series
Typical job title: "Craft Services Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Craft Services Managers
Industry Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle budgeting and cost control for a large production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with managing budgets, bulk purchasing, inventory tracking, waste reduction, and negotiating with vendors while maintaining quality standards.
Q: How would you handle dietary restrictions and food allergies for a diverse crew?
Expected Answer: Should explain systems for tracking dietary needs, labeling foods, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring options for various dietary requirements while maintaining efficiency.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for setting up Craft Services for a typical shooting day?
Expected Answer: Should describe early arrival, station setup, food safety procedures, maintaining supplies throughout the day, and coordinating with production schedule.
Q: How do you handle unexpected schedule changes or weather conditions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss flexibility, backup plans, mobile setup options, and experience with various shooting conditions and schedule adjustments.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic food safety requirements for Craft Services?
Expected Answer: Should know basic food handling certification requirements, temperature control, sanitization, and proper storage practices.
Q: How would you stock a basic Craft Services station?
Expected Answer: Should list essential items including beverages, healthy snacks, quick energy foods, and basic supplies needed for service and cleanup.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic food safety certification
- Simple station setup and maintenance
- Basic inventory management
- Understanding of on-set protocols
Mid (2-5 years)
- Budget management
- Dietary restriction management
- Vendor relationships
- Multiple station coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Large crew management
- Complex production coordination
- Team supervision
- Location logistics planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No food safety certification
- Lack of experience with early morning setups
- Poor understanding of dietary restrictions
- No knowledge of film set etiquette
- Limited experience with large group service
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