How to read a call sheet and what it actually means

The call sheet is the most important document of your filming day. It determines when you need to wake up, what to bring, how long the shift will last, and when you will be wrapped. Beginners often only look at the time and the address, which frequently leads to avoidable problems.

When it arrives

Typically, you will receive it the evening before, or sometimes two days in advance. It is usually sent via email or posted in a production group chat. If it is 9:00 PM the night before and you haven't received it, contact the second assistant director (2nd AD); the shoot may have been rescheduled, or they may have forgotten to notify you.

Call sheets are often updated. Always check the version number or the timestamp: only the most recent version is valid.

What is inside

The Header. Project title, shooting day number, date, weather forecast, and sunrise/sunset times. Sunrise and sunset are more important than they seem: for exterior scenes, the available daylight dictates the entire schedule.

Location. The address of the set, the base camp address (where equipment, hair and makeup trailers, and catering are located), and parking instructions. These are often different addresses; unless stated otherwise, you should report to base camp.

Timing. The critical block, containing several different timestamps:

• Call Time — the exact time you must be on site. Your shift officially begins at this moment.
• Hair & Makeup (HMU) / Wardrobe — your individual time slot for preparation.
• Ready to Set — the time by which you must be dressed, made up, and ready to work.
• First Shot — when the crew plans to start filming.
• Lunch — usually scheduled six hours after the start.
• Estimated Wrap — the planned end of the shift.

Scene Schedule. Scene numbers, brief descriptions, which cast members are involved, the set location, and the scripted time of day. This section shows the shooting order and when it is your turn.

Cast List. Each actor's assigned number, character name, call time, and makeup time. Remember your number; the crew will use it to call you in the schedule.

Actor Requirements. What you need to bring or avoid. This is where you'll see notes like "clean-shaven," "no tanning," or "bring black shoes."

Notes. Often the most useful section: warnings about stunts, animals, water, smoke, or reminders that the shoot is in a residential building and noise must be kept to a minimum.

Call Time vs. Shoot Time

This is the primary point of confusion for newcomers. Call time is when you arrive. It can be six hours before you actually step in front of the camera.

The shift is calculated from the call time. If you are called at 7:00 AM but aren't filmed until 6:00 PM, you have worked a full shift; this is standard industry practice and not a violation.

The opposite is also true: you cannot arrive "a bit later" just because you are filmed in the evening. Schedules can shift in any direction, and your scene could suddenly become the first priority.

How to plan your day using the call sheet

1. Count backward from your call time. Factor in travel time with a buffer, breakfast, and getting ready. Allow more time for travel than usual, as locations are often remote.
2. Check where your scenes fall in the schedule. If you are at the end of the day, bring something to keep yourself occupied for several hours.
3. Check the estimated wrap time and add two to three hours; shifts almost always run over.
4. Review the requirements block to see what to bring and what to avoid.
5. Read the notes for information on stunts, water, animals, or weather conditions.
6. Arrange your return journey. If public transport does not run at the estimated wrap time, ask about transfers in advance rather than at midnight.

What to bring based on the call sheet

• Your wardrobe as requested — ironed and in a garment bag.
• Identification documents: you cannot be processed for payroll without them.
• Water and snacks, if the call sheet doesn't mention catering.
• A power bank.
• Warm clothing for night exterior shoots — even in the summer.
• A change of shoes.
• Printed or offline-saved scripts for the day's scenes.

When reality differs from the call sheet

This is normal, not a failure. Schedules shift due to weather, technical issues, or previous scenes running over. Here are the rules of conduct:

• Do not leave base camp without notifying someone. Even if it seems your scene is "not happening for a while."
• Do not call the Director. All clarifications should go through the 2nd AD or a production assistant.
• If the shift clearly exceeds the agreed hours, calmly ask the 2nd AD how overtime is handled. Do this during a break, not on set during a take. Note that contract forms, overtime rates, and tax rules differ by market.
• When you are wrapped — double-check that you are officially free and sign out. Leaving without checking out can result in payment issues.

Common Abbreviations

• INT / EXT — Interior / Exterior.
• DAY / NIGHT — The time of day according to the script, not necessarily the actual time.
• Set/Object — The scripted location of the action.
• Location — The actual physical address where filming takes place.
• REH — Rehearsal.
• Extras/Background (N people) — How many background actors are in the scene.

Summary

• The call sheet arrives the day before; ensure you have the latest version.
• The shift starts from the call time, not the moment of filming.
• Base camp and the set are often different addresses.
• Read the requirements and notes sections, not just the time.
• Plan your wrap with a 2-3 hour buffer and arrange your return trip in advance.
• Do not leave the set on your own — always clear it with the 2nd AD.

Projects currently creating schedules can be found in the castings section.