Start with the header
The top of the call sheet front gives you the basics:
| Field | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Shoot Day | The number of the current production day (e.g., Day 12 of 30) |
| Date | The actual calendar date |
| General Crew Call | The time most crew should be on set and ready to work |
| Nearest Hospital | Emergency reference: note this when you arrive at a new location |
| 1st AD | The person running the set and responsible for the day's schedule |
| UPM | The Unit Production Manager, responsible for the budget and logistics |
Reading the shooting schedule
The scene schedule shows what is being shot that day, in order. Each row is one scene.
| Column | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Scene # | The scene number from the script |
| INT/EXT | Interior or exterior: where the scene takes place |
| Set | The name of the location or set |
| D/N | Day or Night: the lighting condition in the scene, not the time you shoot it |
| Cast # | The character numbers appearing in the scene |
| Pgs | Page count: an estimate of how long the scene will run |
The order of scenes on the call sheet is the intended shoot order for the day. It can change on set based on the 1st AD's call.
Finding your call time
Your call time tells you when to arrive. Do not confuse it with the general crew call.
Cast members find their individual times on the front page in the cast list. Each actor is listed by their character number and name, with their call time and any pickup information.
Crew members find their times on the back of the call sheet. Locate your department, then your name and position.
The cast list
The cast section on the front shows each actor working that day:
- Cast number (matches the character number in the shooting schedule)
- Character name and actor name
- Call time: when they should arrive
- Makeup/Hair call: often earlier than their set call
- Status: W (Work), SW (Start Work), WF (Work Finish), H (Hold), T (Travel)
Crew call times on the back
The back of the call sheet lists every crew member by department. Scan to your department, find your name, and note your call time. Some departments have earlier calls than the general crew call.
General notes and advance
The general notes section near the bottom of the front page contains important information for everyone. Read it before you arrive. It may include:
Meal times, safety meeting information, special procedures, equipment needs, or notes from the 1st AD.
The advance section shows what is scheduled for the following day. This lets you plan prep time, rest, and logistics.