How to Read a Call Sheet
Reading the call sheet gives you valuable information. If you are day checking, reading what scenes are being shot, how many background artists will be working, and
This is good to know because you can judge how fresh or tired the Makeup Department might be when you first start working. The more days they have been filming the more tired!
Crew Call: the time the Crew is called into work.
Weather forecast for the day of shooting. Helps you decide what to wear to be comfortable and protected. This would also include any protection you might need for your makeup kits, or for your actors.
Closed Set: A closed set means no visitors. Please remember this rule. You are there to work. It is not a time to show your friends the set. There will be names listed for you to contact to get permission to bring someone on-set.
SC(scene): Scene numbers in the script being shot that day.
Set Description: What is being shot and what the shot looks like. If the shot is indoors or outdoors.
D/N: Day or Night. Indicates if the scene being shot is a day scene or night scene.
Pages: The number of script pages for the scene being shot.
Cast: The cast members appearing in the scene being shot.
Locations: Where the scene(s) is/are being shot.
Holding and Catering: Where the extras are being held, and where the food is located.
Total Pages: Total number of pages being shot that day.
Cast: Actors working that day.
Character(s): Name(s) of the character(s) the actor(s) will be playing. Each character is assigned a number, this number is used to show the character on the call sheet and shooting schedule.
Stat: Work status of the actor. Shows if they work that day or are on hold, or traveling or off.
Reh: Time of rehearsals for the actor(s).
H/MU: The time the actor(s) will go to Hair and Makeup.
Set Call: Time the actors are expected on set.
Remarks: What time the actors will be picked up from their hotel, or home, or if they self drive.
Atmosphere Stand-ins: How many stand – ins and background actors are working that day. Also, what characters they play.
Report: What time stand-ins and background actors report to Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe.
Set Call: The time stand-ins and background actors report to set.
Remarks: Directions on where to report and at what time for stand-ins and background actors.
Department Requirements: Notes on what each department needs to have for scenes being worked that day. Example: Makeup Dept. blood for scene xx.
Advance Schedule: What scenes will shoot and where for the next few days.
Producers, Production Supervisor, and first AD sign off on (approve) the call sheet. Set phone number and contact in case of an emergency.
Flip side of the call sheet: All Departments and the names of the Crew members listed and their call times.