What Is Craft Service? A Complete Guide for Film and TV Productions

If you are new to film and television production — or simply hiring a craft service company for the first time — understanding exactly what craft service is, how it differs from catering, and why it matters will help you make better decisions for your production.

Craft service, often called "crafty" on set, is the department responsible for providing cast and crew with continuous access to snacks, beverages, and other assistance throughout the entire shooting day. Unlike catering, which handles scheduled hot meals during designated meal breaks, craft service is always available — a constant resource that keeps energy levels up between meals and supports the crew during long shooting days.

The craft service department is an IATSE-covered craft. Craft service workers are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the same union that covers camera operators, grips, electricians, sound mixers, prop masters, set decorators, and other production crafts. On union productions in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, craft service falls under a collective bargaining agreement.

A typical craft service setup includes a main table — the "crafty table" — stocked with a rotating selection of snacks, fresh fruit, protein options, hot and cold beverages, and coffee. On larger productions, a satellite crafty station may be set up near the camera department, which often cannot leave their workstations. On some productions, separate craft service stations are maintained for cast and crew versus background performers.

Beyond food and beverages, the craft service department also provides practical supplies that keep a set running smoothly: bandages, aspirin, antacids, gum, toothpicks, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and hand warmers. The craft service team also helps keep the set clean by clearing trash throughout the day.

Atlanta Craft Services provides professional IATSE-standard craft service for film, television, commercial, and music video productions throughout metro Atlanta and across Georgia. Contact us to book craft service for your next production.