Questions to ask before booking a venue in Atlanta
What craft services includes on a film set, how it differs from production meals, and what producers and line producers should look for.
If you're new to production, "craft services" can sound like a vague catch-all. It's not. Craft services is a specific, essential function on every professional film and TV set, and understanding what it includes helps you budget accurately, keep your crew happy, and avoid the mid-day energy crashes that slow a shoot to a crawl. Here's what craft services on a film set actually looks like when it's done right.
Craft services (often shortened to "crafty") is the continuous food and beverage station that runs for the entire shoot day. It opens at call time and stays stocked through wrap. It's separate from the production meal, which is the full catered lunch or dinner served at a scheduled break.
Think of crafty as the fuel station between meals. It's where a grip grabs coffee at 6 AM, where the camera team picks up a protein bar between setups, and where the AD snags a piece of fruit during a lighting change. The table is always there, always accessible, and always stocked.
On professional sets in the Decatur and greater Atlanta area, the craft services operation is typically managed by a dedicated craft services person or team, not by the main production caterer (though some companies handle both). The distinction matters when you're hiring.
A bare-minimum craft table will get complaints. A thoughtful one keeps the crew energized and the set running smoothly. Here's what experienced productions expect to see:
Beverages (non-negotiable):
Snacks and food:
Dietary-specific items:
The labeling piece is critical. Every item on the table should have visible allergen information. No one should have to track down the craft services coordinator to ask if something contains nuts. For a full breakdown of how dietary needs are handled across all production catering, see dietary accommodations on set.
New producers and production assistants confuse these two functions constantly. Here's the clean distinction:
Craft services runs continuously. It's snacks, beverages, and light food available all day. No scheduled break required. Crew members grab what they need when they can.
Production meals are the full, scheduled catered meals. Union rules require a hot meal within six hours of call time. This is a proper sit-down (or at least stand-in-line) meal with protein, sides, salad, and dessert. Miss the six-hour window and the production gets hit with meal penalty charges that compound quickly.
Both functions are essential. Craft services keeps the crew going between meals. The production meal is the main refuel. Cutting corners on either one affects the quality of the work.
On larger productions shooting in Buckhead or at major Atlanta soundstage facilities, these are often handled by different vendors. A dedicated craft services provider manages the table, while a separate production caterer handles the main meals. Smaller productions sometimes hire one company for both.
The best craft services setups share a few traits that separate them from the mediocre ones:
Rotation. The table doesn't look the same at 2 PM as it did at 7 AM. Items rotate throughout the day to match energy needs. Heavier, warming options in the morning. Lighter, refreshing options in the afternoon. A second push of substantial snacks before the evening grind on long days.
Cleanliness. The table stays organized, wiped down, and free of trash. A messy crafty table signals a sloppy operation, and crew members notice.
Anticipation. The craft services coordinator doesn't wait to be asked. They notice when coffee is running low, when the fruit bowl is picked over, when the trash needs emptying. The best ones restock before anyone has to say a word.
Quiet reliability. Craft services should never be a distraction. It should just work, all day, without drama. When feeding large crews on long shoot days, this consistency becomes even more critical.
"This company is amazing! They took the time to meet with my team and I; where they asked detailed questions about our event, our attendees and our desired menu. They kept us updated leading to the event and were very responsive when we had any questions or concerns. The food was so good (our attendees and staff are still talking about it) and the menu was very accommodating to those with dietary restrictions and nutritional needs." - Thania S.
The production company covers craft services as part of the production budget. It's a standard line item under catering or below-the-line expenses.
Yes. Craft services is available to all crew members, cast, and production staff on set that day. There are no restrictions on access.
Rates vary by production size, location, and the level of service provided. Most Atlanta-area craft services providers quote on a per-person, per-day basis. Get quotes early in pre-production so the number is locked before the shoot starts.
A strong craft services operation sets the tone for your entire production day. If you're staffing up for a shoot in the Atlanta area, get in touch to talk through what your crew will need.
The food was a delight and exquisite. They are very professional and diligent in what they do. I can really tell the passion in their food. Five out of five highly recommend.
Their food is amazing! I mean absolutely top notch! This is the foodies caterer. The flavors were layered, the food was hot and fresh and the presentation was elevated. Don't question if it's the best option, Exquisite Delites should be your only option for a high touch catering experience.
Chef Eric is brilliant, innovative, and his food is just in a word delicious. He's creative and every time I try his food I'm amazed and blown away. Their company is incredibly professional and the service is spectacular.
