Nobody talks about this enough. Food on a production day is not just comfort — it’s fuel. The difference between a crew that’s sharp at hour 10 and one that’s dragging through the last setup often comes down to what they ate (and didn’t eat) through the day.
Here’s what I’ve learned works, and what definitely doesn’t.
Before Call Time
I eat a real meal before I show up on set. Not a protein bar in the car — an actual meal with protein, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates at least 90 minutes before call. Eggs, oatmeal, Greek yogurt with fruit. Something that gives you slow-release energy rather than a spike you’ll crash from by 10am.
Coffee is fine. But coffee on an empty stomach on a high-stress production morning is a recipe for anxiety and a mid-morning crash. Eat first.
“The difference between a sharp crew at hour 10 and a dragging one often comes down to what they ate at hour 1.”
On Set: What Actually Sustains You
- Nuts and nut butter — high calorie density, slow-burning, no refrigeration needed
- Fresh fruit — natural sugar that doesn’t spike the way candy does
- Protein bars with real ingredients (not candy dressed up as a bar)
- Hard-boiled eggs if you can prep them the night before
- Water, water, water — a refillable bottle that you actually refill
What to Avoid
Craft services is not designed for your long-term energy levels. It’s designed to be immediately satisfying. The chips, the candy, the white bread sandwiches — all fine in moderation, but leaning on them as your primary fuel will cost you in the afternoon.
I’ve seen the pattern too many times: crew hits a wall around 2pm on a shoot that runs to 7. Half the time it’s energy management, not exhaustion.
If You’re Ordering Crew Meals
When I’m producing a larger shoot and ordering meals for the crew, I try to include at least one high-protein option, a vegetable-forward option, and something that doesn’t leave everyone feeling heavy and slow. A crew that’s just had a big pasta lunch is not a crew that wants to hustle through three more setups.
Feed your crew well. It’s one of the most effective tools you have for morale and performance on a long day.
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“Taking care of your crew starts long before they arrive on set. Ready to work with a producer who thinks about the full picture?”
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