As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at craft services and the role of a key crafty.

What is Craft Services?

Our previous posts have looked at numerous roles in the film and television industry and how they each contribute to bring a production together. From camera, grip, and electric, to art, wardrobe, special effects, and more, the individuals working on a set have one thing in common: they need to eat and stay hydrated. One of the roles that supports this need is craft services (or “crafty” for short).

What Does Craft Services Do?

The “craft” in craft services comes from a reference to the distinct jobs of many of the individuals for whom the food is being provided, such as camera, grip, electric, and so on. Whereas catering involves preparing and serving full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to ensure that cast and crew receive needed sustenance at these key mealtimes, craft services is a separate function that provides snacks and drinks throughout the day. This is a key need on a set, where cast and crew work long hours and are not able to step away to find food or beverages between mealtimes or might be so busy they cannot partake in the catered meals on offer. Craft services also provides a central place where cast and crew can gather and casually socialize. NOTE: Changes implemented to meet COVID-19 safety measures are not addressed in this piece.

The craft services setup can take various forms, such as a simple table, a special room, or a trailer. No matter the form it takes, it is key that the area be well- stocked throughout the production day, providing a variety of portable food and beverages for the busy, hungry cast and crew. This can include candy, sandwiches, snack bars, healthy options like fruit and vegetables, and other items the production specifically requests, as well as the key staples of coffee, tea, and water. The lead role for craft services is the key crafty.

What is a Key Crafty and How Do I Become One?

CareersinFilm.com features an insightful interview with key crafty Heather Lapp, who has provided craft services to “Sorry for Your Loss,” “The Catch,” and “People Like Us.” She explains that the unit production manager typically hires key craft services, however, if you have a good reputation, producers might specifically request you be hired. She points out that the job requires long hours, arriving before everyone else, with an emphasis on getting beverages (water and coffee), as well as trash, set up first thing in the morning. And after a long day of providing drinks and snacks and interacting with numerous cast and crew members, it is usual to leave after everyone else. She describes the challenges of working within various-sized budgets, which can be difficult when trying to supply healthier food options and environmentally friendly supplies, which can cost more.

There is no specific degree or education required to be a key crafty. Lapp highlights that experience working with customers is helpful, as well as having an interest in food. If you are interested in working in craft services, Lapp suggests joining on as a 3rd or 4th craft service to assist on jobs that need more help. And, as we have noted for other on-set roles, Lapp suggests becoming a production assistant (PA). As a PA, one can network with the key crafties to develop contacts that could result in job opportunities. She also discusses how to get on with the union that represents crafties, the IATSE Local 80. To learn more firsthand about Lapp’s experience and advice, read the CareersinFilm.com interview.

As a lead position, key skills important for this role are being able to manage a budget, good communications skills, and overall being personable, as you will interact with many different people each day. And, of course, a knowledge of food safety is crucial.

More information

Learn more about the history of craft services and how it differs from catering at MasterClass. Read more about the importance and benefits of providing food onset at this VMG Studios blog post. And, as always, you can learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.