Catering Tips?

[Godchoo]

Hey so I'm about to do a full fledged film.
Feeding your actors is a big part of filming but I'm having trouble estimating a good price for catering.
Does anyone know how much catering usually costs?
Do Catering companies have "package" deals for multiple days?

 

[indietalk]

You don't need catering per se, you can order pizzas, sandwiches, and drinks from a local delivery joint etc. Just make sure everyone can eat what you order, and feed them every six hours.

 

[indietalk]

Breakfast is the easiest. Craft services. Bagels, muffins, danishes, fresh fruit, hot coffee, and juice.

 

[directorik]

Catering can cost anywhere from $5/8 per person to $12/15
per person. And, of course, even higher.

All companies I've ever used offer very nice package deals.

Frankly, pizzas, sandwiches, chicken from local joints gets old
for a shoot of over five days. I prefer using a company that
will bring in tables and chairs, set up a nice table with a variety
of food and clean up after the meal.

 

[Godchoo]

what companies did you use?

 

[indietalk]

Here you go:
Movie Caterers - CA

 

[Godchoo]

thanks a bunch.
too bad I don't live in LA lol.

 

[indietalk]

Well rik is and you asked what companies he used. There's non-LA on that list too. Thought you just wanted to call some companies for budgeting.

 

[Alcove Audio]

Frankly, pizzas, sandwiches, chicken from local joints gets old for a shoot of over five days. I prefer using a company that will bring in tables and chairs, set up a nice table with a variety of food and clean up after the meal.

AMEN!!!​

Besides being more enjoyable eating it also tells the talent and crew that you care about them, and people work harder and happier when you show you care.

I work on a regular basis with a producer whose attitude is "nothing is too good for my people." The food is always great, the craft table is always full with a large variety of stuff, there's plenty to drink including terrific coffee and there's always someplace comfortable to relax when you are not required on the set. That, coupled with her exquisite planning and treating everyone on the set (even first time PAs) like the pros they are, means she attracts the best talent and gets 1,000% out of everyone. In other words, when people are treated like stars they perform like stars.

thanks a bunch. too bad I don't live in LA lol.

Just give them a call and see if they have any relationships with or can recommend someone in your area.

 

[Godchoo]

That's absolutely right. Fed right, work Right
I'll go ahead and follow all your tips. Thank you guys for all your advice!

 

[Galdo]

Anybody have a good, cheap caterer in Los Angeles? We're shooting SAG ULB so budget is tight, but we want to keep the crew happy! Any thoughts would be appreciated.