Whether you’re filming a low budget episode or a blockbuster film, the right crafty can make all the difference in the world. The right crafty will help give it character; but more importantly, it will give everyone—from actors and crew to extras—a reason to show up. So what is this magical item that makes a set better? It’s called: Cuisine Equality.
Food is an integral part of the dining experience—it’s what brings people to the table…or in this case, the set.
Did you know people tend to have some of the most important conversations in the kitchen? Have you ever noticed when there’s a party, folks are gathered in the kitchen???…especially if food is on the way. It’s a center point.
It’s also a great way to start conversations and bond with your fellow cast and crew members. It’s like hosting a party. If you’re hosting a party, it’s important to make sure everyone feels welcome by putting out some snacks or drinks for them when they arrive, right? Well, sets should do the same. Especially bigger budget projects. I’m talking feature films, big blockbuster projects or long standing TV shows. You’d be utterly surprised to know that even these sets skimp on the crafty experience.
The right crafty makes any set POP.
Crafty is a bit of an odd word, but it’s also a great one. It’s the combination of food and art–something that you can eat, but also something that has a lot of meaning to you. In this case, it means a lot to everyone (and I mean everyone) when you have access to a crafty that has almost everything you could imagine…and then some. It really do make the experience better. If you can elevate the crafty past fruit and donuts I think you’re on the right track.
Crafty is also an expression of your personality–it shows what kind of set you are, whether it’s through the way you put together your plate or how much effort went into making it look just right. It can be used as an actual prop in your set (like if someone eats something off camera).
The right crafty doesn’t exclude anyone on set.
I’m so tired of seeing two craftys on set. If you see a sign on one crafty that says “Crew Only” I can almost guarantee you that crafty will be about 10x better than the crafty for background actors. It’s like night and day. Again, I’m talking donuts and fruit and maybe coffee if you’re lucky. What if we removed the below the line / above the line mess and just offer the same crafty, the same quality, the same…. everything???
Food is one of the most important aspects of a set. It’s more than just sustenance–it’s an opportunity to connect with others and create memories that will last long after your show has wrapped up. It’s also what helps people get through filming if I’m being honest. It’s a life raft for some. But it also uplifts the set experience for everyone.
If you feed people, and you do it well, they remember that. Period.