Written by real camera crew
3 min read
Last updated: 15/5/2026
Your first call sheet can look like a lot. Rows of names, times, locations, and abbreviations you've never seen before.
When you receive a call sheet the night before, you don't need to read every line. You need to find a handful of key details quickly, so you can show up prepared and ready.
Here's what to go to first.
Your call time is the time you are expected to be on set and ready to work. Not arriving. Not parking. Ready.
As a camera trainee, you may also have a pre-call. This is an earlier start time given specifically to your department, so the camera team can prep and build the camera package before the general crew call.
Never assume your call time is the general crew call. Always check with your 2nd AC if you're unsure.
Also on the call sheet, you'll usually see a breakfast start time. This is typically 30 to 60 minutes before the general crew call, when the catering truck opens. If you want to eat before the day kicks off, you need to be there before your call time, not at it.
A call sheet will list two key locations: unit base and the shooting location.
Unit base is where the production team is based. It's where you'll usually find the camera truck, the make-up and costume trailers, and where the day starts. This is typically where you head first.
The shooting location is where filming actually takes place. Sometimes it's the same place. Often, especially on larger productions, it's a short walk or drive away.
There may also be multiple shooting locations listed for the day. This is where it pays to look ahead. If you know a location change is coming, you can start preparing ahead of time by loading up the magliners ready to put onto the camera truck.
Read all addresses carefully the night before. Know how to get to each one. Being late because you went to the wrong location is not a great start.
The weather section is near the top of most call sheets, and it's worth paying attention to as a camera trainee.
Check the forecast on the call sheet and think ahead. If rain is likely, wear wet-weather gear and have poly bags ready to go on stands. On a cold day, keep in mind that batteries will die quickly.
Your 2nd AC will often manage the bigger picture, but knowing the forecast in advance means you can have things ready without being asked.
The call sheet lists every scene scheduled for that day.
At the start of a job, or sometimes the evening before, the DP may give the camera crew a rundown of what they want for each scene. This usually covers which lenses are being used, whether they're shooting handheld or on a tripod, and where the camera is likely to be positioned.
Cross-referencing this with the call sheet scenes gives you a clear picture of what's coming so you can get ahead.
The final section of a call sheet is the advance schedule. A preview of what's planned for the following shoot day. This section of a call sheet looks similar to the above image.
This is not confirmed. It changes regularly. But it gives you a rough idea of what's coming, which is useful for preparing kit the day before.
When you receive a call sheet, read it that evening, not in the morning on your commute.
A call sheet takes two minutes to read properly. It means you arrive knowing the plan, knowing your call time, knowing where you're going.
And if anything on it is unclear, ask your 2nd AC. That's what they're there for.
Chances are, if you're reading this guide, you've already gotten your first job.
That's great, but knowing what to do when you're on set will put you ahead.
Join our free online workshop, hosted and created by camera crew working on the biggest productions.
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What to do, when to do it, and how to do it right.
Making sure your first day on set is the first of may.
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