Written by real camera crew
4 min read
Last updated: 13/9/2026
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 you'll walk away with:
How to find your call time and pre-call on a UK call sheet
Unit base vs shooting location (and why both matter)
What to check
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. 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. If unit base and location differ, know which one camera reports to first. When unsure, ask your 2nd AC. Also know how to get to each one. Being late because you went to the wrong location is not a great start.
Unit base and the shooting location may differ to where you'll be parking. Many call sheets come with a movement order or parking notes. Read them the night before.
Weather
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.
You can use something simple like the weather app on your phone, or if you want a map of the forecasted weather, use websites like the Met Office.
The scenes being shot
The advance schedule is a preview of the next shoot day. It is not locked. Locations, scenes, and call times can move. Use it to think ahead, then re-read the real call sheet when it lands.
Common call sheet shorthand you will see:
INT / EXT: interior or exterior
D / N: day or night scene (not always the same as the real time you shoot)
Page count: how much script is planned that day
Company move: the unit is relocating mid-day; expect to pack and rebuild time for equipment
If you want to learn more about film jargon, see our On-Set Lingo Guide for Camera Trainees.
Confirm your call time and any pre-call
Look at the unit base and shooting location addresses (know how to get there and how long it should take)
Check weather and pack for it (it's always handy, on long-form jobs, to keep wet weather clothes in a bag that stays on the camera truck)
Get some rest!
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.
If you’re serious about working in the camera department, get early access to our free Camera Trainee Masterclass: 10 bite-sized video lessons taught by camera crew from productions like Peaky Blinders, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones.
Whether you’re completely new, or a green camera trainee still picking things up the hard way, this is built for you.
You’ll learn what to do, when to do it, and how to do it right before you step on set, not while you’re on it.
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