Call Time – Everything an Actor Should Know
Call Time – Everything an Actor Should Know
On a film set, everything functions like a precise clockwork mechanism. Each crew member has their tasks and schedule—and one of the most important elements of the shooting day is the so-called Call Time. For actors (and not only them), this is a key concept. Understanding what Call Time is, how to prepare for it, and how it affects the entire shooting day can determine the success of work on set.
What Is Call Time?
Call Time is the official time at which a given person must report to the film set ready to work. It can be in the morning, the middle of the night, or early afternoon—depending on the shooting schedule, location, and type of scene.
Contrary to appearances, Call Time does not mean the moment filming starts. It’s the moment when the actor must be present on-site—often to begin makeup, costume fitting, technical rehearsal, or acting rehearsals.
Why Is Call Time So Important?
A film set is a massive logistical operation—every late crew member causes delays, which can cost thousands of dollars. That’s why punctuality is one of the most important qualities of a professional actor.
Being late to Call Time may result in:
- rescheduling of the shooting plan,
- additional stress for the crew,
- a worse image in the eyes of the director and producers,
- and in extreme cases – losing the role.
What Does an Actor’s Day Look Like From Call Time?
- Arrival on set: the actor checks in at the meeting point.
- Makeup and costume: makeup and costume fitting begins.
- Briefing or rehearsals: the actor may participate in a scene rehearsal or talk with the director.
- Entry onto the shooting set: the actor stands in front of the camera, ready to perform.
The time between Call Time and the first take can range from 30 minutes to several hours—depending on the scale of the production.
How to Prepare for Call Time?
- Check the set location carefully and plan your route in advance.
- Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early—this is standard in the industry.
- Bring everything you might need: script, notes, water, healthy snacks.
- Be well-rested—shooting scenes can last the entire day.
Call Time for Other Crew Members
Call Time applies not only to actors. Sound engineers, camera operators, costume assistants, and lighting technicians also receive their start times. In large productions, several different schedules are created—for each group separately.
The Most Extreme Call Times in Film History
Some film productions have gone down in history due to their exceptionally early shooting start times. For example, on the set of “Mad Max: Fury Road,” actors often had to arrive at the desert location as early as 3:30 a.m. to make it in time for makeup and filming in natural light. In “The Lord of the Rings,” the makeup process for orcs took up to 5 hours—their Call Time was often set at 2:00 a.m.
What Happens When the Schedule Falls Behind?
Despite a meticulous schedule, delays on set are normal. Weather, technical problems, or unexpected script changes can affect the start time of shooting. A good practice is to always have something to read, listen to, or write down—to use the waiting time well. Professional actors stay calm, flexible, and ready to act as soon as they hear “camera – action!”
The Culture of Punctuality in the Film World
In the film industry, punctuality is seen as a sign of respect for others’ work. An actor who is regularly late for Call Time can quickly earn a bad reputation—and in this industry, reputation spreads fast. On the other hand—those who are always ready on time build the image of professionals and increase their chances for future roles.
Bonus Insight: The Role of the 2nd Assistant Director
The 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) is usually the one who creates the Call Sheets and distributes Call Times to the cast and crew. They are also responsible for making sure everyone is where they need to be, when they need to be there. Without their coordination, even the most organized production could descend into confusion.
Behind the Scenes: Call Time Coordination on Blockbusters
On large-scale productions like Marvel movies or Star Wars, Call Time coordination becomes a monumental task. Dozens of actors, hundreds of extras, makeup artists, stunt doubles, and crew members all have their own specific timelines. To ensure everyone is in sync, entire departments are dedicated to managing logistics down to the minute.
Want to learn more about behind-the-scenes work on a film set? Check out other articles on the EyeCushion blog—we reveal the secrets of cinema from the inside out!