The rules the clock runs on
California's Labor Commissioner summarizes the motion picture wage order this way: employees may work no longer than six hours without a meal period of not less than 30 minutes nor more than one hour. SAG-AFTRA's theatrical rules for performers are similar: first meal within six hours of first call, at least 30 minutes, and the producer can deduct actual meal time up to one hour. Productions may give performers a 15-minute non-deductible meal within two hours of call to line them up with crew, and then the six hours runs from the end of that meal.
Crew contracts outside California and non-union deals can differ. Always check the agreement the show is signed to.
A worked example
Crew call 7:00A. Cast call for Maya is 6:30A for hair and makeup, with no NDB.
- Maya's lunch is due by 12:30P. Crew lunch is due by 1:00P.
- The 1st AD wants to finish the master before breaking, and calls lunch at 1:10P.
- Maya is 40 minutes late. Under SAG-AFTRA's theatrical penalties that's $25 for the first half hour and $35 for the second, $60 for Maya.
- Crew is 10 minutes late, which triggers a crew penalty under most agreements unless a grace period was properly called.
The 1st AD could have avoided Maya's penalty by giving her an NDB at 7:30A, pushing her six hours to 1:45P. Run numbers like these through the meal penalty calculator before the day, not after.
Walkaway versus last man
The Local 80 FAQ describes two common styles. With a 30-minute "last man" lunch, the clock starts when the last crew member gets their food, so the 1st AD calls "back in" 30 minutes after that. With a one-hour "walkaway," the clock starts as soon as lunch is called. The call sheet usually notes which one the show uses. The 2nd AD writes the actual in and out times on the daily production report, and for cast, on Exhibit G.
Mistakes that cost money
Calling "lunch" while the camera team is still wrapping a shot. Crew who are still working aren't on their meal period.
Letting craft services stand in for a meal. A snack table doesn't stop the clock.
Forgetting different call times. Cast called at 5:30A for prosthetics hit six hours long before the 7:00A crew does. The meal penalties guide has more on how each union counts them, and second meal picks up where this one leaves off.