# Lunch break Source: https://storiara.com/glossary/lunch-break Last updated: 2026-09-14 Author: Spencer Kaufman, Storiara > The lunch break is the first meal period of a shooting day, whatever the clock time. Under SAG-AFTRA's theatrical rules and California's wage order for the motion picture industry, it must start within six hours of call and last at least 30 minutes. If it comes late, the production owes meal penalties. ## 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](https://storiara.com/tools/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](https://storiara.com/glossary/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](https://storiara.com/blog/meal-penalties-explained) has more on how each union counts them, and [second meal](https://storiara.com/glossary/second-meal) picks up where this one leaves off. ## Frequently asked questions ### When is lunch due on a film set? Within six hours of call for most union and California crews, and within six hours of the end of a non-deductible breakfast if one is given. A 7:00A call means lunch starts by 1:00P. ### Why is lunch called lunch on a night shoot? Because it's the first meal period, not a clock time. On a 6:00P call, "lunch" might be at midnight. ### What's the difference between a walkaway lunch and last man lunch? A walkaway lunch is usually an hour where everyone is released when meal is called. A last man lunch is 30 minutes that starts when the last crew member gets through the catering line. Which one a show uses depends on the contract and production policy. ## Sources - [SAG-AFTRA: How do Theatrical meal periods work?](https://servicesagaftra.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/999/~/how-do-theatrical-meal-periods-work%3F) - [California DIR Labor Commissioner FAQ: Meal periods](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_MealPeriods.htm) - [IATSE Local 80 FAQ](https://www.iatselocal80.org/our-faqs/faq-frequently-asked-questions/)