Glossary · Scheduling

Turnaround

Spencer KaufmanBy Spencer KaufmanSeptember 14, 2026

Definition

Turnaround is the rest period a cast or crew member must get between being dismissed from one work day and their call time for the next. Union agreements set the minimum, such as 12 hours for SAG-AFTRA theatrical performers in the studio zone, and cutting it short triggers a forced call penalty.

The minimums

GroupDaily restWeekly restSource
SAG-AFTRA theatrical performers (studio zone)12 hours from dismissal56 hours (54 if first call of new week is 6:00A or later); 36 on a six-day location weekSAG-AFTRA
IATSE Local 80 (grips)10 hours; 9 for distant hires; 8 for studio gang54 hours after five days; 32 after sixLocal 80 FAQ

SAG-AFTRA's location exceptions allow a 10-hour rest where exterior photography is required the day before and after (once every fourth consecutive day), and 11 hours on two non-consecutive days of a week on overnight locations. Low budget agreements, other IATSE locals, and non-union deal memos can set different numbers.

Working out the next call

The 2nd AD does this every night before the call sheet goes out. Maya is released at 8:40P after wardrobe. Add 12 hours: her earliest call tomorrow is 8:40A. Crew wrapped out at 9:15P. Add 10: earliest general crew call is 7:15A.

The makeup department wanted Maya in the chair at 6:30A for a 7:30A shooting call. She can't legally be called before 8:40A, so either the first scenes tomorrow get re-ordered to ones without her, or production pays a forced call. Run the numbers in the turnaround calculator when the day has multiple release times.

How it shapes the schedule

Turnaround is why late wraps ripple forward. A 13-hour day on Monday pushes Tuesday's call, which pushes Tuesday's wrap, and so on until the weekend. Night shoots are the extreme case. ADs plan the week's calls ahead so day exteriors don't lose their light, and they use split days to step toward nights.

Common mistakes

The frequent one is calculating from camera wrap instead of each person's actual out time. An actor who sits in makeup removal for 30 minutes after wrap has a later dismissal, and the 12 hours start there. The other is forgetting that different people have different rules: the crew might be fine at 7:00A while the lead actor isn't. There is a longer comparison in turnaround rules compared, and the 2nd AD tracks actual times on the Exhibit G.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours is turnaround for actors?

SAG-AFTRA theatrical performers get a 12-hour rest from dismissal to next call in the studio zone. On location it can be reduced to 10 hours when exterior work is required the day before and after, no more than once every fourth consecutive day, and there are other location exceptions.

What is turnaround for IATSE crew?

IATSE Local 80 lists a standard 10 hours between shifts, with 9 hours for distant hires and 8 for studio gang work. Other locals and agreements differ, so check yours.

Is turnaround measured from wrap or from when you leave?

For SAG-AFTRA performers, it runs from dismissal, which is when they're released (usually after wardrobe and makeup removal). For crew it's typically from the end of their paid time. The out time on the sign-in sheet or time card is what counts.

What is the weekend turnaround?

SAG-AFTRA gives performers a 56-hour weekly rest, reducible to 54 if Monday's call is 6:00A or later, and 36 hours on a six-day location week. IATSE Local 80 lists 54 hours after five days and 32 after six.

Sources

Related

Free tool

Turnaround Calculator: Earliest Legal Call After Wrap

Enter wrap time and a rest period (12 hours SAG-AFTRA, 10 or 9 hours IATSE, or your own) to get the earliest next call and whether tomorrow's call is short.

Guide

Turnaround Rules Compared: SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, DGA, and Minors

Turnaround rules side by side for actors, IATSE crew, DGA assistant directors, and minors, with weekend rest, penalties for short turnaround, and worked call times.

Glossary

Forced call

A forced call is when a cast or crew member is called back before their required rest period ends. Union contracts treat it as a violation with penalty pay.

Glossary

Call time

Call time is the time a specific person or department must report to work, listed on the call sheet. Cast, crew, and departments often have different calls.

Crew role

Second Assistant Director

The 2nd AD builds the call sheet, runs cast logistics, and writes the production report. Daily workflow, DGA minimums, and the routes onto the 2nd AD list.

Glossary

Abby Singer shot

The Abby Singer shot is the second-to-last shot of the day, named for AD Abby Singer, who announced it so crews could get ready to wrap or move sooner.

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Spencer Kaufman

Spencer Kaufman

Revenue & Strategy Lead, Storiara

Revenue and strategy expert growing Storiara's market presence and building partnerships with filmmakers and studios worldwide.