ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXShort Film Catering Service - Thoughts?
8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton
Hi All,
Just wanted to get some opinions on what I think is a niche that is perhaps missing from those of us in the short/low budget game!
I've always done catering for my own shoots, and done a pretty good job (so I'm told!)
Would people be interested in using a bespoke (yet affordable!) catering service, designed to suit those of us that can't afford to shell out for portable kitchens and chefs!
Let me know your thoughts guys, and if you're interested, I'm London/Southampton based so just drop me a line to know more!
Dom
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8 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
It's a great idea - there's never a project that doesn't need catering! What kind of menus and deals are you thinking of?
I'd suggest hotboxing if you don't have your own catering truck, and maybe not getting involved in craft stations as that'll require you to be there all day and take grief
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton
In terms of menus and deals it's all pretty customisable, at the end of the day it's about making things convenient for production, and the last production I provided this for, they ended up saving a considerable amount of money!
Thanks for the tips on craft though, duly noted as it was another thing I was thinking of doing! ;)
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
@Dominic Bolton heh heh - running a craft table is just a big distraction. Either employ someone to do it, or let the production tidy up their own mess ;-)
To get traction though, think in terms of actually coming up with some price/menu options. As-is for instance I'd have nothing to gauge where to mentally fit you on my scale of 'film catering deals'. Come up with some sample menues and prices (be very clear what's included and excluded, including waste management, etc). I've done catering management on gigs where we've done 17000 covers before, so I know how useful it is to at least open discussions with a menu and price!
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Mark Wiggins
Anything except microwaved meals and pizzas! :)
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Mark Wiggins SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton
My thoughts exactly!
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Zoe Cunningham
Hi Dominic. I'm definitely interested! It's a great idea. Like Paddy said, it would be good to get an idea of prices and menus. Thanks Zoe
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Zoe Cunningham SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton
Okay so seeing as you all want to know prices..
I can currently offer meals in a scale of price brackets from £1.50 per head through to £4.50. On top of this there are extra charges for consumables & delivery as well as optional extras such as disposable cutlery, tea & coffee and disposable cups.
To put that in to perspective, the last job I did was for 150 covers across 3 days, which came at a total cost of £525. Equating roughly to £3.50 per head.
If anyone would like to see a menu then drop me an email at dominic.bolton@live.com :)
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Glyn Carter
Last year I discovered the irony that catering was the single biggest headache around planning a shoot (followed by accommodation and transport!). Different locations, different diets, different was of saving money... and it still cost more than the prices you're mentioning. Please make sure you factor in living wage for you and your staff though.
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Glyn Carter SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton
I can assure you that I am paying myself living wage, and also that should I get to a position where I require additional staff that they will be payed London living wage as well! I've worked on enough shoots as a runner being payed just about enough to get the tube home to know the importance of paying people a living wage! :)
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Dominic Bolton SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Adam Ethan Crow
Send info, might be able to use you on an 18 day shoot we have comeing up. adam.crow@dittofilms.com
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Adam Ethan Crow SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - sabina jay
Hi Dominic it is always good to have some one on hand to take care of catering even on features where there are not many cast or crew pls send info to Shobina.j@btinternet.com re which areas you travel to etc
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - sabina jay SHOW