What Your Catering Says About Your Production Culture. Film Set Catering Isn’t Just Food — It’s a Signal of Culture

When the crew and cast critique the food and catering, it seems easy to brush it off.

But what’s on the plate often reflects what’s happening behind the scenes.

Through our analysis, we found that for 61% of cast & crew better experience starts with meeting dietary and health needs. That’s not a menu issue. That’s a message.

Because the inability to provide catering on time or food shortage often translates into:

“You’re not being thought of.”

“You don’t matter as much.”

“Your needs are an afterthought.”

And that message spreads. Across departments. Across days. Across productions.

According to Microclimate Theory of Leadership, everyday moments — such as catering, space, and how breaks are handled — form the emotional climate of a team. You can’t coach your way out of a culture that forgets basic needs.

If food is fuel, then catering is culture.

And when it’s consistent, inclusive, and thoughtful — people don’t just stay fed. They stay invested.

Save our free guide customised for each season in which you are filming, ensuring support for your cast and crew all year round.