Catering problems are one of the main preventable reasons for production delays, which cost the UK film and TV industry millions of pounds every year.

Productions that run smoothly often rely on mobile catering teams who understand the unique pressures of film and TV work. General event caterers may seem suitable, but they often struggle with the demands of a production set.

Knowing why film and TV catering needs more than regular mobile food service can be the difference between a smooth production and constant problems.

The Unique Demands of Production Catering

Film and TV catering is very different from regular event catering. Productions often shoot in places where ordinary caterers cannot work, like abandoned buildings, remote countryside, industrial sites or closed city streets. These locations may ban large vehicles, need special permits, or require strict arrival times that disrupt normal catering routines.

Even more challenging than difficult locations is the constant unpredictability. That 6 AM breakfast might shift to 4 AM because the weather changed overnight, or lunch planned for 1 PM could be moved to 3:30 PM because a complex scene required multiple takes. Meanwhile, crew sizes fluctuate wildly; Monday’s 30 people become Thursday’s 120 when extras and additional technical crew arrive.

This unpredictability extends to power availability: some locations offer generator access, while others require fully self-sufficient operations.

Weather makes everything harder, too. Productions keep filming no matter the weather, so mobile catering must work in heavy rain, freezing cold and extreme heat while still keeping food safe. This is where Bear’s Street Food’s professional flame-grilled and wood-fired cooking is essential – they generate enough heat to function effectively when standard mobile equipment fails, and they produce the substantial, energy-sustaining food that crews desperately need.

Nutritional needs are much higher than at regular events. With call times as early as 4 AM, breakfast is vital for energy during morning shoots. Lunch is often the only big meal during long days, and evening meals are important for late or night shoots. Crews need food that is both satisfying and gives lasting energy, not just something to fill up on.

All these challenges happen while working under tight budgets. Crew welfare is always a priority, but production managers also need clear pricing that covers everything, including equipment, staff, location access, extra hours and weather plans, all within the agreed daily rate. Traditional catering often adds surprise charges, but mobile catering can avoid this by offering complete service for one price.

On top of these challenges, there are strict professional requirements. Production insurance needs proof of food safety, staff qualifications and equipment certifications. Fire safety is especially important near expensive gear or in historic locations. Good communication is also key, with constant coordination needed with assistant directors and location managers who make decisions that affect catering all day.

The Value of Professional TV & Film Catering Solutions

Production catering requires skills that regular mobile catering does not. Knowing how productions work, handling location and safety challenges, and understanding the industry all require special knowledge, not just general event catering experience.

Bear’s Street Food provides specialised TV and film catering with the equipment adaptability, weather resilience and professional standards that productions demand. Our flame-grilled and wood-fired capabilities function reliably in challenging locations while producing food that sustains crews through demanding sixteen-hour days.

When your production needs professional catering that handles location changes, weather challenges and schedule modifications without missing a beat, specialised expertise makes all the difference.

Call us 07947 707223 or contact us here for a simple chat about good food and professional service.