Finding the Best Location Catering for Your Needs

Successful TV or film production is all about finding the right cast, perfect locations, a skilled crew and – just as important – the right location caterers for your shoot. A crew works long hours, often in difficult conditions; having great food to look forward to can make a massive difference to energy levels, morale, and the quality of the product. TV and film catering is a key component in the creative process.

TV and Film Catering Companies – Which One’s Right For You?

One thing the team at Rose Catering knows for sure, after 30 years’ experience, is that every TV and film catering job is unique. From the location to the size of the crew, to the weather and the dietary requirements, we treat each project like an intricate puzzle that needs to be reassembled for each new client.

If you’re seeking to book location catering for a shoot, you need to know that the company you choose is capable of managing the task. We’ve compiled 5 questions that will help you to determine whether or not a caterer is right for you.

Question 1: What’s The Lead Time For Booking?

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding your perfect caterer, only then to discover they’re not available when you need them. All film and TV catering companies fluctuate in terms of availability, so mention the dates you’re looking for right at the start.

It’s also worth checking if there’s a minimum lead time for bookings. Caterers with a fleet of vehicles will turn around a request faster than those that provide a smaller, more niche service.

Question 2: Do You Specialise in TV and Film Catering?

It’s worth asking this because sometimes caterers will include TV and film in their listings, without having worked extensively on location shoots. The rhythm of a shoot requires specialist equipment and skilled catering staff. It demands flexibility, adaptability to schedule changes, and a proactive team who’ll radiate cheerfulness. These skills develop over time and are highly prized by crews when they find them.

Question 3: Can You Adapt to a Range of Dietary Requirements?

Offering a great menu for film and TV location catering is no longer just about tasty, nutritious food. Rose Catering asks for dietary requests in advance, so our trained team can provide low carb, gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian, or high protein options as appropriate.

Our menus are designed to nutritionally sustain and delight the taste buds of the crew we’re serving. Each day we provide different ‘specials’ to vary the service, and we maintain a balance between hot, freshly cooked food and buffet items.

Question 4: Do You Offer Full Service?

A specialist TV and film catering company will have vehicles that have been designed specifically for location catering. These will be perfectly maintained in order to guarantee an excellent catering experience whatever your location.

We are able to create the conditions whereby our chefs and service staff can provide the best possible service from breakfast onwards. We also have a hot boxing service where food is transported – piping hot – to your location without the crew having to stop and return to base.

Question 5: Do You Have Testimonials?

The best way to check out the quality of food and service offered by a location catering company, is to take a look at their credit list and testimonials. This allows you to see the kind of projects they cater to, the quality of the food they offer, and the way staff interact with clients when they’re working.

“Thank you to your fab team, they were all excellent as I knew they would be and again, the crew have been so, so, so happy with the food which is so important.” Production Manager

We Love What We Do!

Location catering can be challenging – so we wouldn’t choose to do this work if we didn’t love the people, the ethos, and the environment it offers. On set catering has a key part to play in the production process. Rose Catering contributes a team of professionals who consistently deliver great food, fuel for long days, and unwavering good humour.

Rose Catering is taking bookings for TV and film catering now and into the New Year. To make a booking or enquiry, call us today on 01869 345204, or contact us online.