A call sheet template structures the information your cast and crew need for each shoot day. Using a consistent template ensures nothing is forgotten and everyone knows where to find critical information.
Anatomy of a Call Sheet
Section 1: Header Bar
The top of every call sheet contains at-a-glance information:
- Production title and production company
- Date and shoot day number (Day 3 of 12)
- Director and producer names
- 1st AD name and phone
- General crew call (the default arrival time)
- Sunrise/Sunset times
Section 2: Weather
For shoots with exterior scenes:
- Temperature range (high/low)
- Precipitation chance
- Wind speed
- Humidity
- Cloud cover
This helps crew dress appropriately and alerts the 1st AD to potential weather holds.
Section 3: Shooting Schedule
A table listing scenes in shooting order:
| Scene | I/E | Description | Cast | Pages | Est. Time | |-------|-----|-------------|------|-------|-----------| | 14 | INT | Sarah confronts Mark | 1, 3 | 2/8 | 45 min | | 15 | INT | Sarah alone, aftermath | 1 | 1/8 | 20 min | | 22 | EXT | Mark leaves building | 3 | 1/8 | 15 min |
Page counts in eighths. Cast referenced by number (defined in the cast section).
Section 4: Cast
Every speaking role working that day:
| # | Character | Actor | Call | MU/WD | On Set | |---|-----------|-------|------|-------|--------| | 1 | Sarah | Jane Doe | 6:00A | 6:00A | 7:30A | | 3 | Mark | John Smith | 8:00A | 8:00A | 9:00A |
- Call — when they arrive
- MU/WD — when makeup/wardrobe begins
- On Set — when they should be camera-ready
Section 5: Background / Extras
If applicable: number of extras, type (office workers, restaurant patrons), call time, wardrobe notes.
Section 6: Location Information
- Location name and full address
- Parking instructions and map link
- Base camp / holding area
- Nearest hospital address and phone
- Special instructions (gate codes, loading dock access)
Section 7: Department Notes
Space for department-specific information:
- Camera: B-cam needed for Scene 22, Steadicam for Scene 14
- Art: Set change between Scenes 14 and 22 — 30 min turnaround
- Wardrobe: Costume change for Cast #1 between Scenes 14 and 15
- Stunts: None today
Section 8: Advance Schedule
Brief note about tomorrow:
- Location
- General call time
- Key scenes
This helps crew plan ahead.
Distribution Best Practices
- Send by 6-8 PM the night before
- Use PDF format — it looks the same on every device
- Include the 1st AD''s phone number for questions
- Label revised call sheets clearly: "REVISED CALL SHEET — [timestamp]"
- Keep a printed stack at base camp for anyone who needs a hard copy
Template Formatting Tips
- Use bold for section headers and critical info (call times, addresses)
- Use a consistent font — nothing fancy; readability is the goal
- Include production logos if available (professional polish)
- Keep it to 1-2 pages — brevity respects your crew''s time
Generate call sheets from your production data in Seikan — scenes, cast, and crew auto-populate from your project. Free to start.