Craft Services

By definition, craft services on a film set centers around providing food for the crew of the movie -- the electricians, the sound people, the set set-er-uppers.

Apparently, however, it can, and frequently is far more than that. My recent conversation with someone in the trade indicates that the job title includes more than providing impressive spreads of food. Responsibilities also range from finding a specific type of electrical gadgetry to assuring the director's car has a full tank of gas to getting a star's dress mended. And, as is typical of service jobs, they are thankless -- and craft service people rarely get thanked. (But I'm betting they get lots of complaints!)

The job provides an immense amount of training with regards to focus on detail. Literally, no detail is too small. And the details must be attended to with speed, efficiency and no fuss. In short, the fix must be seamless and invisible.

Those who excel in this arena must be tolerant, have long (or no) fuses, be flexible and resourceful, and a sense of humor. This last is probably most important. The frustrations of dealing with endless requests, demands and complaints would try the patience of a saint. Being able to laugh about the situation -- even if not immediately! -- is crucial.