Director
Creative or operational relevance to directing
A meal taken during work instead of a break — under union rules, usually only allowed with crew consent and not as a substitute for the regular meal break.
With a Walking Meal, food is brought to the set and eaten during work without interrupting the shoot. It appears pragmatic but is the most sensitive point of catering from a labor law perspective.
Why it is regulated
Because a meal during work is not a break. Collective bargaining agreements therefore only permit this within narrow limits — with consent, for an individual case, and without the regular break being considered taken.
When it actually makes sense
- When a shot cannot be interrupted — a burning set, an ongoing effect, daylight that is about to disappear.
- When a break would destroy continuity, for example with elaborate makeup or wet costumes.
What it is not: a means to save the shooting schedule. If it becomes a habit, the problem lies with the schedule, not the meal.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Importance in production planning and execution
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Production · Logistik
Breakfast / Walking Breakfast
First meal provided to crew at the start of a production day – typically light fare…
Production · Terms
NDB / Non-Deductible Breakfast / Walking Breakfast / Craft Service Breakfast
Production · Terms
Walk Away
Production · Catering
Walking Lunch / Walk-Away Lunch / Grab-and-Go
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Laufendes Mittagessen"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?