Meal Penalty

Technical Details

The calculation follows the 6+1 principle: after 6 hours of work without a hot meal, the first hour is compensated with 25 Euros. From the 8th hour without food, an additional 25 Euros are added, and then for every subsequent hour. For DoPs in Category I, the rate increases to 35 Euros per hour. Time is measured from the call or the first work performance, not from the first camera run. Catering breaks of at least 30 minutes with a hot meal reset the counter.

History & Development

The meal penalty was introduced in 1975 with the first collective agreement for film professionals in Germany, then still at 5 DM per transgression. In 1989, it was adjusted to 15 DM, and in 2001, it was converted to 15 Euros. The current regulation of 25 Euros has been in effect since the 2019 tariff revision. The model was the American "Meal Penalties," which were already enforced in the 1930s by the IATSE to discipline producers.

Practical Application in Film

For elaborate scenes like the 18-minute Steadicam sequence in "Victoria" (2015), considerable meal penalties were incurred because regular breaks were not possible between takes. The 2nd Assistant Director keeps detailed logs of call times and meals. Night shoots or location changes frequently lead to unplanned transgressions. Productions therefore budget 3-5% of the crew budget for meal penalties. The psychological effect: directors often end scenes precisely before the 6-hour mark.

Comparison & Alternatives

The meal penalty differs from overtime pay because it is incurred independently of the total working hours. Unlike expenses, it is automatically due, not upon application. For television productions, different rates sometimes apply (ARD/ZDF: 20 Euros). Modern alternatives include craft service stations that are continuously available or flexible meal times with meal vouchers. American productions rely on "Walking Meals" – catering served on set without interrupting filming.