Cinematographer
Run-of-Show-Verträge geben mir Planungssicherheit. Ich bin für die gesamte Produktion gebucht, auch wenn es Tage gibt, an denen ich nicht direkt am Set bin – ideal für Vorbereitung und Tests.
Employment contract covering the entire duration of a film production from start to wrap – guarantees continuous work and pay throughout the production period regardless of actual daily call status, providing job security for key crew members and talent.
What is Run of Show?
Run of Show (ROS) refers to employment for the entire duration of the production – from the start of prep to wrap. Unlike day players or weekly bookings, ROS guarantees continuous payment regardless of daily call times.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Overall production contract |
| Duration | Prep to Wrap |
| Payment | Continuous |
| Security | Guaranteed employment |
Contract Types Compared
| Type | Duration | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Run of Show | Entire Production | Continuous |
| Weekly | Weekly | Per Week |
| Day Player | Daily | Per Day |
| On-Call | As Needed | When Called |
Typical ROS Positions
| Department | Positions |
|---|---|
| Camera | DP, 1st AC |
| Directing | Director, AD |
| Production | UPM, Coordinator |
| Art Department | Production Designer |
Contract Terms
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Start Date | First day of work |
| End Date | Wrap date |
| Rate | Weekly/Flat |
| Hours | Base expectation |
Payment
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Flat Rate | Lump sum for total time |
| Weekly Rate | Per week |
| Overtime | As agreed |
| Holidays | Usually paid |
Benefits for Crew
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Security | Guaranteed work |
| Planning | Known duration |
| Relationship | Team building |
| Income | Stable |
Benefits for Production
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Availability | Crew always ready |
| Continuity | No re-training |
| Commitment | Dedicated team |
| Flexibility | Schedule changes |
Off-Days
| Aspect | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Definition | Days without a call |
| Payment | Yes, for ROS |
| Availability | Expected |
| Notice | Prior notification |
Hold Days
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Readiness without engagement |
| ROS Relevance | Automatically covered |
| Day Player | Often unpaid |
| Expectation | Available on short notice |
Exclusivity
| Clause | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exclusive | No other work |
| First Call | Priority for production |
| Permission | For side projects |
| Typical | For key crew |
Contract Extension
| Scenario | Handling |
|---|---|
| Overruns | Additional weeks |
| Reshoots | New agreement |
| Extension | Contract adjustment |
| Negotiation | Rate review |
Termination
| Aspect | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Production | With severance |
| Crew | Depending on contract |
| Force Majeure | Special rules |
| Notice Period | Agreed upon |
Budget Implications
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Fixed Cost | Predictable |
| Higher Total | Than day players |
| Stability | No rate fluctuation |
| Insurance | Often simpler |
Day Player Integration
| Aspect | Practice |
|---|---|
| Specialty | For specific scenes |
| Peak Days | Additional personnel |
| Cost Saving | Where ROS is not needed |
| Coordination | With ROS crew |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Clear Contract | Define expectations |
| Rate Negotiation | Fair for both sides |
| Communication | About schedule changes |
| Documentation | Sign Deal Memo |
Today
Run-of-show contracts remain standard for key positions in film and television productions. The balance between ROS crew for continuity and day players for flexibility is a crucial part of production planning. In the streaming era with extended production periods, job security through ROS contracts is gaining importance.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Run-of-Show-Crew bedeutet Kontinuität. Meine Kernmannschaft ist vom ersten Vorbereitungstag bis zum Wrap verfügbar, was die kreative Zusammenarbeit erheblich verbessert.
Producer
Run-of-Show-Verträge sichern Schlüsselpersonal. Die höheren Kosten im Vergleich zu Day-Player-Buchungen werden durch Zuverlässigkeit und reduzierte Einarbeitungszeit ausgeglichen.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Run of Show / Gesamtproduktionsvertrag / Durchgehende Beschäftigung"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?