Behind the scenes: How Pheasant Keeps Your Crew Fueled & Focused
If you’ve ever been on a set, you know that production days are a marathon, not a sprint.
Early call times, high-stakes deadlines, and a hardworking crew that needs to stay sharp and energized from the first shot to the final wrap. It’s a demanding environment, and the last thing anyone wants is bland food or delays. That’s where Pheasant steps in—because well-fed crews are productive crews, and great food keeps the creative juices flowing.
Whether it’s a fast-paced editorial shoot, a commercial production, or a multi-day film set, Pheasant specializes in on-set catering that blends efficiency, flexibility, and seriously good eats. We’ve catered everything from sunrise fashion shoots to all-day film sets, offering menus that hit the right balance of fresh, hearty, and healthy—while always being on time.
Here’s how we make on-set catering seamless, stylish, and stress-free:
Pre-Production Planning: The Blue Print for Success
Every great production starts with a solid plan, and catering is no exception. In pre-production, we team up with your crew to map out all the details—call times, shoot schedules, locations, headcounts, and of course, dietary restrictions. Whether your team is gluten-free, vegan, keto, or a mix of it all, we curate menus that everyone can get excited about.
Logistics are everything when it comes to on-set catering. We plan around tight schedules and ever-changing timelines, ensuring food arrives fresh and hot (or chilled, if that’s the move) exactly when and where it’s needed. We also consider location quirks—whether you’re in a Brooklyn loft, a rooftop in SoHo, or a studio deep in Queens, we’ve got the routes and timing down to a science.
Early Call Time? We’re There First-
On the day of the shoot, our team arrives early, fully prepped and ready to go. We know how important it is to have coffee brewing, breakfast ready, and everything set up before the first crew member even arrives on set. From hearty breakfast spreads to clean, protein-packed options and lighter bites, we cover it all.
Depending on you setup, we can prep on-site for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience or bring fully packed meals straight from our kitchen—perfect for fast-moving shoots or outdoor locations. We’re also ready to adjust on the fly because we know that no production ever really sticks to the original plan.
Serving the Crew: Fast, Friendly & Flexible-
Here’s the thing about production days—things move fast, and schedules change constantly. Our team is trained to serve quickly and smoothly, ensuring the entire crew is fed without disrupting the flow of the shoot. We manage meal breaks, set up efficient serving lines, and make sure there’s always enough food to go around (because the last thing anyone needs is a hangry grip or a caffeine-deprived DP).
Need individually boxed meals for a dietary-required shoot? We’ve got that. Want buffet-style service for bigger teams? Done. We’re all about flexibility, making sure every dietary need is covered and no one is left out.
Don’t Forget the Crafty-
We know snacks matter. That’s why we offer fully stocked craft services for those long hours in between meals. Think fresh fruit, energy bars, trail mix, sweet treats, and a steady flow of coffee, tea, and cold drinks. Because staying fueled isn’t just about the main meals—it’s about keeping everyone’s energy up all day long.
Need something special? We can set up a full coffee station, fresh juice station, or even late-night bites for those after-dark shoots.
Wrap, Clean, Repeat-
Once the final shot is in the can, we don’t just pack up and leave. We handle all the cleanup—pack away leftovers, sanitize the space, and leave the set exactly as we found it (sometimes cleaner). Leftovers can be packaged for the crew or donated when possible, because we’re all about sustainability and reducing food waste.
We also take care of any rentals, pack up equipment, and make sure everything is squared away before heading out. From ceramics to bamboo- It’s catering without the chaos.
Why Choose Pheasant for On-Set Catering in NYC?
Local, Seasonal Menus – Because fresh food tastes better.
Dietary-Inclusive Options – Gluten-free, vegan, keto, dairy-free—you name it.
Flexible Scheduling – We work around your timeline, not the other way around.
Sustainable Practices – Compostables, local sourcing, and reduced food waste.
Flawless Execution – We know timing is everything on set, and we’re never late.
Let’s Feed Your Crew Right.
Whether you’re shooting a high-fashion editorial, a major commercial, or a small indie project, Pheasant NYC has the on-set catering expertise to keep your crew happy, fueled, and ready to work. We handle the food so you can focus on the shot list.