The call sheet test: a crew CV that gets read

A call sheet tells a whole unit where to be and when, on one page. Your film crew CV should do the same job for you. Call it the call sheet test: can someone who has never met you tell, in 30 seconds, what you do, what you have done and whether you can do it on their shoot?

This is part 2 of our crew series. Part 1 covered portfolio photos. The short version: your name, role and department at the top, a credit list newest first, three things you are known for, and references who answer the phone. One page, two at most.

What a production manager scans for

• Your role, in call sheet words. “Gaffer” or “Boom operator”, not “lighting enthusiast”.
• The kind of work. Features, series, commercials, music videos or live events.
• Who you worked under. The head of department or DOP is often the first call about you.
• How recent it is. A strong credit from years ago and nothing since raises a question.
• Where you are, and what you bring. Your base, transport, willingness to travel and kit.

The credit list

An example layout for a boom operator:

On your CV, add the title. List newest first, give the type and size of each production, and show promotions. Group dailies and commercials into one line, and name brands only if your contract allows it.

Six rules for a crew CV

1. Open with a one-line headline. “Gaffer. Johannesburg. Features, series and commercials. Own lighting truck.”
2. Be exact about your role. The head of department you worked under will be called, so do not inflate it.
3. Name three things you are known for. Make them specific: “Car rigs on location”, “Fast resets on daily drama”.
4. List tickets that are real and current. Driving licence code, first aid, working at heights, drone licence.
5. Save it as a PDF with a clear name. “Name-Surname-Gaffer-CV-2026.pdf”, not “CV final v3.pdf”.
6. Update it after every job, while you still remember who the sound mixer was.

References

In crew hiring, a reference is often the deciding call. Choose two or three people who saw you work recently, ask them first, and tell them which job you are up for. Keep their numbers off public pages and share them only when a production asks.

If you work as a business

Solo operators who list as a business can replace the CV with three short lists: clients supplied (with their permission), kit owned, and services offered with the area you cover. Part 3 of this series covers this in detail.

Match it to your profile

Your CV and your reCREWt crew profile should say the same thing: the same role, departments, years of experience, equipment and travel. A production manager who sees both will trust both.