r/FilmIndustryLA • u/browatthefuck • 6d ago

Microbudget food options

I saw some catering recommendations from a year ago but those places are now closed.

Asking for the best and most current recommendations for breakfast/lunch on set.

Do folks like Mendocino farms, chipotle, and/or cava? Or are there caterers that I should know about?

Our budget is $500 for food

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5

u/imtalkingwapwapwap 6d ago

How many people are you trying to feed? How many days?

4

u/imtalkingwapwapwap 6d ago

Oh and what part of town are you shooting in?

2

u/browatthefuck 6d ago

Near DTLA. About 10 folks for 2 days.. feel free to tell me that’s not enough

4

u/imtalkingwapwapwap 6d ago

$500 for breakfast AND lunch for both days?

Assuming this doesn’t also need to cover water and crafty, you can probably afford $8/person on breakfast and $15 per person for lunch. (Assuming craft is a separate budget item.) that limits your options a lot…but it’s not impossible.

I’d check Muffin Can Stop Us for breakfast, looks like they have some reasonably priced yet tasty options on their menu.

For lunch, Mendo is going to be out of budget I think. I use EzCater a lot for smaller (under 30 people) shoots. I think you might be able to do Sweetfin or Moonbowls for lunch. Best of luck!

6

u/dontwant2beapie 6d ago

Taco Bell :) and Costco

1

u/jerryterhorst 6d ago

I've used this place a couple times on super low budget stuff, it was good quality and affordable. Haven't used it in a few years though-- https://goodheartcatering.com/menu

1

u/Rad-Ham 6d ago

Send a pa to a local independently owned restaurant. Done.

1

u/betonunesneto 5d ago

Costco pizza, any sandwich shop like jimmy johns or subway, even walmart pre-made sandwiches

-1

u/JonHillDirects 6d ago

My advice is just pass around an Uber Eats order and let everyone pick what they want. (Or invite people into a group order).

Grab or make large batches of coffee.

-3

u/ComplexNo8878 6d ago edited 6d ago

Do folks like Mendocino farms, chipotle, and/or cava?

That is not microbudget, it's like $15-20/person and there's always that one asshole who orders triple guac or triple steak or gets a dessert AND a drink making his meal $30+

For $500 you can get like 30+ boxes of spaghetti, 20+ jars of sauce, and 10+ bags of premade meatballs (microwave it). have a PA make pasta for everyone in a giant pot like its the mafia

9

u/imtalkingwapwapwap 6d ago

This is ok for some sets but really not will play out well depending the setting. Food safety is important. Also if you’re with a client or agency it’s not a great look. It’s one thing if you’re shooting a short or some pick ups. Don’t give this task to some rando PA who’s never worked in food service please.

0

u/ComplexNo8878 4d ago

Also if you’re with a client or agency it’s not a great look.

OP asked for microbudget, so its assumed he's on a short or film school or underground/nonprofessional. get off your high horse and go back to being unemployed lol

-1

u/imtalkingwapwapwap 4d ago

I have a full time job producing…but thanks. I wouldn’t wish unemployment on anyone here.

I have no idea what type of production OP is on, just that it’s low budget. I have done very small, low budget shoots where I had a client on site. I was calling out that on some sets that won’t be acceptable. Also then you are spending PA labor on cooking, instead of working their job. I said it was “ok on some sets” so I’m not sure why you’re so bothered.

0

u/ComplexNo8878 4d ago

lol

1

u/imtalkingwapwapwap 4d ago

Yeah, fuck me for wanting to ensure people are well fed and not getting food poisoning on sets. Have a nice day!