What does W (Work) mean?
W (Work) is a work status code used on call sheets and production reports to indicate that an actor is actively filming on a given day — and that it is neither their first nor their last day on the production. W is the most common status code for actors with multi-day roles. It appears between the SW (Start Work) and WF (Work Finish) designations in an actor’s run of dates on a project. Related work status codes include SW (Start Work), WF (Work Finish), SWF (Start Work Finish), and H (Hold).
Example:The lead actor’s status was listed as W on the call sheet for Tuesday — confirming she was in the middle of her run of filming days, with more shooting days still ahead before her final day on the production.
Example: The child actor’s schedule showed SW on Monday, W on Tuesday and Wednesday, and WF on Thursday — clearly mapping out his four-day arc on the episode and helping the production team plan studio teacher coverage accordingly.
Did you know?
The W status code may look simple, but it carries real financial weight. Under SAG-AFTRA agreements, each W day triggers the actor’s daily rate, any applicable overtime rules, and meal penalty protections. Productions track W days carefully because the total count directly affects the actor’s overall compensation and the production’s budget.
You can also find “W (Work)” and related terms in this category: Acting Jobs and Auditions.
