Porta Potty Requirements for Movie Sets & Film Productions

Film and television productions are unique clients for portable sanitation. Long shooting days, remote locations, union requirements, and the need for tiered amenities create specific demands that differ from construction or events. Whether you're a location manager, line producer, or production coordinator, understanding these requirements is essential.

This guide covers everything from union regulations to talent trailer restrooms and the logistics of multi-location shoots.

Industry Requirements

Union Regulations

Film productions often work under union contracts (SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Teamsters) that specify working conditions including restroom facilities:

Ratio requirements: Typically 1 toilet per 15-20 crew members
Proximity: Within reasonable walking distance of working areas
Cleanliness standards: Regular servicing during long shoot days
Talent provisions: Separate, upgraded facilities for cast
Climate considerations: Heated/cooled facilities may be required

OSHA Requirements

As a workplace, film sets must comply with OSHA sanitation standards:

Minimum 1 toilet for every 20 workers
Toilets must be in sanitary condition
Handwashing facilities required
Adequate toilet paper and soap

Production Reality

On a 100-person film set with a 14-hour shooting day, crew members will use restrooms approximately 400-500 times. Undersized or undersupplied facilities become a morale and productivity issue quickly.

Production-Specific Equipment

Crew Facilities

For the general crew (grips, electricians, PAs, etc.):

Deluxe units: Standard upgrade from basic porta potties
Flushable units: Better for long shooting days
Handwashing stations: Placed adjacent to restroom banks
Quantity: Plan for 1 unit per 15-20 crew members

Talent Trailers

Principal actors typically have private trailers with built-in restrooms, but supporting cast and background actors need facilities too:

Star trailers: Self-contained restrooms in personal trailers
Day player/guest star: Shared luxury trailer or premium units
Background/extras: Designated clean units, separate from crew
Holding areas: Additional units for extras holding

Restroom Trailers

Multi-stall mobile restrooms are popular on larger productions:

Climate controlled: Essential for extreme weather
Multiple stalls: Faster turnover
Running water: Real sinks for handwashing
Professional appearance: Matches the production quality
Cost: $500-1,500+ per day depending on size

Specialty Options

Shower trailers: For muddy locations, special effects, or overnight shoots
Hair & makeup adjacent: Clean facilities near HMUA trailers
ADA units: Required for accessibility compliance
High-rise/studio units: Compact options for space-constrained locations

Production Planning

Pre-Production Considerations

Scout restroom needs: Note existing facilities, distances, access during location scouts
Calculate crew size: Account for all departments plus background
Review union contracts: Check specific requirements for your production
Confirm location permissions: Some locations restrict where units can be placed
Budget accurately: Include delivery, daily rental, servicing, and pickup

Location Logistics

Film locations present unique challenges:

Remote locations: Ensure service trucks can reach the site
Permit restrictions: Some film permits specify sanitation requirements
Multiple units: Different zones for crew, talent, and background
Moving shoots: Consider units on wheels or daily relocations
Night shoots: Interior lighting essential

Multi-Location Productions

For productions that move between locations:

Leapfrog delivery: Units at tomorrow's location delivered today
Base camp units: Remain in one location throughout production
Set units: Move with the shooting unit
Coordinate timing: Ensure units arrive before call time

Service Scheduling

Long Shoot Days

12-14 hour shooting days (common in film) require:

Morning pre-call service: Clean units before crew arrival
Mid-day service: Pump and restock during lunch break
End-of-day service: Optional for overnight prep

Service Communication

Designate a single point of contact (usually locations department)
Provide call sheets with unit placements to service company
Have emergency contact for issues during shooting
Brief service drivers on set protocol (quiet on set, parking, access)

Set Placement Strategy

Base Camp

The production hub where trailers, catering, and crew facilities are located:

Main restroom bank near catering
Separate units near talent trailers if trailers lack restrooms
Handwashing stations at multiple points
Clear signage for different designations (crew, background, etc.)

Set/On Location

At the actual filming location:

Units within reasonable walk but not visible in shots
Consider sound - pumping shouldn't happen during takes
Accessible path that doesn't interfere with equipment
Lighting for night work

Holding Areas

For background actors waiting to be called:

Calculate for large numbers (sometimes 100+ extras)
Located within holding, not a long walk
Higher ratio: 1 unit per 50-75 people for shorter wait times

Budget Guidelines

Production Size	Typical Setup	Daily Cost Range
Small (20-40 crew)	3-4 deluxe units + handwashing	$200-400/day
Medium (50-100 crew)	6-8 units + restroom trailer	$600-1,200/day
Large (100+ crew + BG)	12-20 units + multiple trailers	$1,500-3,000+/day
Major production	Custom package	$3,000-10,000+/day

Additional costs to budget:

Extra servicing during 12-14 hour days: +$75-150/service
Relocation between locations: +$100-200/move
Rush delivery for schedule changes: +25-50%
Generator for trailer power: +$200-500/day

Working with Providers

Finding Production-Experienced Providers

Ask for film/TV production references
Confirm they understand call times and set protocol
Verify flexible scheduling for production changes
Check availability for extended hours and weekends
Confirm insurance meets production requirements

What to Communicate

Shooting schedule (call times, wrap times)
Base camp and set locations
Crew size and any background/extras days
Any location access restrictions or timing windows
Key contact in locations department
Invoice and accounting requirements

Production Sanitation Checklist

Pre-Production:

Calculate crew + background numbers for each shoot day
Review union contracts for requirements
Include sanitation in location scouts
Get quotes from providers with production experience
Confirm permit requirements
Budget for delivery, daily rental, servicing, pickup

Production:

Confirm delivery before first call time
Verify unit placement doesn't interfere with shots or sound
Schedule mid-day service during meal breaks
Assign PA to check supply levels periodically
Have emergency provider contact on hand
Communicate any schedule changes to provider

Wrap:

Schedule pickup after final wrap
Return any borrowed keys or access codes to provider
Report any damage or issues
Process final invoice through accounting