SCWD, SWD & CWD: Which Day Type Applies to Your Shoot?
Not all crew days are calculated the same way. On UK film and TV productions, your day is usually classified as one of three types: SWD (Standard Working Day), SCWD (Semi-Continuous Working Day), or CWD (Continuous Working Day). The contracted hours and break rules differ between HETV drama and qualifying MMP, and the day type changes your overtime trigger and meal-penalty rules.
The three day types at a glance
SWD: Standard Working Day
The SWD is the baseline day type. You work a set number of hours with an unpaid meal break in addition to those worked hours.
- Qualifying MMP: typically 11 hours worked + 1 hour unpaid lunch (12 hours on site)
- HETV Drama: typically 10 hours worked + 1 hour unpaid lunch (11 hours on site)
- Overtime starts after the contracted worked hours (plus any additional contracted hour your department has)
- Meal penalty rules can apply if the break is late, shortened, or missed
SCWD: Semi-Continuous Working Day
The SCWD is a shorter day with a shorter unpaid lunch. It is used when the schedule is tighter but you still get a formal break.
- Qualifying MMP: typically 10.5 hours worked + 30 minutes unpaid lunch
- HETV Drama: typically 9.5 hours worked + 30 minutes unpaid lunch
- Overtime starts after the contracted worked hours
- Meal penalty rules can apply if the break is late, shortened, or missed
CWD: Continuous Working Day
A CWD means you work straight through with no formal meal break. This is common on location shoots or fast-turnaround days. Because you do not get a break, the overtime threshold is usually lower.
- Qualifying MMP: typically 10 continuous hours
- HETV Drama: typically 9 continuous hours
- Overtime starts after the continuous period
- Different break provisions apply (often a running buffet)
Summary table
| Day Type | Qualifying MMP | HETV Drama |
|---|---|---|
| SWD | 11h worked + 1h unpaid lunch | 10h worked + 1h unpaid lunch |
| SCWD | 10.5h worked + 0.5h unpaid lunch | 9.5h worked + 0.5h unpaid lunch |
| CWD | 10h continuous | 9h continuous |
These are typical agreement patterns. Your deal memo or department schedule can differ. Qualifying MMP means productions covered by that agreement (£30m+ budget, or qualifying one-off SVOD), not every cinema job.
Why the day type matters
On a CWD, your overtime threshold is usually lower, so overtime can start sooner. You also do not get a formal meal break, so meal-penalty rules differ. On an SWD or SCWD, you work longer before overtime, and meal-penalty rules can apply if the break is late or missed.
Hours also differ between qualifying MMP and HETV. A day that is standard on one agreement may already be into overtime on the other. Always check your specific deal.
How production tells you
Production should announce the day type on the call sheet or at the briefing. If they do not, ask the 1st AD or your HoD. It should also be noted on your timesheet. Do not assume. The difference is real money.
What CineLog does
CineLog lets you select day type and agreement when you log. It then calculates overtime and meal prompts from the rate you enter under the supported rules for that selection.
- Choose SWD, SCWD or CWD when you start your day
- Select HETV or Feature Film / qualifying MMP-style agreement in the app
- Overtime calculated from the matching threshold
- Meal prompts flagged where they apply
- Weekly totals ready for you to check before invoicing
Log the right day type every time
CineLog uses your selected day type to calculate overtime and break rules. Confirm against your deal memo before you invoice.
Download CineLog