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 classified as one of three types: SWD (Standard Working Day), SCWD (Standard Crew Working Day), or CWD (Continuous Working Day). The hours differ between HETV drama and Feature Film, and the day type changes your break rules, your overtime trigger, and how your penalties are calculated.
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 a paid meal break included in that total.
- Feature Film: 11 hours + 1 hour paid rest (12 hours total on site)
- HETV Drama: 10 hours + 1 hour paid rest (11 hours total on site)
- Overtime starts after the standard hours
- Meal penalty applies if the break is late or missed
SCWD — Standard Crew Working Day
The SCWD is a shorter day that includes a shorter paid meal break. It is used when the schedule is tighter but you still get a formal break.
- Feature Film: 10.5 hours + 0.5 hour paid rest (11 hours total on site)
- HETV Drama: 9.5 hours + 0.5 hour paid rest (10 hours total on site)
- Overtime starts after the standard hours
- Meal penalty applies if the break is late or missed
CWD — Continuous Working Day
A CWD means you work straight through with no formal meal break. This is common on location shoots, fast-turnaround days, or when the schedule is tight. Because you do not get a break, the day is shorter before overtime kicks in.
- Feature Film: 10 continuous hours
- HETV Drama: 9 continuous hours
- Overtime starts after the continuous period
- Different break provisions apply — often a running buffet is provided
- Often used on location or fast-turnaround shoots
Summary table
| Day Type | Feature Film | HETV Drama |
|---|---|---|
| SWD | 11h + 1h paid rest | 10h + 1h paid rest |
| SCWD | 10.5h + 0.5h paid rest | 9.5h + 0.5h paid rest |
| CWD | 10h continuous | 9h continuous |
Why the day type matters
On a CWD, your overtime threshold is lower. That means you hit penalty rates sooner. But you also do not get a meal break, so there is no meal penalty to claim. On an SWD or SCWD, you work longer before overtime but can claim penalties if your break is late.
The hours also differ between Feature Film and HETV. A day that is standard on a Feature may already be into overtime on HETV. Always check your specific agreement.
If the day type is not stated, confirm it before logging your day.
How production tells you
Production should announce the day type at the call sheet or pre-shoot 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 your day type and agreement when you log. The app then applies the correct overtime threshold, break rules, and penalty calculations automatically.
- Choose SWD, SCWD or CWD when you start your day
- Select Feature Film or HETV agreement
- Overtime calculated from the correct threshold
- Meal penalties flagged only when they apply
- Running total updates in real time
Log the right day type every time
CineLog handles SWD, SCWD and CWD calculations automatically. No guesswork. No missed overtime.
Download CineLog