On-set faith resources
What changes on set when the film is Catholic.
A Catholic production runs on the same call sheets, the same unions and the same insurance as any other. What differs is who is on set, what is off limits, and what the crew is asked to treat with care. A priest may be there. A scene may show a Mass, and the Mass must not actually happen. The Host on the altar is unconsecrated and is still handled with respect. Children on set are protected by norms the Church has already written. And the finished film will be watched by Catholics who notice when the stole is on wrong. These four pages cover the questions that come up most, with the practical answer first and the reason underneath.
Finding a chaplain for your production
What a set chaplain does, where to look for one, what to put in writing, and how to brief the crew.
ReadBlessing a production
The rite the Church provides, a ten-minute order for the first day, and a prayer for a film crew.
ReadDepicting the sacraments on screen
The one rule that must never be broken, how to stage a convincing Mass or confession, and filming in a real church.
ReadContent standards for a Catholic-made film
A conscience guide for makers: sin, nudity, violence, language, clergy, children on set, and how CFDb will read the result.
ReadThese pages are practical guidance written for filmmakers. They are not official Church documents. Wherever a real decision depends on the answer, ask your pastor or the relevant diocesan office. For the paperwork side of a shoot, see Templates; for churches and schools that welcome crews, see Locations.