Drehtag

Drehtag is a German term used in the film, video, and photography industries to denote a single day of filming. The term comes from the root Dreh- meaning to shoot or film, and Tag meaning day. It is distinct from the numeral Drei; despite its appearance, it does not mean three days.

Usage: In production planning, a Drehtag is a unit used for scheduling, budgeting, and assigning crew and equipment. A production may consist of several Drehtage; the total number of Drehtage equals the shooting period. Agencies often publish a standard Drehtag rate, which can include the camera crew, lighting, equipment, and basic production services; rates vary by country and production level.

Planning and day composition: A typical Drehtag includes setup, lighting and camera work, rehearsals or blocking, multiple takes, and wrap time. Location fees, talent costs, and post-production considerations may be allocated separately.

Relation to other terms: The plural Drehtage is commonly used to describe multiple shooting days. Related terms include Drehbuch (script), Drehort (shooting location), and Produktion (production).

Usage outside film: The term is also used in commercial photography, fashion shoots, and advertising campaigns to refer to a single day of on-location or studio shooting.

Examples: A production may schedule six Drehtage for a feature, or three Drehtage for a photo campaign.