Film Accounting Glossary
Straight time
What is straight time?
Also called ST, or regular time.
Straight time is pay at the base hourly rate for hours worked within the daily and weekly thresholds set by the applicable union agreement or wage law, before any premium applies.
It is the reference point for every overtime multiple, so a budget's straight-time assumption drives its overtime exposure. Comparing straight-time hours against actual hours worked, day by day, is the fastest way to see whether a schedule is realistic.
Example
A 12-hour guaranteed day is straight time to hour 12. Comparing budgeted straight-time hours against actual hours worked, day by day, is the fastest test of whether a schedule was ever realistic.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
The reference point every overtime multiple is calculated from, set by the union agreement or wage law.
Common mistake
Assuming a guaranteed day means hours will land there. Comparing budgeted straight-time hours to actual hours worked is the fastest reality check on a schedule.
Related questions
- What is straight time on a film production?
- Pay at the base hourly rate for hours worked within the daily and weekly thresholds set by the union agreement or wage law, before any premium.
- How does straight time relate to overtime?
- Overtime is a multiple of it, so the straight-time assumption in a budget determines the overtime exposure that budget is carrying.