Weather Holds: How They Work

Weather Holds are a regular part of working in Aotearoa, where conditions can shift quickly and schedules often depend on the weather. Despite this, they remain one of the most misunderstood booking types.

This guide outlines how Weather Holds work under the Blue Book, and when they become a paid day.

What is a Weather Hold?

A Weather Hold is a pencil booking.

It means you are required to hold the day available in case weather affects the shoot, but the booking is not yet confirmed.

Confirm or Release

If the Crew Member receives a confirm or release request from another production for the same day:

• The original Production must decide whether to confirm or release the Weather Hold
• This follows standard pencil booking rules
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If this request is made within 48 hours of the estimated crew call, the Production must respond immediately.

The 12-Hour Rule

The Production Company must confirm or release the Weather Hold at least 12 hours before the estimated crew call.

If You Are Not Released

If production does not release you within that 12-hour window, the booking becomes a paid day.

This applies even if the shoot does not go ahead due to weather.

What This Means for Crew

While on a Weather Hold:

• You are expected to remain available
• You may receive competing booking requests
• Production must respond within defined timeframes
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Your time is being held for the production.

The Key Rule

Weather Holds follow one clear rule:

Not released in time = paid day

Why It Matters

Weather changes quickly, but booking conditions do not. Understanding how Weather Holds work helps avoid confusion around availability and pay when plans shift.

For full details, refer to the Booking section of the Blue Book.

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