You’re Fired
Shawn writes: Great “Goldilocks” blog entry and a fine job as always. How often is it that people get fired over such contradictions, especially for infractions like ordering too much food. (I mean, who doesn’t like leftovers?) In my experience, very few people actually get fired. That includes people who deserve to be fired. I […]
The Last PA
At the beginning of the show that I’m currently on, I wrote about the special role of the First PA – the first PA hired, the first PA to endear himself to the hearts and minds of the higher-ups. Now, as this show wraps up, I thought it wise to talk a little about the […]
Another Conversation I Have Nearly Every Day
This happens all the time. If this is you, please, do everyone a favor and stop it.
Does My Degree Matter?
Bumbling British Boy asks: Would a degree somewhat removed from the end product be detrimental or could I, as I hope, not-so-simply segue into the Production Designer pathway with some cunning career feng-sui? When I first got to the Overpriced Film School, I reacted with attitudes typical of any eighteen year old – petulance and […]
Try Harder
On my way to interview for my first job in Hollywood (as a PA, natch), I got a flat tire. I was just cruising along Ventura Blvd., listening to KROQ, thinking about how I finally had a chance to put my film schooling to good use, when BAM! Flat. You can imagine my consternation. I […]
New Job Postings
There are some new job opportunities on the TAPA Job Postings page. If you’re a coordinator, AD, or department head who’d like to post a job notice, just email me, anonymousproductionassistant at gmail dot com.
Waiting for Scripts
Sheila writes: I’m the third PA on [show]. When I started, it was great – I felt like I have a leg up by having a gig in the first place. Plus, we almost never shot nights, and I was only working about 10 hours a day. But… in the last few weeks, we started […]
Remember, Remember, the Ninth of November
What kind of job have you got? I know of no reason, Why the UTA Joblist…on Should ever be forgot.
Dream a Little Dream of… Production
Max writes: Do you ever get what I call PA dreams? What happens to me is that during weeks with particularly high levels of stress, I have reoccurring dreams in which I’m aware that it’s 3AM and yet also aware that my Coordinator or Production Manager wants me to get out of bed and bring […]
I Don’t Know Where I’m Going… Is That Okay?
L. writes: I’ve been PA’ing on sets for a while now and it’s gotten to the point where I have PM’s or producers asking me what area I want to PA in. Does it look bad if I’m not sure and just tell them wherever they need me? Or should I have a clear idea […]
Why Are You Terrible at Everything?
In response to yesterday’s announcement of a new UTA Joblist, Deran asked: I don’t see anything in this post besides the title…am I doing something wrong? Yes. You are doing many things wrong, most of which are beyond the scope of this blog. The link to the UTA Joblist is at the top of the […]
No iPhone, No Job
David writes: I’m fresh out of college, I’ve worked a few unpaid PA gigs here and there, but today I almost got a five day gig at Day Rate! The problem came when I was asked if I had a smart phone. I said I have a older cell phone, I have a GPS, and I have an […]