Personal Assistant Stuart Friedel
On today’s episode, you’ll actually get to hear the voice of Stuart Friedel, assistant to John August and producer of the podcast Scriptnotes. The job of a personal assistant is a multifarious thing. He assists (as you might imagine) John not just in writing, but also in the creation of apps and, of course, producing […]
On the Subject of Subect Lines
Yesterday’s post was on the topic of when to move on. Here’s the subject line from the original email: To Grow My Hair, Or Chop It Off And Start Fresh? Now, that’s a lovely metaphor and everything, but seriously, this does not tell me what the email is about. I actually thought she was asking […]
When To Move On
S. writes in: I started out as an intern last year on [redacted tabloid show]. Before my internship was over, I was offered a freelance Set PA position. The season ended in May, and I stayed on in the summer to work in the office. A few weeks ago, the EP asked me into her […]
Two Resumes
Scott writes in: The NBC Universal Careers twitter tweeted this link about the automated systems that scan resumes for keywords. I’ve applied to a lot of jobs through these horrible portals such as Brassring and I’ve never gotten a call back. This infographic is interesting, but whenever I see these types of tips I always […]
Post Production Coordinator Zach Moss
Today we hear from post production coordinator Zach Moss, who is recently off the first seasons of Red Widow and Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. He’ll tell us about stock footage, post production security, and the many uses of the back of the actors’ heads. (No, really!) The producer of today’s episode was Chris Henry, who […]
Awkward Conversation
An anonymous reader writes in: Recently, the 2nd AD kinda said something inappropriate and made me feel uncomfortable. I kinda just told him I wasn’t comfortable with what he said, and we moved on. So I thought. After that incident, I haven’t really heard anything from him as far as work was concerned. When I […]
When You Don’t Know Their Name
Steph writes in: I am in the process of sending over my cover letter and resume to an open crew call for a new series. I am putting my name forth to be a Set PA. My issue right now is that I am unable to verify if the AD or 2nd AD that worked […]
Assistant Production Coordinator Jasmine Barceló
Today’s guest is someone most of my readers would like to meet– an assistant production coordinator. Jasmine Barceló started out as a PA on Dexter, just like you or me, and has worked her way up to a position of authority. (At least, as far as PAs are concerned.) If you’re the kind of person […]
What’s a Base Camp PA?
Justin writes in: Recently I was on a passion project as a PA with a very knowledgable 2nd AD. I told him I was interested in being an office PA, and he showed me paperwork that office PAs have to work with, like something called an “[glossary]exhibit G[/glossary]” and getting out times and such. He […]
Twelve Hours Not Guaranteed
In the last year or so, I’ve noticed a trend among the bigger studios– no 12 hour guarantee for production assistants. Technically, the law took effect on January 1st, 2013, but not every studio has pressed the issue. Others, like Warner Brothers, have realized that they can save money by not guaranteeing a twelve hour […]
Cinematographer Joaquin Sedillo
You guys, Joaquin Sedillo shot Veronica Mars (the series, not the movie). Do I really need to say anything else? Oh, he’s the director of photography on Glee. So, he’s pretty much awesome. Listen in on a great conversation that covers the beauty of Kristen Bell, making marriage work between entertainment industry professionals, and brewing […]
Gun Safety
This is a story from a few years ago, back when I was a set PA on shitty indie movies. And by “indie,” I really mean “Skinemax.”{{1}} The movie was described as an “erotic action thriller.” It was about a team of women who were spies by night, and strippers by… other nights? I’m not […]