Mail Boxes
Here’s a weird conversation I had recently. A teamster came in and asked to check his [glossary]start work[/glossary]. He wanted to make sure his paycheck was going to his P.O. box, rather than his home. Curious, I asked, “Why don’t you want it going to your house?” “The jerks won’t deliver to our house.” “Really? […]
Aiming for a Specific Company
Krithika writes in: I am based in India. At this point, I do not have a US work permit. But I really want to work with a few specific companies in the US, Shondaland being the top of the wishlist. How should I go about this? I have no more experience than previous TAPAs when […]
The Importance of Variety
No, not the magazine. I mean variety in food. As a PA, food will unfortunately take up quite a bit of your brainspace. It can be frustrating, because you didn’t go to film school to become a caterer, right? Often times, this means you’ll go into auto-pilot when it comes to crafty, second meal, or […]
Music Video Shoot
No post today, because I’m PAing on a music video for the first time today. I’m actually kind of excited. Anybody have any advice for me for once?
Working at a Rental Place
Sorry, no Crew Call episode today. We conducted an interview, but the recording got messed up.{{1}} Instead, here’s a regular ol’ blog post. Lana writes in: I currently work at a camera rental house and am constantly in communication with production coordinators on shows around town. I recently have been talking through email with a […]
Not Personable
What do if you’re not a “people person.”
No College Degree
Jen writes in: I’ve been a PA, Set Dresser, Costume Assistant, and Location Scout on films, commercials, and photo shoots. I’m thinking of moving to LA soon. My goal is to be a writer. I thought the best way to start, is to get a job as a reader at a studio or an assistant […]
What’s the Secret to Comedy?
Melanie writes in: I’m currently in a situation where I’ll need a new job in January. I can’t start any earlier because of prior commitments. I’m primarily looking for work at one of the networks. I know that it may be difficult to find PA jobs at this time, but if I find one is […]
Transportation Coordinator Michael Perrotti
Today’s guest is one of my favorite people in the world, even though he doesn’t know I’m me.{{1}} Michael Perrotti has been a transportation coordinator since before I even had a license. He’s done movie, TV shows, commercials, you name it. He’s currently the head of the transportation department on Teen Wolf, which should tell […]
All My Friends Are Employed
If you’re not reading All My Friends Are Employed, you should be. It’s a funny comic about life as a PA, written by Naomi Shepherd. Check it out: And these are so true– And here’s an honest list of things you need: And I definitely relate to this story.
Start Campaigning Now
People often say that the first thing a politician does after winning an election is running for re-election. As a PA, or any freelance crew, you should be thinking the same way. You never know how long a show will last. It could get cancelled in the middle of the season, or even in the […]