I can walk onto any film or television set in America, and tell you what every single person’s job is, just by looking at them. A grip looks like a grip, a make up artist looks like a make up artist, on and on, up and down the callsheet.
It’s not just when you see them working; not only the kit they carry or the tools on their belt. It’s even in the way they dress, their demeanor, their vibe. But mainly it’s in the fact that, while every movie is different, every shoot is pretty much the same.
Don’t Worry, We Get It
There are certain jobs that must be performed on every set. On smaller crews, it’s not that these jobs don’t get done; it’s really that people are doing multiple jobs. For example, on a full union show, the boom operator and the sound mixer are two separate people. On a small shoot, you’ll see the sound guy trying to tweak the levels with one hand while holding the boom with the other. It’s not easy, but it needs to be done. Hair and make up artists, as well as grips and electrics, can feel their pain.
Every single setup is its own thing, and the details are unique. Where do you put the light? Where do you put the boom? Where do you put the, um, lipstick?{{1}} But in the broad strokes, all of these jobs are pretty much the same as they were 100 years ago (with the exception of some digital tools).
What that means is, if you tell me you were a camera assistant on such-and-such a shoot, I know what that means, basically. You don’t have to describe it to me, or anyone that’s been in the industry more than a couple of years.
The Job Description is in the Title
Normally, this sort of thing doesn’t come up in regular conversation. Where it comes up is your resume. Unfortunately.
I can’t tell you how many times someone has booked a resume consultation, and their first draft looks like they’re trying to get a traditional job at a corporate office. They fill it with jargon transparently intended to inflate their skills and experience. The resume is 5 pages long, because they felt the need to describe every single credit:
- “Handled sensitive paperwork.” Yeah, you passed out call sheets.
- “Interfaced with high-level decision makers and creative.” You took coffee orders.
- “Oversaw waste management operation.” Collected half-empty water bottles.
Don’t do that.
A PA is a PA. You assisted the production, which usually means doing odd jobs that are small, but still necessary for the running of a smooth production. The specifics aren’t important. The fact that you showed up first and left last is what matters.
For your entire career, from PA to producer, a resume is a simple thing. It should just be a list of credits, including your job title, the show title, and the studio or network. That’s it. Anything more complicated than that is pretentious and silly.
Get the Help You Need
If you want to learn more, you could book a one-on-one resume consultation, as mentioned above. But those are $150 apiece; if you want to save money and time, join one of our webinars. It’s only a half hour, and 1/5th the price.
Plus, if you still find you need a bespoke experience because of your unique circumstances, you can subtract the cost of the webinar from the consultation.
[[1]]I don’t know much about make-up.[[1]]
One Response
Very informative! I’m in my junior year at Famu and I’m starting to look for jobs or internships that will give me hands on experience. I didn’t know exactly how to showcase my contributions to the project on my resume so this helps!