No Lunch Break for Office PA’s?
When you work on set, you’re supposed to break for lunch after 6 hours of shooting. Some people break before that, if they got to set particularly early (like the drivers and location manager). Sometimes hair and makeup artists do, too, so they can get the actors camera ready for the first shot after lunch. […]
On the 6th Day…
Stella sent me a Twitter{{1}} DM, asking about lying on the time card. Hi, fellow PA, follow your blog, curious, have you ever written an article about changing your time card? I work as commercial PA, where over time & 6th day pay are given, but often get asked by PMs to change TC or […]
What To Know About Page Programs
I participated in the CBS Page Program from [dates redacted so I don’t feel old] and eventually used my position to get staffed on a network TV show. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about Page Programs, what to expect, and how to make it work for you. How They Differ CBS […]
Probably Don’t Quit a Show
Last week’s post, Never Quit a Show, seems to have caused some confusion, judging by the comments on Twitter, Facebook, and the post itself. “Never” is hyperbole. If you’re being harassed, if you’re not being paid what you’re owed, if you’re working in unsafe conditions, then yes, quit. I thought these were pretty obvious caveats, […]
Never Quit a Show
Lauren writes in about quitting a show between seasons: Stumbled upon your blog and website and…thank you. I appreciate what you’re doing and sharing! I would like your advice on something though. So I got my first long-term PAing job on a TV show in Chicago. It’s going great. However, my dream is living and […]
Weekends Are for You
Yesterday, I got an email from my boss asking me to take care of some specific things as soon as I got into the office in the morning. I emailed him back: “Sure thing!” A few minutes later, I got another email: “Why did you reply to my email?” I was genuinely confused. First, because […]
It’s Not Your Fault
Wise words from Robin Williams (in full Serious Beard Mode) in Good Will Hunting, but just because it’s not your fault, doesn’t mean it’s not your responsability. Story Time Last week, I woke up to a text from one of my boss (an associate producer) asking to meet him at his boss (the producer)’s storage […]
How to Move Jobs and Cities at the Same Time
Stuck in New York{{1}} writes: I am currently located in NY and want to move to LA. I have worked in post-production as a transcriber and assistant editor for 3 years on different reality shows and it stains my soul. I want to be in a writer’s room or have a position that writing is […]
Going Hollywood
A great many people are sucked in by the glamour of Hollywood. Your first day, you find yourself surrounded by beautiful actor, talented artists, and an endless supply of craft services.
Share Your Ice Cream Sandwich
When you’re a PA, it can be easy to feel separate from the higher ups. They’re older, more experienced, higher paid. It’s understandable that you might think of them as different or somehow special. While respecting aged wisdom is a good idea, don’t forget that producers, directors, and star are still people. Case in point: […]
What If the Pilot I Worked on Never Airs?
Vashti writes in: I was a PA on a pilot last month, but I still haven’t been told if it will become a series. What happens if it doesn’t? Will I get to work on a different series? If not, can I even put it on my resume? There isn’t even an IMDb page for it. Most […]
Reimbursement for Uber
Frank writes in about getting reimbursed for riding Uber: I chanced into a PA job with a very nice producer this past week. I had seen a “notice of filming” sign they post around LA, left a message on the number saying I’m an actor and am familiar with film sets if they need to […]