The Anonymous Production Assistant

Why No One Gives a Shit About Your Student Film

On last Friday’s blog post, I wrote: Directing a student film doesn’t really count for anything. As long as it’s clearly labeled as a student film section [on your resume], you can include your directing and producing credits. Just understand it’s not going to help you get anything better than a PA gig. Over on […]

There’s No One Way to Make It

C.J. tweeted at me: @TheAnonymousPA Hey do film producers require film school? Think Jerry Bruckenheimer. should I go to college? — C.J Davis (@lifeischess027) July 21, 2015 Film school is a topic that comes up often on this blog. There are some good reasons to go to film school,{{1}} but a degree isn’t one of […]

What A New PA Needs

Film school is done and the new TV season is upon us, so a lot of recent graduates are writing me emails about what they need to have on set or in the office. Truth is, there’s not a lot that PAs need which the production doesn’t just provide. Especially if you’re an office PA, […]

What Classes Should I Take?

Natasha writes in: I’ve been enjoying your blog and I wondered if I could ask you for some advice. I am an aspiring writer living in LA, ideally hoping to write for hour long television dramas. I am currently considering taking classes in television production. I figured it would be a good idea to learn […]

Students Can’t be Choosers

Emily writes in: I noticed that you said certain PA jobs can only be found through a certain networking group within the industry. I am still a student, and looking into getting an internship in the area of television development/ Writer’s office. I have seen certain postings in the common areas such as entertainmentcareers and […]

Post-Graduate Degrees & Another Kickstarter Movie

Jaelin writes in: What is your opinion of the PhD in regards to Film, Cinema, Production, and the like? I know I do not need one for my personal career aspirations but I have always wanted one because one of my family members I look up to since childhood has one but I am frightened […]

Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Kevin writes: Hi TAPA! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but it has recently taken on more importance in my life. I live right outside NYC and am trying to get jobs as a PA on some film or TV sets. While at college, I was focusing on Production Design and art […]

Reader Advice

Some of my oldish posts have been getting comments, recently. Not really sure why this is happening now, but they do bring up interesting points. Sarah replied to my post “No, You Don’t Need to Go to Film School”: You don’t need to go to any school, but film school is one of the few […]

No, You Don’t Need to Go to Film School

Lately, several readers have been asking if they need a degree from film school to get a job. No, you don’t. The truth is, the only film schools recognized by the Industry are USC, UCLA, and NYU. Outside of those three schools, no one is going to be impressed. No one’s going to be impressed […]