Will I Be a PA Forever?
This week, I begin my third season as a production assistant for a TV show that’s not-quite a hit. Which is why the show is going to end and I’ll be right back where I was three years ago. And it’s really, really frustrating. Stop. I know what you’re going to say – “Gee, shouldn’t […]
The Future of Networking Is Here
People often write in that they’ve just moved to Los Angeles, and they don’t know how to meet people. Well, first of all, you should come to the TAPA Networking Event this weekend! But there’s not a TAPArty every weekend, you say? Luckily for you, the Internet exists. There are plenty of Facebook groups, Meet […]
So You Work at a Studio, But You Want to Work on a Show
Ira{{1}} writes in: I am currently interning at one of the bigger studios in the industry right now. I was curious, is there anyone who works here (in the offices) that I would be able to network with in hopes of getting connected with a PA job? There seems to be more chances of networking with […]
Where to Network
Last Friday’s post garnered this response: Truth in @TheAnonymousPA‘s How to Write http://t.co/f4MxgX4i5u – but ends on some truly bad advice. — Michael Sullivan (@redrighthand) June 20, 2014 @redrighthand curious what the bad advice is. — TAPA (@TheAnonymousPA) June 20, 2014 @TheAnonymousPA To not attend writer meet-ups. Not everyone at a meetup is a delusional […]
Should You Use LinkedIn?
Kaitlin writes in: What is your opinion about reaching out to recruiters or HR personnel on LinkedIn? I have been trying to land a job at a studio or network. I want to work in TV development yet I can never seem to land a job doing that. It’s definitely not a bad idea. Corporate […]
How’s My Hosting?
TAPAlooza III: Season of the Witch{{1}} was last night. Considering it was a weeknight at a wine bar, the vibe was a lot different than the last two meet-ups. The problem with most networking events is that the people who go are people who need jobs, which is why they’re attending the event in the […]
A High Class Problem: How to Choose Between Two Offers
Nick writes in: I recently was called by a Production Coordinator I’ve worked with previously for an Office PA position on a TV show. He mentioned the show’s producer/writer was also in need of an assistant, and if I preferred I could take that position. Which position make the most sense to take from a […]
The Next TAPA Meetup Is Happening!
So this is going to be a monthly thing, now. We’ll all get together, get drunk, and complain about how little PAs get paid. Because I really hate it when groups meet up at the same time at the same place for every gathering, I’m shaking things up a bit. First of all, we’ll be […]
How to Schedule a Meeting
After Sunday’s get-together, I received a few emails like the following{{1}}– Hi, APA! I met a lot of people on Sunday but I don’t know a polite way to continue the connection. Do I just call them out of the blue? Email? Text? Several of them are PAs (like me) and work 60+ hours a […]
Time Change for the TAPA Meeting
Quick note: The time for the TAPA get-together this Sunday is now 4:00pm, rather than 2:00pm.
The TAPA Podcast is Coming Soon
I wanted to remind all of you that the TAPA podcast will be coming very soon. I’m titling it Crew Call: The Below the Line Podcast. Because it’s not just for PAs; it’s for the whole crew. Often times, we know our jobs very well, but have very little understand of what other departments are […]
Let’s Get Back Together
It’s time for TAPA Meet Up 2: TAPA Harder.{{1}} Since everybody drove up to the Valley last time, I thought we ought to move it over the hill this time, to downtown. The Figueroa Hotel has been around since the silent era of film, and still looks it: Like last time, we’ll meet on Sunday, […]