Tag Archives: PA

Aiming for a Specific Company

Posted on November 24, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding a Job | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Working at a Rental Place

Posted on November 13, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding a Job | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

What’s the Secret to Comedy?

Posted on November 10, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding a Job | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Start Campaigning Now

Posted on November 4, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

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. … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding a Job, On the Job | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

10 Lies I get Told as a Production Assistant

Posted on October 29, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

I’ll admit, other than a few shows that went on location in Vegas, I’ve never shot outside of Los Angeles. I have never worked in places like New Orleans or Detroit, where tax incentives draw film production. I work in … Continue reading →

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

When Do I Get a Call Sheet?

Posted on October 28, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

Elle writes in:
I’m doing my non-paid, freelance internship as an Art Dept. PA. This one is a web-based, Emmy-nominated series.
I’m asking the 2nd AD for a call sheet (or any information at all, like ‘Hey, yes, we need you tomorrow’) … Continue reading →

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Taking Advantage

Posted on October 3, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

So there you are, working your ass off as a PA, running around and doing ridiculous tasks that you will never be able to properly explain to your parents.
You love what you do as much as you hate it and … Continue reading →

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

10 Mistakes New Production Assistants Should Avoid

Posted on September 5, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

If you want to know what a PA does, you’ve come to the right place. Various TAPAs have been telling you what to do for a long time. You can still buy the TAPA T-shirt with the definition of a … Continue reading →

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Let Me Get Back to You II

Posted on September 2, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

It’s the last week to buy your TAPA T-shirt! Wear it to the next TAPArty.
* * *
Last week, I wrote a post titled Let Me Get Back to You.
Reader Sam (an assistant production supervisor, so you should listen to him)1 … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding a Job, On the Job | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Let Me Get Back To You

Posted on August 27, 2014 by The Anonymous Production Assistant

There’s certain key phrases every PA should know: “Yes.” (Except when the answer is No.) “It won’t happen again.” “It’s Thursday. Yes, payroll checks are coming today.”
Here’s another one to add to your quiver: “I’ll look into that.”
Just like your … Continue reading →

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments