An Adorable Wee PA
Definitely the right attitude, even if slightly misapplied.
Want to be a Prepared Office PA?
First of all, let me just say I’m super annoyed that Disney is dropping “Be Prepared” from the Lion King remake. Anyway, on to the reader question: What kind of gear would an Office PA need? And what kind of gear would a Set PA need? I have been told once that an Office PA […]
Tales from Lock Up
The other day, I tweeted out the above image, from Movie Set Memes, about lock up. I got some interesting responses: @TheAnonymousPA I was in New York City when they were filming I AM LEGEND. There was a lone PA “locking up” ped traffic near Madisen Ave. — Anthony Robinson (@antoniusrex) December 30, 2016 On […]
Open Crew Calls
Steph writes in: I was wondering if it was a bad idea to submit an Office PA resume/cover letter to an open crew call that says all positions welcome to apply. Or are they only wanting Set PA, Art PA inquiries? Keep up the amazing blog! Truth be told, when you see an open call […]
How To Randomize A Crowd
Most of the time, you’re not going to deal with more than a handful of extras in any one scene. That’s because extras are people, too, and people cost a lot of money. Still, every once in a while, you’ll get a crowd scene. The problem with a crowd of extras is that, at a […]
How Long Is Your Day?
Julie writes in: Do office PAs also work 12 hour days? I was under the impression this was only for set PAs, but have heard otherwise recently, so I’d love some clarification. You have been sadly misinformed. Office PAs certainly do work 12 hours. The late shift PA can work far longer, if the shoot […]
Paperwork PA
Adrienne writes in: I’ve just signed on to be a day-player, but as a paperwork PA for a major TV show. I’ve only done paperwork for small shoots before. Any advice you could give me about the position would be helpful. “Paperwork PA” is often a euphemism for basecamp PA, because, technically, a DGA member […]
Suing for Unpaid Overtime
Steve writes in: I am an executive assistant working for a production company. I am paid hourly, fixed at 44 hours/week, whether I work 40, 44, or 70 hours. Basically, I am trapped in the office until my boss leaves at night. Through my employment, I have been shorted about $10k in overtime, lunches, and […]
Set Life Versus Office Life
Brianna writes in: My life goal is AD. I was just told by a PA as green as I am that I should take a job as an office PA because I didn’t go to film school and the office is a great classroom and that everyone should do it once. I know that being […]
Should I Start as an Office PA or a Set PA?
Raisa writes in: I just started interning on an independent film and the producer has asked me whether I want to be on set or in the office. This is my first time working in the industry so I don’t know anything about anything. I think I eventually want to be a producer or an […]
What’s a Base Camp PA?
Justin writes in: Recently I was on a passion project as a PA with a very knowledgable 2nd AD. I told him I was interested in being an office PA, and he showed me paperwork that office PAs have to work with, like something called an “[glossary]exhibit G[/glossary]” and getting out times and such. He […]
Gun Safety
This is a story from a few years ago, back when I was a set PA on shitty indie movies. And by “indie,” I really mean “Skinemax.”{{1}} The movie was described as an “erotic action thriller.” It was about a team of women who were spies by night, and strippers by… other nights? I’m not […]