Why Are All the PA Jobs Listed for a Limited Time?
Diana writes in about job listings that appear to be for limited time-frame gigs– I am looking for some PA jobs but most of them are only set for a certain amount of time like a week or a few months. I thought PA’s were a permanent position. How long does the average Production Assistant […]
How Prevalent is Sexual Harassment in Hollywood?
Reader Jess wrote in response to this blog post on sexual harassment: Obviously each department is its own animal, but having worked the majority of my life on skeleton crew indies (with the exception of one major TV show when I was in school) I’m worried that getting any deeper into things is going to […]
So You Want to Become a Suit
Jessica asks: First of all, thank you so much for all that you do. I am incredibly grateful for everything your blog and all of the information you provide. You are awesome. I have lived in LA for 5 years now—began as a barista who knew no one until I finally got a Costume PA […]
Willing to Relocate
Sorry, you have to be here when the job opens up.
Two Resumes
Scott writes in: The NBC Universal Careers twitter tweeted this link about the automated systems that scan resumes for keywords. I’ve applied to a lot of jobs through these horrible portals such as Brassring and I’ve never gotten a call back. This infographic is interesting, but whenever I see these types of tips I always […]
How to Dress for a Studio or Network
Evelyn has found herself in a fortunate position: A family contact has arranged for my son to have lunch with a VP of Production at a major studio. This may not lead to a job, but hopefully he will end up having a valuable contact. Lunch will be in the studio cafeteria, with a tour to follow. How […]
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 […]
Not Just For Golf, Anymore
Driving around the studio in a golf cart is way more fun than it has any right to be. I drive to work at 70 miles per hour. Or possibly 5mph, depending on traffic. In any case, I have air conditioning, a stereo, comfortable seats. Basically, my car is a superior vehicle in every way. Yet […]
What the Hell is a Drive-On?
John asks: Thanks for the resume tips! I sent it out, and the production coordinator for [show] called me the NEXT DAY!!!{{1}} {{2}} She told me they filmed at [studio lot], and then said, “I’ll call you a drive on.” What does that mean? All I can think is that it’s a slang term for […]
Who You Gonna Call?
Scott writes: I really enjoy your blog, it’s entertaining and informative. I do have one question to which I could not find the answer after going through your past blogs. I’m pretty new to all this so; when cold calling from Production Notices, like this one: “THE CAPE” Pilot / NBC 02-11-10 BERMANBRAUN STATUS – […]
Demanding
On the subject of long weekends, yesterday the studio folks decided to play catch up. We had an early call, and imagine my surprise when the phone rang at 7:30. 7:30! This is a TV show. I’ve never heard the phone ring before ten. A Big Studio Exec was on the other end of the […]