Casting Is Harder Than You Think
Reader Sean writes in: I was wondering if you could shed some light on casting directors, and why they’re ATL. Seems like a pretty easy job to me. “Oh, YOU’RE the one that thought Tom Hanks would be great in that role! What a genius!” Psssh! If by “ATL,” you mean “Above the Line,” they’re not. “Above […]
What Can a Teenager Do?
Alexandria writes in: I’m a 17 year old aspiring filmmaker/screenwriter. I’m consistently making my own shorts, writing scripts, entering into festivals, etc. However, I really need to learn a little more about the business side of film, and working on shoots where I’m not the director, and that have a larger budget than a broke […]
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, […]
This Is What Your Producer Thinks of You – A Guest Post
An anonymous producer wrote me an email to, as she put it, “vent.” But I think the perspective offered is extremely valuable, and offers a much-needed wake up call for many production assistants. I started out as a PA myself – both office and set. It took me about 2 years to move up. The […]
Walkie PA
Without a doubt, one of the most obnoxious jobs on any set is the “walkie PA.” It’s not like handling the walkies is your entire job; in fact, that’s part of the problem. Checking walkies in and out, getting them repaired, trading out headsets– these things take up a significant amount of your day, yet […]
Advice from Other People
Giovanni writes in: I’m eyeing a few productions that will shoot in Louisiana this summer. For an on location shoot, when does the hiring process usually start? Is it constantly ongoing? I assume it happens during pre-production but how far in advance I have no clue- weeks, months? I have already sent in my resume […]
Set PA Kit
Unlike most of the crew, office production assistants don’t really need a kit. Occasionally, they have to bring their personal computer for work, but that’s about it. The production pays for everything else an office PA might need. One of the responsibilities that usually falls on office PAs is ordering office supplies. One of the […]
Turn Around, Bright Eyes
One of the most important factors in your day is the [glossary]turn around[/glossary]. No, not that turn around.{{1}} Jeez. “Turn around” is the time you have between wrap one day and call time the next. The minimum required turn around varies from 12 hours for actors to 8 hours for teamsters.{{2}} If you require someone […]
How to Fill Out Your Start Work
At the beginning of every show, everyone must fill out [glossary]start work[/glossary],{{1}} yet a distressing number of people don’t know how to do it. I once had this conversation with a makeup artist who had more years in this industry than I had on this Earth: [scrippet]INT. PRODUCTION OFFICE – DAY A woman with a […]
How Much Can I Bullshit?
Leo asks: I wanted to ask you about applying for jobs that I’m on the borderline of being qualified for, but not really. Positions asking for a year of experience, familiarity with X Studio Pro or Other Program 2000. I have about three months worth of internship experience in pretty solid companies in LA and […]
Coming Attractions
Last week’s PA support group was so successful, I’d like to make it a regular thing. I’m inclined to hold it at a different location every month, so if it’s not close to you this time, it might be next time. What do you think? Where should we go next? Also, I’ll probably be starting […]
If It’s Not Where It Should Be, Then It’s Where It Shouldn’t Be
Things get lost. Like, all the time. Especially when you’re on the move. Often times, we office PAs are sent to a previous location (or stage, if the crew is on location) to find lost items– a portable hard drive full of important files, someone’s glasses or cell phone, an important but small piece of […]