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 […]
#NotAllDirectors
There’s still time to win box seats at the Staples Center, thanks to CAPS Payroll. * * * Evan G decided to respond to a six-year-old post about an asshole director. I wasn’t around at the time, but as the current keeper of the TAPA flame (and no big fan of directors myself), I feel […]
The Thermostat
It’s that time of year, at least in Los Angeles, when it’s a hundred and fuck degrees outside, so all the guys in the office decide to set the thermostat to 67.{{1}} It sounds like I’m complaining, but I’m not. I’m from the “purple mountain majesties” part of this country. Growing up, I didn’t see […]
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 […]
10 Mistakes New Production Assistants Should Avoid
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 PA. But it’s not often that I tell you what not to do. So, as […]
Visual Effects Data Integration Lead Viki Chan
Today’s guest has a job you’ve probably never heard of– Viki Chan is a Data Integration Lead in the visual effects department. She’s worked on such big film as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Ender’s Game.{{1}} Viki is not a US citizen, and she tells us a little bit about getting sponsored for […]
Let Me Get Back to You II
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}} wrote in– From the title, I thought this article was going to […]
Let Me Get Back To You
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.”
Non-Union Grip & Electric Chandler Forbes
In Los Angeles, the various departments are very distinct. In smaller markets, the lines can be a lot fuzzier. That’s why we’re speaking today with Chandler Forbes, a grip and electrician from Grand Rapids, MI– the home town of the only unelected US president.{{1}} Despite the relatively small number of productions, Chandler has worked on […]
Career Crisis
An anonymous reader{{1}} writes in: I’ve been an appreciative reader of the APA blog for several years, throughout which I also worked in television and film development and production as a production assistant. I originally went into the industry because I was in love with the idea of doing something for a living that was […]
Good Enough Is Not Good Enough
It’s a little sad to think about, but the basic minimum requirements of a PA are easy to meet.
But not everybody can do it well.
Personal Assistant Stuart Friedel
On today’s episode, you’ll actually get to hear the voice of Stuart Friedel, assistant to John August and producer of the podcast Scriptnotes. The job of a personal assistant is a multifarious thing. He assists (as you might imagine) John not just in writing, but also in the creation of apps and, of course, producing […]