On the Subject of Subect Lines
Yesterday’s post was on the topic of when to move on. Here’s the subject line from the original email: To Grow My Hair, Or Chop It Off And Start Fresh? Now, that’s a lovely metaphor and everything, but seriously, this does not tell me what the email is about. I actually thought she was asking […]
When To Move On
S. writes in: I started out as an intern last year on [redacted tabloid show]. Before my internship was over, I was offered a freelance Set PA position. The season ended in May, and I stayed on in the summer to work in the office. A few weeks ago, the EP asked me into her […]
Awkward Conversation
An anonymous reader writes in: Recently, the 2nd AD kinda said something inappropriate and made me feel uncomfortable. I kinda just told him I wasn’t comfortable with what he said, and we moved on. So I thought. After that incident, I haven’t really heard anything from him as far as work was concerned. When I […]
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 […]
Twelve Hours Not Guaranteed
In the last year or so, I’ve noticed a trend among the bigger studios– no 12 hour guarantee for production assistants. Technically, the law took effect on January 1st, 2013, but not every studio has pressed the issue. Others, like Warner Brothers, have realized that they can save money by not guaranteeing a twelve hour […]
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 […]
Crew Call Episode 004: Dolly Grip Darryl Humber
Today’s guest is Darryl Humber, a dolly grip, and the author of the premier dolly grip blog, Dollygrippery. Darryl tells us about moving the camera, rolling over actors’ feet, and working outside of Los Angeles. He also offers great advice for inexperienced crew: listen. Also, Warner Brothers once again gets called out for their impossible […]
When Will I Get Paid?
Emily writes in{{1}}: I recently worked for a major out-of-town TV show as a casting assistant, though it was technically my first time casting. Before then, I had been working for free as a PA and personal assistant and have another paid position coming up next year as a production coordinator. I’m currently job searching […]
What’s a Production Secretary?
Adam writes in: I just got an interview for a new gig Monday as a Production Secretary. For some reason none of the scripted shows I have worked on have ever had a Production Secretary. A former APOC recommended me and so I assume she feels I am capable of handling the job but I […]
So You Worked on a Dirty Movie…
Maggie writes in: Your blog is full of great advice and has given me TONS of useful notes so many thanks!! Here’s a question I wasn’t exactly able to find the answer to though. I worked on a very small film with a terrible title. It’s so bad that I don’t know if I can […]
Crew Call Episode 003: Set Lighting Technician Michael Taylor
This week, we’re joined by set lighting technician, Michael Taylor, aka The Hollywood Juicer. Along with being an electrician with decades of experience on sets, he also writes the Blood, Sweat, and Tedium blog, which regular readers of TAPA are very familiar with. Mike tells us about the difference between single camera and multicamera sets, […]
Invoices
Ian writes in: I very recently got my first paid PA gig and the production coordinator sent me the contract and W9 form. She told me to fill out the paperwork and return it to her after the shoot along with an invoice. Is there a specific format for a PA’s invoice? What information do […]