A Side Order of Sides
“Sides” can mean to a couple of different things. I’m not sure how either of them are a side of anything, but whatever. When I found out that ADs are assistant directors but ACs are camera assistants, I stopped trying to make sense out of movie terms. During casting, actors are given a scene or […]
Unemployment
David wrote in about a subject everyone in the industry can relate to. He was making small talk with a clerk at an oil change place, and mentioned that he was out of a job, momentarily– it’s no biggie since the production season is winding down anyway and that I should be able to pick […]
Welcome to Los Angeles
Jeremiah writes: I’m moving to LA in 2 weeks to do the PA thing and possibly do some extras work with Central Casting (while I pursue writing and directing). I know, it is ill-advised to move out there right now but I’m doing it anyway. I was wondering if you could tell me your thoughts […]
Is PA Bootcamp Worth It?
A few days ago, Sophya asked if I’d heard of PA Bootcamp. I hadn’t, so she directed me to PABootcamp.com. I looked around their website and, to be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I see the point. It costs $285, but I tell you about most of the information in their course guide for free! […]
Think Positive
(Short post today, as I am busy in a casting session for a short film.) One particularly blustery day, the wind kept knocking over a reflector board, sitting atop a combo stand, sitting atop a high hill. The key grip sent a PA up to the top of said hill to hold the […]
Office PA Vs. Set PA
What is the difference between the two main types of production assistant?
On Adaptations; Plus, a Prediction
I’m working for a writer who is adapting a book. I’ve never adapted anything, and it’s a strange process to watch. He’s taken the story in a strange new direction; the entire book is basically just the first act of the film. He’s also renaming character willy nilly, for no reason whatsoever. I don’t really […]
Fun with Walkie Talkies
My wife says I’ve been too negative, lately, so I thought I’d tell you about some stupid fun a friend of mine got me into. Walkie talkies are omnipresent on film sets. Anything bigger than a student film uses them. Because of this ubiquity, the lingo we use (a bizarre mash-up of police codes and […]
Why Are You Even Here?
While I may be replaceable, she doesn’t even need to be replaced.
Replaceable
I heard the following story second hand, but I believe it, because the director in question is a real bitch. (For my feminist readers, please don’t interpret my use of the word “bitch” as “I can’t handle working for a woman because I’m part of the repressed, straight white male hegemony.” I’ve worked for plenty […]
Easy Day
The other day, I came into the office around eight in the morning, along with the rest of the office staff. A scout was scheduled for that afternoon, at two. The executive producer rolled in around, oh, two thirty. The scout didn’t end up leaving until three. At nine PM, my boss told us it […]
Who Needs a Car?
Reader Jeff writes in: I’ve been interested in film for so long, however after graduating from college as an English/Film major, I still don’t really have a production skill I’ve mastered, so I think my best resort is to start out as a PA. Of course, I want to move out to California where all […]