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 […]
Should You Use LinkedIn?
Kaitlin writes in: What is your opinion about reaching out to recruiters or HR personnel on LinkedIn? I have been trying to land a job at a studio or network. I want to work in TV development yet I can never seem to land a job doing that. It’s definitely not a bad idea. Corporate […]
When Is an Intern Not an Intern?
When she’s an unpaid PA, of course! B.W. writes in: Most of my experience comes from working for producers in the advertising world as an intern. I’ve been able to work on a lot of really great commercials with a lot of notable clients, but my positions were always “production intern,” “intern,” etc. However, in […]
What to Claim on Your W-4
Christoph writes in: Since last fall, my gigs have been getting more and more frequent, and I have even been lucky enough to land some longer jobs. However, I have been noticing that as a job gets longer, there seems to be a larger percentage of my paycheck being taken out by taxes. I have […]
How To Pad Your Resume…
…without actually lying. Chris writes: I was what you might call a “day player” on a game show a few days ago. Is this experience worth mentioning in a résumé and cover letter, or is it better left unsaid — perhaps even reserved for an interview? First, don’t accent the accented é’s in “resume.” We’re […]
How to Become a Producer
Dylan writes: I just graduated in May and I plan on moving to LA at the soonest possible time. My question, though, is this: what exactly is the best route to producing features? I’ve heard advice to get an office PA job and try my best to attach myself to a producer that will take […]
Comment Corner
Mae commented on last week’s post about the Bitch Pack. She’s in a difficult situation, and I thought it would be worth posting on the main page: As a female assistant to a female CEO, your interview with LA Women touched on so many issues that arise in the workplace every day. It is virtually […]
International Advice
Kristal writes: For the last few months I’ve had only one goal – to work on the production of one of my favourite TV shows. I live in Australia and am currently studying media at University. I had decided that once this semester was over, I would gather all the money I’ve saved, defer and move […]
School vs. PA
Heather writes: I’m in a dilemma about trying to find the money to go to film school or just getting off my tush, going to New Orleans and applying for a PA job. I was accepted to a film school but I can’t seem to find the money to pay for it. I know that […]
To leave or not to leave
Jose writes: I want to be a director and didn’t go to film school. I’ve been working at a small commercial place for 2 years and my boss is a typical hollywood d-bag who does not want to see my advance my career and only wants to use me for his own purposes. The thing […]
Do I Stand a Chance?
Miruna writes: In november I’ve quit my job… The main reason I’ve quit my last job is that I desperately want to go back and work in the movie industry, it’s the perfect work place for me, I love it, I love everything about it. The thing is, I would love to work for real movies, […]