What So Good About Friday? Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying And Love Union Holidays
Today is Good Friday, the day Catholics and Mainline Protestants commemorate the death of Jesus. Good Friday is always the Friday before Easter, which is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Why does this matter to you? Because Good Friday is a union holiday. So is Easter,{{CORRECTION}} but seriously, […]
The Next TAPA Meetup Is Happening!
So this is going to be a monthly thing, now. We’ll all get together, get drunk, and complain about how little PAs get paid. Because I really hate it when groups meet up at the same time at the same place for every gathering, I’m shaking things up a bit. First of all, we’ll be […]
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 […]
The Day After
“So, I have a bunch of business cards. Now what?” -Fictional Reader I Just Made Up The TAPAlooza{{1}} Festival went swimmingly. The place was packed when I arrived, and there were still a few small groups of people when I left a couple hours later. A good time was had by all, and many business […]
Meet Other TAPA Readers in Los Angeles
This blog has been around for a while, now. We’re proud to have so many friends, followers, and readers from all over the world. But today’s post is primarily for those of you who live in Los Angeles. As much fun as the comments section can be, I think it’s time that some of you meet […]
“Balance”
Dave asks: I’m about to graduate from college, move back to my home town, then get married all in the next year. Compounded with needing a real (read: paying) job, I’m finding my self worried about making ends meet and still making it in the business. What would you say is the right balance between […]
Funny Videos
Ashley sent me this video on my Facebook page: This commercial raises so many questions. Why is she finding props and wardrobe? Those are decisions for two different department. And where are teamsters to pick up all this stuff? It’s like the entire show’s budget went into that one crane and Maxi Brute, and they […]
How Much is Too Much on a Resume?
Dylan writes in with two questions: I’ve read how you recommend listing out EVERY paying non-student film job you’ve ever worked on to start the ball rolling on the resume. But how many items realistically should make it? I see you recommend 1 page, so what is that, 15 jobs? 30? Secondly, my highest credit […]
What Is “Desk Experience”? And What Is “The Industry”?
Jeffrey asks: Let me start by saying that I believe there are such things as stupid questions. And this might be one… As someone totally new to the industry, can you tell me what is meant by “desk experience?” Is it simply carefully fielding phone calls and walk-ins so as to protect the precious time […]
What’s the Right Area Code for You?
Will writes in: I’m new to the area, and want to get a local number before I start sending out resumes for set PA positions. I’m wondering what area code is the best for a PA in the LA area to have. There are droves of internet articles out there about area code snobbery, and […]
What the Hell is a Drive-On?
John asks: Thanks for the resume tips! I sent it out, and the production coordinator for [show] called me the NEXT DAY!!!{{1}} {{2}} She told me they filmed at [studio lot], and then said, “I’ll call you a drive on.” What does that mean? All I can think is that it’s a slang term for […]
Breaking and Entering (This Post Is Not What You Think)
No advice, today. Just a feel-good story about some folks who are just like you, trying to make it in the Industry. Here’s the trailer for Breaking and Entering, a web series about Hollywood assistants– For those of you not in the Industry (yet), these stories are 1,000% TRUE. This life can be frustrating at […]