How to Find the Number to the Production Office
Brooke writes in: I am looking for a specific internship on a production set and looking for information on whom to ask. I’m trying to find out through Warner Brothers if they know if there are internships on the production set of Supernatural. I researched for months about whom to contact and only yesterday was […]
I Have Experience… Should I Still Go to PA Bootcamp?
Lonnie writes in: I have two questions: First, what kind of help are you requesting for your new video? I’d like to be involved. That’s easy. Since there have already been several TAPAs, I got the idea that we could all be TAPA. So, I’m asking a bunch of readers/listeners to record themselves giving the […]
What Kind of PA Was I?
Jo asks: Does one usually specify the department they PA’ed in? For example, I just PA’ed on a TV show pilot, but it was in the costume department. Do I need to specify that in my resume? Or just list it as PA? The great thing about sending your resume electronically is, you can change […]
Living at Home
Alexandra writes: I am a graduating senior in college, and I have plans to move with another student to LA after graduation. I wouldn’t be relocating far (my family is in north Orange County). My mom has been very supportive, but she worries. She advises me to stay home for a year and save money, […]
Dogs at Work
I love my dog. She’s great. She’s adorable and fun and a very good listener.{{1}} We spend hours at the dog park every weekend, then she curls up in my lap and we watch Transparent together. She even sleeps in my bed, and if she doesn’t approve of a date I bring home, he’s gone. […]
Managing Your Time
Ashley writes in: I’ll be moving to LA in the next few months to chase my dream of becoming a screenwriter. I’m also interested in production, though, and have thought about working on set starting as a PA. I’ve read that as a PA there’s usually little to no time outside of work, and I […]
Can They NOT Hire Me?
A soldier who wishes to remain anonymous writes in: I am a soldier of the US Army Reserve. I am obligated to give one weekend per month and two weeks a year to the Army. I am also an experienced set production assistant. I’ve never had this issue before, so I thought I’d ask you. […]
Set Life Versus Office Life
Brianna writes in: My life goal is AD. I was just told by a PA as green as I am that I should take a job as an office PA because I didn’t go to film school and the office is a great classroom and that everyone should do it once. I know that being […]
Make a Good Last Impression
First impressions are important; they go a long way towards determining whether you land the job. But last impressions are almost as important; they determine whether you get the next job. People are busy. They’re not going to remember every little thing you did or didn’t do over the course of a season. Your boss […]
Aiming for a Specific Company
Krithika writes in: I am based in India. At this point, I do not have a US work permit. But I really want to work with a few specific companies in the US, Shondaland being the top of the wishlist. How should I go about this? I have no more experience than previous TAPAs when […]
Working at a Rental Place
Sorry, no Crew Call episode today. We conducted an interview, but the recording got messed up.{{1}} Instead, here’s a regular ol’ blog post. Lana writes in: I currently work at a camera rental house and am constantly in communication with production coordinators on shows around town. I recently have been talking through email with a […]
What’s the Secret to Comedy?
Melanie writes in: I’m currently in a situation where I’ll need a new job in January. I can’t start any earlier because of prior commitments. I’m primarily looking for work at one of the networks. I know that it may be difficult to find PA jobs at this time, but if I find one is […]