Two Resumes
Scott writes in: The NBC Universal Careers twitter tweeted this link about the automated systems that scan resumes for keywords. I’ve applied to a lot of jobs through these horrible portals such as Brassring and I’ve never gotten a call back. This infographic is interesting, but whenever I see these types of tips I always […]
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 […]
The Best Advice For Becoming a Writers’ Assistant
Earlier this week, script coordinator Kate Powers shared some advice with fellow SCs on a private board. With her permission, I’m re-posting it here for all of you to read: If there’s a job you’re interested in, approach someone who does that job and see if they’ll talk to you about their path, what their […]
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 […]
Experience is a Terrible Teacher
There’s an old saying: “Experience is the best teacher.” That’s stupid.
Students Can’t be Choosers
Emily writes in: I noticed that you said certain PA jobs can only be found through a certain networking group within the industry. I am still a student, and looking into getting an internship in the area of television development/ Writer’s office. I have seen certain postings in the common areas such as entertainmentcareers and […]
A High Class Problem: How to Choose Between Two Offers
Nick writes in: I recently was called by a Production Coordinator I’ve worked with previously for an Office PA position on a TV show. He mentioned the show’s producer/writer was also in need of an assistant, and if I preferred I could take that position. Which position make the most sense to take from a […]
Your First Day on Set
Below is a reprint of a guest post I wrote for the Work in Entertainment blog. If you’ve never worked on set, you should give it a read. It covers everything: where to go, who to talk to, what you’re going to eat.{{1}} And if you haven’t heard of Work in Entertainment, you should definitely […]
What’s Taking So Long?
Different types of shows have their own rhythms. Multi-camera shows build slowly, from a simple table read and maybe a rehearsal on day one, all the way up to the full-0n craziness of a 16 hour shoot night. Single-camera comedies can be a grind, because something is always going on, whether it’s a tech scout or […]
Looking for the Next Gig
First up: a reminder to check out the Kickstarter campaign for Crew Call. On to the real topic of the day! Holly writes in with a question that a lot of people can probably relate to right about now: With a little over a week left of shooting, talk of “the next show” has already […]
Coming to America
Jess writes in: I’m an experienced production set, location and office runner in Britain (basically our equivalent of a PA, sure you know that…) with loads of credits in prime-time UK TV programmes. I’ve wanted to work in the US since ‘always’ but can’t for the life of me work out how to get my […]
Upward Mobility
As we approach the end of the televsion season, Jason writes in about moving onward and upward to other shows: I work on a tv show right now as a PA, but really I do more personal assistant type work for one of the shows producers. It’s not that the job isn’t a good one, […]