There’s No One Way to Make It
C.J. tweeted at me: @TheAnonymousPA Hey do film producers require film school? Think Jerry Bruckenheimer. should I go to college? — C.J Davis (@lifeischess027) July 21, 2015 Film school is a topic that comes up often on this blog. There are some good reasons to go to film school,{{1}} but a degree isn’t one of […]
Should I Start as an Office PA or a Set PA?
Raisa writes in: I just started interning on an independent film and the producer has asked me whether I want to be on set or in the office. This is my first time working in the industry so I don’t know anything about anything. I think I eventually want to be a producer or an […]
Good Enough Is Not Good Enough
It’s a little sad to think about, but the basic minimum requirements of a PA are easy to meet.
But not everybody can do it well.
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 […]
This Is What Your Producer Thinks of You – A Guest Post
An anonymous producer wrote me an email to, as she put it, “vent.” But I think the perspective offered is extremely valuable, and offers a much-needed wake up call for many production assistants. I started out as a PA myself – both office and set. It took me about 2 years to move up. The […]
Defending Yourself
Tuesday’s post about the idiot producer’s assistant on my show generated a lot of feedback. Some of it was violent (I hope they were kidding), but quite a few people suggested I should stand up for myself. It sounds fun in theory, but here’s where I put my practical hat on. While proclaiming your innocence […]
Never Good Enough
Sometimes, you just can’t win. Over the long weekend, I had to set up a meeting between my boss and the producer, because the showrunner did a major re-write on the script that changed the budget drastically. I actually thought I got the good end of the deal, because one of the PAs had to […]
Knowing People in High Places
Jack writes writes in: I’m planning a move to LA in February next year to become a TV writer. I have a friend in development at a major network and another contact that executively produces a cable series. I’ve already met with them, they know I’m moving, and have offered to help and read anything […]
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 […]
I Don’t Know Where I’m Going… Is That Okay?
L. writes: I’ve been PA’ing on sets for a while now and it’s gotten to the point where I have PM’s or producers asking me what area I want to PA in. Does it look bad if I’m not sure and just tell them wherever they need me? Or should I have a clear idea […]
The “Strong” Pot of Coffee
As the “early PA,” I’m the first one in the office each morning. Like the class president of Mrs. Jewls’ class, it’s my job to turn the lights on. (Important job! No one else is capable or qualified!) It also means that I have to brew the first pot of coffee. This has transformed me […]
Reflections on the Oscars
Don’t worry, this won’t be as long as Ken Levine’s. (Nor probably as funny.) My main thought is about Sandra Bullock. I haven’t seen The Blind Side. (My mom recommended it, which kinda pushes it down on my Netflix queue.) Anyway, the general consensus is that she won not so much for this particular performance, […]