How To Open a Case of Paper
One weird trick!
What If Your Boss Is a Screw Up?
How to manage your manager.
Getting a Job on the Show You Want
Lauren writes in: I know of two projects specifically that are being produced soon. (One is a feature adapted from a book, one is a new multi-camera sitcom.) I REALLY want to work on set as a PA for either or both. Is there ANY way to get in with someone and throw my resume on […]
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 […]
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers
Kevin writes: Hi TAPA! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but it has recently taken on more importance in my life. I live right outside NYC and am trying to get jobs as a PA on some film or TV sets. While at college, I was focusing on Production Design and art […]
It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know… And Also What You Know
You’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” The second part is true; the first part isn’t. Occasionally, yes, some no-talent, lazy, good-for-nothing jerk gets a job because of who they know. It doesn’t really happen all that often, though. The truth is, INWYKIWYK is more often a bitter […]
A Very Uncomfortable Position
Jo writes in: I started working as a PA for a TV show about 2 weeks ago. My issue is that one of the Key PAs is getting promoted and the UPM told me that I would be replacing her. I’m confident enough that I will be able to work as at Key PA, but […]
Many Kinds of PAs
First of all, what the hell, Warner Brothers? I feel like I can get onto the Universal lot with a smile and a jaunty doff of my cap. Anyway, moving on to the actual topic at hand. I received this tweet last week: @TheAnonymousPA Hi there, any chance you could do a blog about Post […]
Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others – Comic
Continuing from the last comic…
I Didn’t Do That
Long ago, I wrote the best answer to any failure on your part is, “It won’t happen again.” More recently, I explained why “I didn’t know” is a problematic answer. But do you know what the worst answer is? “I didn’t do that.” If you really, truly did not do whatever went wrong, you have […]
Shoes
Gee, I’m getting a lot of set questions lately. J.G. writes in: I would also love suggestions for the types of shoes/sneakers that are most comfortable for those 14+ hour days on set? Are those custom shoe inserts worth the cost? Nothing is worse than coming home with throbbing feet every night! I’m not super […]
Extra Wrangling
Jay asks: I’m starting my first set PA job on a big-time scripted cable TV drama. I was just told that I’m the one who is going to oversee background (extras). I’m guessing I will be in charge of the non-union and SAG-AFTRA vouchers. What other duties should I expect, and what tips can other […]