Identity
You may have noticed that I rarely mention anyone’s name on this blog. That’s partly to protect my anonymity, and partly because that’s how I actually think of them. It’s funny, after a few years on the job, you start to be able to identify most positions on sight. The camera guys are generally clean […]
Overheard in the Catering Line II
Or is it III, since I double posted the last one? Anyway. I was standing behind a couple of PAs from another department. Post, maybe? In any case, I overheard the following conversation, as they were perusing the food options– “What should we get for him?” (Their department head, I assume.) “I dunno. He said […]
Been a While
Before you ask, yes, I know it’s been a long time since I wrote a post. When one of these dry stretches occur, you can rest assured that I am either A) unemployed, and thus have nothing to write about, or B) so very employed that I am too busy to write any posts. I […]
Words, Words, Words
I don’t like music very much. This is a strange thing to say, but it’s true. I don’t get the notion of just listening. Which is unfortunate, because there’s not much else to do when you’re driving. I listen to NPR a lot, but it starts to remind me how pathetic my life is when […]
There’s Always Someone Below You
I went on a run today, to pick up something for the Big Awesome Show I work for. I went to the will-call window, and the guy’s eyes lit up. “You’re a PA on Big Awesome Show? How did you land that job?” I couldn’t really say. It was just a combination of experience, networking, […]
Game Show Casting
A few people responded to last week’s post about casting. One reader called himself “Max Powers.” Max writes: There is a large difference between game show casting and actual show casting. For a real show you have to find actors who fit into parts, coordinate their look if casting a family, make sure they fit […]
Reimbursement
As a PA, I try to be pleasant and accommodating. This used to extend to occasionally using my own credit card for production purposes, on the assumption that I would be reimbursed. No longer. I was on a show, a real show, with an actual budget. I was told to order sandwiches for the whole […]
No Pay
I received two different, but related, emails in the last few days. Matt writes: I’ve been combing Craigs List and Mandy.com for a while and I tend to notice that like, every single ad or call for a PA is indefinitely nonpaying. Is it as if there is some secret club you’re let into after […]
Casting Called Out
I asked an AD to look over my resume, and make some suggestions. He pointed to two listings for “Casting PA,” both on game shows. “Get rid of these” “Why?” “No one respects the casting department. They don’t do any work. It makes you look lazy.” Wow. The thing is, I knew he kinda had […]
Mail Bag
I haven’t kept up with the ol’ mail bag like I should’ve. Time to play catch up. Rob writes: You had mentioned that you walked into an interview and impressed them despite wearing a t-shirt and jeans and being unshaven. You got the job. Do you have any tips on how to ace an interview? […]
And I’m Freeeeeee! Free-Lancing!
Analis asked recently: Once you get the low/no-budget film job and it ends, what do you do next? Should I assume that I made great connections and the next production I apply for will swoon upon my arrival? I wish. It’s true, after that first credit, landing that next job will be easier. But remember, […]
Responses
I mentioned Desiree in my blog yesterday. Turns out, she has her own blog, where she posted a response. Even though I disagree with her view, it’s a well-written blog, definitely worth reading, and I recommend you all check it out. Along with her own post, she commented on mine: I’ve never justified him yelling. […]