Should You Leave a Series Mid-Season?
Gary writes in: I’ve been a PA for over a year and thankfully have had some long runs on shows. I recently started a show for a 3 month run, but I was just offered a position on a feature film in another state that I have been trying extremely hard to get on. My […]
Open Crew Calls
Steph writes in: I was wondering if it was a bad idea to submit an Office PA resume/cover letter to an open crew call that says all positions welcome to apply. Or are they only wanting Set PA, Art PA inquiries? Keep up the amazing blog! Truth be told, when you see an open call […]
That Special Connection
Aaron writes in: I work for a writer (I walk her dogs), and she knows that I want to be a writer, as well. She used to work at one of the major networks, and has sold several scripts. She has told me that she will look around for PA jobs, and specifically writer PA […]
Nothing to Do
Hillary writes in: On the last shoot I was on, after helping unload I was told to go and ask around to see which departments needed my help. Nobody needed anything done and for the rest of the one day shoot I was rarely given a job to do. I tried to help out when […]
A Concise Explanation of How To Make It in Hollywood
I woke up the other day with the most amazing comment on the UTA joblist page. It’s short, but amazingly helpful. I’m a little mad I didn’t write it myself. As someone who moved to LA in 2010 from another state who has: 1) No film or entertainment related degree (BA in Political Science) No […]
As If PAs Didn’t Have Enough Problems, Now Scammers Are Targeting Us
Ugh. Some people are just assholes. A few weeks ago, I answered a question from reader Brian about per diem. Something that stood out to several readers was the phrase “$500 per diem.” That’s a ridiculously high per diem, so I assumed either the job posting in question was ambiguously worded, or the PA misunderstood […]
Asking For Help
Kristen writes in: I’ve spent the better part of today reading your blog. First off, thank you. I learned a lot and the honest, tough-love from a veteran is appreciated (and more palatable in text than in a cynical tone to one’s face).{{1}} I’m still pretty new to freelancing and film in general. Most of […]
Work for Who You Want to Be
David writes in: I am interested in post-productions more specifically a video editor. I thought about starting out as an assistant editor, but almost all these job advertisements require 2 years of experience. Would you have any recommendations on where to get qualified experience in Los Angeles? I heard from one person that some editors […]
Distro List
When you work in the production office, one of your major jobs is distributing paperwork, commonly referred to as “distro.” You’ve got scripts, pages, schedules, one-liners, prep calendars, crew lists, vendor lists, call sheets, and a bazillion other things that vary from show to show. The thing is, not every crew member gets every single […]
Shooting Location Change
How to handle a production changing their location after you’ve signed on.
Availability List
Michael, the Hollywood Juicer, made a correction on Thursday’s post: I can’t speak for the other locals or guilds, but 728 (set lighting) and 80 do send members out on jobs. We’re allowed (and expected) to look for our own work, but when your show or day-playing gig ends (but before you apply for unemployment), […]
How Long Is This Gonna Take
Ryan writes in: I’ve seen you answer questions from people asking if they’re too young to be a PA, but I’ve only seen one person who said they’re too old, and they were 24. I’m 28 , soon to be 29, and I’m looking to change careers. I’ve got a little bit of cash saved […]