E writes:
For the past couple of months, I just went through a whirl wind tunnel of day playing scripted shows and some features, and just landed my first full time additional set PA job. I’m green, but at least I know enough to know that I’m green. With that being said, do you have any advice, tips, or resources for someone who is looking to do a professional job once it gets started?
Find another PA who seems friendly, helpful, and responsible, and mine them for information. Keep a good sense of humor and always be on the lookout for ways that you can contribute. Keep your hands out of your pocket, and be friendly.
It might seem silly that I’m giving you attitude-advice instead of job-advice, but for a rookie PA, attitude is the most important aspect of your job that you have control over. Let’s face it: You’re not gonna know a lot of stuff. You already admitted that you’re green.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Let your eagerness and enthusiasm and genuine goodwill make up for your lack of experience. Make it your goal to seem like the hardest working PA on set. The rest should work itself out.
One Response
I know this is set PA but my office PA preparatory advice is to always know the area around the office very very well. That means knowing where the closest grocery stores, office supplies, gas, notary (!!), post office, hardware store, etc. etc.
Yes there will be vendor lists, but its better to know this stuff off the top of your head. Also know the streets very well, the parking situation, directions from the nearest highway or whatever, etc. etc.
Besides that, good attitude is all ya need.