Felicia writes in:
I have a vehicle question. I understand that the aspiring P.A. absolutely must have a set of wheels. My question is: on a scale of 1 – 10, with 1 being “god’s own chariot,” 10 being “the bus,” how much will it count against me if my only set of wheels sits under a motorcycle (equipped with compartments and saddlebags for coffee, food, props, scripts, etc.)?
Thank you in advance and I hope you have a stellar day.
A motorcycle is probably a 9, as far as office PA vehicles go.{{1}}
Every day, an office PA has to pick up lunch. At least once a week, one of the office PAs has to shop for crafty. Unless you’re talking about one of those huge motorcycles that look like a car without a roof, you’re not going to be able to do those runs.
A motorcycle is, technically, better than nothing, but a 94 LeBaron would serve you better.
For set PAs, on the other hand, a motorcycle is probably a great idea. It gets good mileage, you can ride between lanes in a traffic jam, you look cool riding it.
I mean, the fatality rate of motorcycle riders is 26 times that of cars, so there’s that. Please wear a helmet, at least. Don’t be like Fonzie.
[[1]]Isn’t this scale backwards? Shouldn’t God’s Own Chariot be a 10?[[1]]
2 Responses
Carl – Don’t PAs have to use their own vehicle for company runs? Is it common for the production company to have a designated car for runs and stuff, or are you suggesting that motorcycle commuters also have a car handy?
Fine for commuting if the PA wants, but if I were the UPM or Producer of the show, there would be a rule that a motorcycle could not be used for company runs at any time. The high incidence of motorcycle accidents, you point out, puts the company at significant insurance risk.