Wrap Etiquette
Christie writes in: A show I’m currently working on is wrapping and today’s my last day. Would it be worth sending cards to the APOC, POC, line producer, etc (we didn’t have an AD). I realise I’ve left it quite late – it just occurred to be today. Or would that be too brown-nosey? Here’s […]
How Long Is Your Day?
Julie writes in: Do office PAs also work 12 hour days? I was under the impression this was only for set PAs, but have heard otherwise recently, so I’d love some clarification. You have been sadly misinformed. Office PAs certainly do work 12 hours. The late shift PA can work far longer, if the shoot […]
Where Should the Next TAPArty Be?
So far, every TAPA networking event has been at places I like to hang out.{{1}} But I don’t want to repeat myself, so now I’m reaching out to you, dear reader, for advice. Where should the next TAPArty be? Is there a laid-back neighborhood bar you like? Or a cool tavern down the road? Maybe […]
How to Find the Number to the Production Office
Brooke writes in: I am looking for a specific internship on a production set and looking for information on whom to ask. I’m trying to find out through Warner Brothers if they know if there are internships on the production set of Supernatural. I researched for months about whom to contact and only yesterday was […]
Wrap Party Invitation
Marcus writes in: I was a day player on something recently and didn’t get invited to the wrap party. Do you think the primary reason might be because they didn’t feel like I was a part of the crew enough, or because I am under age? Someone that was also only on the project for […]
I Haven’t Been Paid Yet
Rachel writes in: I worked on a project over 6 months ago and I still haven’t been paid. I’ve emailed several times, to no avail. The coordinator who hired me is no longer involved with the project. Do you have any advice? Most productions will pay you a week or two after the end of […]
Asking for Details About the Job
I received an email with the subject line, “I deserve to know the details right?” I’ll be upfront with you: the word “deserve” is a giant red flag, at least when you’re referring to yourself. It makes me think, “Ugh, this person is going to be a pain.” Even if you’re technically correct, and you […]
Crew Call Season 2
That’s right, Crew Call is coming back! What’s Crew Call, you ask? It’s just about the only place you’ll hear interviews with below-the-line crew. You know, the people who actually make the TV shows and movies you watch? You can hear the entire previous season on iTunes, or right here on the TAPA website. This year, […]
Slight Delay
Welp, the Kickstarter campaign for season 2 of Crew Call was supposed to start today, but just like the previous TAPA, I ran into some technical difficulties. Sigh. Instead, here’s some links! Road Trip Randy wrote a long, detailed article called How to Land a Production Assistant Job in the Film Industry – Actionable Steps […]
Emmy Award-Nominated Production Assistant
Unlikely some people, I love Christmas. I enjoy dressing up on Halloween. I even think Valentine’s Day can be sweet. But I fucking hate April Fools Day. Everything about today, from fake news stories to ridiculous fake products. Even the movie is fucking terrible. Whatever the April equivalent of “Bah, humbug” is, I’m saying that. […]
There’s a Limit
Jack writes in with a sad story: I moved to LA from Nebraska two weeks ago and landed my first PA gig with a production company working a live event. With no prior experience, I couldn’t believe my luck. On set, I was seen as a valuable member of the team and gained a ton […]
Paperwork PA
Adrienne writes in: I’ve just signed on to be a day-player, but as a paperwork PA for a major TV show. I’ve only done paperwork for small shoots before. Any advice you could give me about the position would be helpful. “Paperwork PA” is often a euphemism for basecamp PA, because, technically, a DGA member […]