Where to Network
Last Friday’s post garnered this response: Truth in @TheAnonymousPA‘s How to Write http://t.co/f4MxgX4i5u – but ends on some truly bad advice. — Michael Sullivan (@redrighthand) June 20, 2014 @redrighthand curious what the bad advice is. — TAPA (@TheAnonymousPA) June 20, 2014 @TheAnonymousPA To not attend writer meet-ups. Not everyone at a meetup is a delusional […]
How to Write
“A pretty stenographer that you’ve seen before comes into the room and you watch her—idly. She doesn’t see you although you’re very close to her. She takes off her gloves, opens her purse, and dumps it out on the table—” Stahr stood up, tossing his key-ring on his desk. “She has two dimes and a […]
Special Effects Technician Ken Petrie
Ken Petrie joins us for an in-depth discussion of special effects. (NOT visual effects!) In today’s episode, you’ll learn weird British acronyms, why every show from World War Z to Call the Midwife needs effects, and how to spell “Motjuoadi.” Plus, Channing Tatum is every bit as awesome as you dreamed he would be. The […]
Should You Use LinkedIn?
Kaitlin writes in: What is your opinion about reaching out to recruiters or HR personnel on LinkedIn? I have been trying to land a job at a studio or network. I want to work in TV development yet I can never seem to land a job doing that. It’s definitely not a bad idea. Corporate […]
Nosce te Ipsum
Krista writes in: I am about to graduate high school and was searching for possible internships and PA jobs I could do over the summer before I head off to college. I found a small company whose website said that most positions would be paid but some might not because they’re on a small budget, […]
Crew Call Episode 005: Casting Director Stacey Tenenbaum
In today’s episode, TAPA talks with casting director Stacey Tenenbaum. She tells us about the standard path to getting into casting (there isn’t one), the usual length of time it takes to cast a show (there isn’t one), and the typical day for a casting director (there isn’t one). The producer of today’s episode was […]
Video Interviews – Not a Thing
Sarah asks: I’m wondering if you’re familiar with interns/internships in the industry. I’ve applied to an internship with [studio]’s television development department, and I’ve received positive feedback–they’d like me to come in for an interview. The thing is, I’m a recent graduate and haven’t yet relocated to LA; i.e. I’d have to travel a few […]
Weekend Update
It’s Friday, and boy, have I got a big weekend planned! Today, two of my favorite books in the last couple years are coming out as movies: The Fault in Our Stars and All You Need Is Kill.{{1}} The only question is whether I go with Tom Cruise or Shailene Woodley first? Tomorrow, I will […]
Crew Call Episode 004: Dolly Grip Darryl Humber
Today’s guest is Darryl Humber, a dolly grip, and the author of the premier dolly grip blog, Dollygrippery. Darryl tells us about moving the camera, rolling over actors’ feet, and working outside of Los Angeles. He also offers great advice for inexperienced crew: listen. Also, Warner Brothers once again gets called out for their impossible […]
When Will I Get Paid?
Emily writes in{{1}}: I recently worked for a major out-of-town TV show as a casting assistant, though it was technically my first time casting. Before then, I had been working for free as a PA and personal assistant and have another paid position coming up next year as a production coordinator. I’m currently job searching […]
What’s a Production Secretary?
Adam writes in: I just got an interview for a new gig Monday as a Production Secretary. For some reason none of the scripted shows I have worked on have ever had a Production Secretary. A former APOC recommended me and so I assume she feels I am capable of handling the job but I […]
So You Worked on a Dirty Movie…
Maggie writes in: Your blog is full of great advice and has given me TONS of useful notes so many thanks!! Here’s a question I wasn’t exactly able to find the answer to though. I worked on a very small film with a terrible title. It’s so bad that I don’t know if I can […]