Out Times
Marvin asks: What is the process of getting “out times” from the working trucks? One of the more important aspects of the [glossary slug=’production-report’]PR[/glossary] is recording the times every member of the crew started and ended their day, along with any meal penalties, NDBs, and stuff like that. As I’ve explained before, each department is […]
Due to a Technical Glitch, the Podcast Kickstarter Campaign Will Not Begin Today
This is both disappointing and annoying, but the video I created for the Kickstarter campaign is not as complete as I expected it to be by now. Don’t worry, though, the meetup at the Figueroa Hotel is still on, so you can help me drown my sorrows in booze.
Some Writers Are Oblivious
If you’ve never been on a multicamera series, it’s a lot like being on a play that has a one-night engagement. There’s a lot of set up and rehearsal and honing everything down to the last detail, so you can perform it for a singular audience. You only get one shot at it,{{1}} and thus […]
Your Driving Record
Andrew writes in: I just got offered a potential PA job pending a drivers license check, and I was wondering what the requirements are that production companies look for regarding license checks. Most of the time, they just want to make sure that you have a license (and insurance), so they can send you on runs. […]
What’s the Biggest Lie on Set?
“One more.” Never, ever, ever believe a director when he says this. It is never, ever, ever true. Usually, he’ll say this when he realizes the cast and crew have run out of patience, when it’s the 9th take on 12th setup of a scene about two people talking at the dinner table. He wants […]
There Are More Accountants Than You Think
Today’s topic is… ACCOUNTING! Seriously, though, people seem to be confused about accounting. Maybe it’s because most of the crew doesn’t see the accountants every day like I do. At most, you’ll see one of the accountants on Thursdays. But, like most departments, accounting{{1}} is divided up among specialties. There’s usually a head accountant (or […]
Time Change for the TAPA Meeting
Quick note: The time for the TAPA get-together this Sunday is now 4:00pm, rather than 2:00pm.
The TAPA Podcast is Coming Soon
I wanted to remind all of you that the TAPA podcast will be coming very soon. I’m titling it Crew Call: The Below the Line Podcast. Because it’s not just for PAs; it’s for the whole crew. Often times, we know our jobs very well, but have very little understand of what other departments are […]
Can I Be an Office And a Set PA?
Janice writes in: I just landed an office PA job for a pilot that has a good chance of going to series. But all of the jobs I’ve had so far have been on set. I’m nervous; I don’t want to be stuck in the relatively small office and never see set, or be just […]
On the Injured Reserve List
Suri writes in: I’ve been off sick from my job with two separate knee injuries for the past 18 months. (These were work-related injuries, covered by workman’s comp.) My question is: how open should I be about everything to potential employers? While my resume states I’ve worked with [Show Title] for 3 years, I’ve only […]
Are Webseries Experience?
Alex writes in: Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a set PA on a SAG webseries. It was a great crew, I am unsure about how this rates as credible experience. What are your thoughts about PA experience on webseries? All experience is experience. Put it on your resume. Here’s the thing that’s hard […]
Casting Is Harder Than You Think
Reader Sean writes in: I was wondering if you could shed some light on casting directors, and why they’re ATL. Seems like a pretty easy job to me. “Oh, YOU’RE the one that thought Tom Hanks would be great in that role! What a genius!” Psssh! If by “ATL,” you mean “Above the Line,” they’re not. “Above […]