The Stage is Dark, and Full of Terrors
If you’re new to the business, two things about lighting will probably surprise you: night exterior scenes are actually really bright, and sound stages are really dark. In the second case, the reason is control. You don’t want light leaking onto the set from open doors or anything like that. Electricians will, of course, set up […]
Where to Find a Job
One of the most common questions{{1}} I get asked is, “Where do I look for jobs?” The first and best option is: people you know. Every week or two that you’re out of work, you should email (or text, as appropriate) people you’ve worked with, and let them know you’re available. That’s not just former […]
Meet Other TAPA Readers in Los Angeles
This blog has been around for a while, now. We’re proud to have so many friends, followers, and readers from all over the world. But today’s post is primarily for those of you who live in Los Angeles. As much fun as the comments section can be, I think it’s time that some of you meet […]
Payday!
Thursday, for most shows, is payday.{{1}} It’s a wonderful time for payroll accountants, because they suddenly become the most popular people on the show. But for us in the production office, it’s a deluge of phone calls, asking the same question, over and over: “Are paychecks coming today?” YES, PAY CHECKS ARE COMING TODAY! Paychecks […]
You Are Not a Teamster
When a regular driver license just doesn’t cut it.
“Balance”
Dave asks: I’m about to graduate from college, move back to my home town, then get married all in the next year. Compounded with needing a real (read: paying) job, I’m finding my self worried about making ends meet and still making it in the business. What would you say is the right balance between […]
How To Open a Case of Paper
One weird trick!
What If Your Boss Is a Screw Up?
How to manage your manager.
References
Temple asks: Do you feel I should always include references, or just if they specifically ask? Short answer: Always. Long answer: there’s no sense in saying “references available upon request.” They know that already. What kind of applicant won’t provide references? You’re basically just making them take an extra step to get information they want and, not unimportantly, […]
Getting a Job on the Show You Want
Lauren writes in: I know of two projects specifically that are being produced soon. (One is a feature adapted from a book, one is a new multi-camera sitcom.) I REALLY want to work on set as a PA for either or both. Is there ANY way to get in with someone and throw my resume on […]
Funny Videos
Ashley sent me this video on my Facebook page: This commercial raises so many questions. Why is she finding props and wardrobe? Those are decisions for two different department. And where are teamsters to pick up all this stuff? It’s like the entire show’s budget went into that one crane and Maxi Brute, and they […]
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers
Kevin writes: Hi TAPA! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but it has recently taken on more importance in my life. I live right outside NYC and am trying to get jobs as a PA on some film or TV sets. While at college, I was focusing on Production Design and art […]