Advice from Other People
Giovanni writes in: I’m eyeing a few productions that will shoot in Louisiana this summer. For an on location shoot, when does the hiring process usually start? Is it constantly ongoing? I assume it happens during pre-production but how far in advance I have no clue- weeks, months? I have already sent in my resume […]
How Much Can I Bullshit?
Leo asks: I wanted to ask you about applying for jobs that I’m on the borderline of being qualified for, but not really. Positions asking for a year of experience, familiarity with X Studio Pro or Other Program 2000. I have about three months worth of internship experience in pretty solid companies in LA and […]
Notes for Sunday’s Get Together
Holy crap, you guys! Somewhere between a hundred and two hundred are going to the TAPA readers’ convention{{1}} on Sunday! The official start time is 2:00pm, but I see no reason everyone should arrive right on time. I mean, seriously, you won’t even fit through the door if 200 people show up at the same […]
Post-Graduate Degrees & Another Kickstarter Movie
Jaelin writes in: What is your opinion of the PhD in regards to Film, Cinema, Production, and the like? I know I do not need one for my personal career aspirations but I have always wanted one because one of my family members I look up to since childhood has one but I am frightened […]
First Contact
Cara writes in: What are your thoughts on business cards, especially for a young person just starting out and looking to make contacts? I am planning on coming to your meet-up next Sunday. Are business cards appropriate there? What about just in general? Is having (and giving out) business cards standard, or will it make me […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I’ll Be the BEST Intern Ever!
An anonymous reader writes: I’ve recently started working full-time as an “intern” for the president of production at a production company. I am the only intern in the office, making me an assistant really, rather than an intern. What makes me an intern is that I don’t get paid. I have given a commitment of […]
How to Get Coordinator Contact Info (This Title Is Very Misleading)
Jackie writes in: Any advice on how best to get the contact info for a production coordinator of a specific show? Generally, it’s a know-someone-who-knows-someone kind of deal. Think about it. If you have something that a lot of people want (a job to offer), would you publicize your email? Coordinators would get millions of […]
Other Jobs
Sometimes you just have to take another job outside of production.