Not Scheduled
Elyse writes: I was told by the UPM to go ahead with getting a job as a PA on the tv show set I’ve been standing-in on, and she told me to speak with one of the ADs. I spoke with one and he was going to set me up with the person to hire […]
What to Wear to an Interview
Patrick asks a question I’ve touched on before, but I think bears some detailed answering: What should I wear to an interview for a P.A. job? Should I dress formally? My dad used to tell me I should dress one level higher than the guy I’m interviewing with. If he’s wearing shorts, I should wear […]
Use What Ya Got
Edward writes: Recently, a new member of my family offered to introduce me to some people and help me get a job as a PA in L.A. (She works as a marketing executive for a major network.) Now, this sounds wonderful to me, but there are plenty of factors that make me think this must […]
Following Up on a Social Contact
Ravenna writes: Recently my friend had a party and I started talking to her upstairs neighbor, who is a script supervisor on a great show. We got on really well and I am pretty sure she said they were “always looking for good people” to work on her show. Now, since I have zero experience […]
Patience
Conventional wisdom that tells us a guy should wait three days before calling a girl when she gives you her number. “That’s great dating advice, Anonymous,” you say, “but what does that have to do with being a production assistant?” I’m glad you asked. I was at a networking event last night. Just drinks at a […]
Non-Industry Experience
Anthony writes: Questions about getting a job. Graduated from film school in December and for the past three to four months I’ve been applying for PA crew jobs on television shows that are filming in Dallas but I havn’t heard back from any of them. I’m gonna interrupt you right there. If the emails you’ve […]
Streetlights
I won’t waste time rehashing my feelings on PA Bootcamp [sic]. That’s what the search bar is for. Here’s the short version: What’s the point? Yesterday, though, Robert called my attention to Streetlights, “a nonprofit job training, job placement and mentoring program which provides opportunities for employment in the entertainment industry for economically or socially […]
Locations and Set PAs
In case you don’t read the comments, I thought it best to reprint Nathan’s comment on my previous post: Location Managers (and ALM’s) never hire the Set P.A.s. Anywhere. (I’m an East Coast Location Manager — trust me on this one.) Locations will hire Locations P.A.s, but their job is different from Set P.A.’s Example: Locations P.A.s don’t do […]
Addressing Multiple People
Chris writes: From what I’ve gathered while reading archives, an office PA job is something you work your way up to, after starting in the trenches as a set PA. Not really. I tease the set PAs, but we’re really in a parallel position. They’re not trying to work their way up into my job, […]
Aliens in America
Jason writes: Do you have any idea on how the industry deals with foreigners? Do people from outside the US even have a shot at a PA (or similar) job? For higher positions I’d assume they’ll prefer resume over country of origin, but how about the lower jobs like PA? I’m from The Netherlands, currently […]
Full Time Work in a Freelance Industry
I know, I know, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry. I do have an excuse, though. The show I’ve been on lo these many months has “stopped production.” A nice euphemism for “cancelled.” We’re done. Needless to say, I’ve been spending a lot of time looking for a new job. Considering the luck […]
Cover Letter
Bryan writes in: I have been out of work since December and I am dying to get back to work. I read what you had to say about cover letters and it makes sense but I am having a difficult time simplifying it. I have been sending out resumes like a mad man and I […]