Who You Gonna Call?
Scott writes: I really enjoy your blog, it’s entertaining and informative. I do have one question to which I could not find the answer after going through your past blogs. I’m pretty new to all this so; when cold calling from Production Notices, like this one: “THE CAPE” Pilot / NBC 02-11-10 BERMANBRAUN STATUS – […]
Cold Calling, and Music Videos
Reader Yoshi writes: One major thing you’ve omitted is getting work on commercials and music videos. I got all these leads off various sources, but I’m not sure what the protocol is when cold calling them, since you’re not calling a p.o.. Who do I ask for and what do I say? I wish I […]
In Addition
Andrew writes in: My fiance recently fell into a PA position and landed a couple days on a movie. After day two/three she was told they had enough PA’s for the next day and they would call her. It has been a few days and no word back yet. A family member of mine works […]
No Experience Necessary! (Some Experience Required)
Leala writes: Ok, I keep reading “no experience” needed to PA. So why it so hard to land a PA job? I actually have some experience -film school, student projects, independent projects, game show pilot, award shows, major network webisode and even dayplayed in the production office of a network TV show. I get Production […]
Atlanta Isn’t Burning (With Jobs)
Kyle writes in: I recently stumbled across your blog and have really enjoyed the reading. I have a few questions I was hoping you might give some advice on. I have interned as a P.A. on a few different occasions for editing studios in Atlanta, Ga. However, now that I have graduated I am finding […]
Does Age Matter?
Reader Dan writes: I am 17, soon to be 18. When I am 18, or sort of maybe a few months after I’m 18, I wanted to be a PA for reality tlelevision. I’m worried I’m a bit too young to do this. I’ll be ready late this year or early 2010, depending on how […]
Bird in the Hand
A reader asks: I am currently working as a receptionist at a post production house in Hollywood. I took this job not too long ago, assuming that as this place is fairly renowned, it would eventually provide me with the opportunity to move on in the business toward some of my real interests: script development […]
Another Way to Network
I was hanging out on the set today, and I overheard a background actress talking with one of the set PAs. At a certain point, she asked “casually” (those are sarcastic air quotes; I actually paused while writing this to wriggle my fingers in the air): “Say, who’s in the office right now? Is [showrunner’s […]
No Pay
I received two different, but related, emails in the last few days. Matt writes: I’ve been combing Craigs List and Mandy.com for a while and I tend to notice that like, every single ad or call for a PA is indefinitely nonpaying. Is it as if there is some secret club you’re let into after […]
Casting Called Out
I asked an AD to look over my resume, and make some suggestions. He pointed to two listings for “Casting PA,” both on game shows. “Get rid of these” “Why?” “No one respects the casting department. They don’t do any work. It makes you look lazy.” Wow. The thing is, I knew he kinda had […]
Mail Bag
I haven’t kept up with the ol’ mail bag like I should’ve. Time to play catch up. Rob writes: You had mentioned that you walked into an interview and impressed them despite wearing a t-shirt and jeans and being unshaven. You got the job. Do you have any tips on how to ace an interview? […]
And I’m Freeeeeee! Free-Lancing!
Analis asked recently: Once you get the low/no-budget film job and it ends, what do you do next? Should I assume that I made great connections and the next production I apply for will swoon upon my arrival? I wish. It’s true, after that first credit, landing that next job will be easier. But remember, […]