How to be a GREAT Production Assistant for TV/FILM 2021

[@maxsdad538]

If you remember NOTHING ELSE, remember this. Today's production assistant can be a studio chief (or show runner) in 10 years. Be nice to everyone.

[@brittanicunningham]

YES!

[@rosheenadaniels]

Thank you girl! Especially as a black woman! I am also a black woman looking to become a PA. I’m working on my confidence so I can network better. I appreciate you making this video. I’d love to see more content like this.

[@kmfilms5318]

i relate

[@brittanicunningham]

You got it ;)

[@angela.iranna]

You are a God send!!! I’ll be starting my job on Snowfall tomorrow and I’m excited af!! Thank you for this video sis!

[@brittanicunningham]

Congrats thats major!!❤️

[@elsalvatore7481]

I looove snowfall 😭

[@jalen2024]

I’m a Key PA and i can say the on time thing is really 50/50 for me. I hate when people are late because i try to be there 15 before call. But if you’re there 5-10 minutes late im not gonna go tell the ADs or anything. What matters more to me is how you come in and what you do after. If you’re late, draw attention to yourself AND lazy, then we have a problem. Because yeah, you’re late but we got 15.5 hrs ahead of us so by the end of the day the 5 minutes you missed were made up. If you’re a habitual “ima walk in 10 minutes late” guy, you’ll just be last man everyday till you get the message. Waste my time on the front end, i’ll waste yours on the back end. Also, as you rise through the ranks, don’t be the guy who has to flex his power. I’m 20, meaning i’m younger than most people on set and definitely younger than most in my dept. Doesn’t mean i have to drop my title on the PAs like “I’m your key PA, you will respect me”🤮🤮. They see me work, ask me questions, realize i just might be a key for a reason and maybe, just maybe, know a thing or 2, then they will naturally follow your lead. Set a precedent, and follow it. I usually have a meeting with all the PAs before and after Day 1 just to let them know what i expect and what they should expect. ie I expect you to be in your lockup’s when i ask you to be, i understand the flow of set and wouldn’t ask you to be there for no reason. You can expect me to know the answer to your question or at the very least know how to get the answer to your question so please ask. Also guys, listen to your key. When you screw up it lands on their head so the least you can do is try to limit your mess-ups.

[@the1-daytrader275]

this is excellent advise. I would love to be a PA in set with you.

[@brittanicunningham]

YES! This is GREAT advice! ❤️❤️❤️

[@roythousand13]

Networking is the key to success, in industries like Entertainment. Talent and Attractiveness is important, but without connections, you won't go far!

[@brittanicunningham]

It really is 🙃

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Save your call sheets and crew lists. They’re networking gold. Then do the work of networking: when you’re not working send texts saying the following: Hey, how’s it going? We worked together on (_____). I wanted to let you know I’m available for work. Don’t hound people. You might not hear back. Keep it short and not more frequent than once a week. Make sure you’re sending texts to the right people, those likely to be hiring a PA or who know about open PA jobs.

[@samanthacashx]

I feel soooo empowered because of this video. I have my first PA job next month and I’m not nervous because I’ve worked on set as background but never as a PA. BUT I know the jobs are worlds apart and I definitely feel much more confident because of your tips ❤️

[@brittanicunningham]

Good luck!! Thanks for watching :)

[@manuelal8245]

hey congrats sis! how was your experience?

[@samanthacashx]

@@manuelal8245 It was great! It actually lead to other PA jobs that got me connected with people I never would’ve expected. 10/10 recommend. Also, can now confirm that everything she says in the video is 100% true lol.

[@sz.nick994]

Hey Lela can you share your LinkedIn?

[@sarimakbar3058]

As someone who just graduated film school this video was extremely helpful! I know film school isn't even remotely comparable to working on a real set so I had a lot of anxieties as I'm applying to my first PA jobs. You helped ease most of them thank you! 😁

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Hopefully you began to build your professional network while still in school. Continue networking with those folks. Send a friendly text once a week, asking them how their doing and letting them know you’re available. Don’t overdo this so you’re not annoying, but DO EET!, When you’re not working a paying gig, work for free or for gas money. When I got started, we didn’t have texts, so it was all about making calls. Once you’ve worked on a show or two, while you’re between jobs, start calling/texting the A.D.s and your fellow PAs. Keep it short. “Hey, how’s it going. We worked together on _____. If you got any projects, I’m available for work.” Always keep it professional. If you don’t get a response, let it go and send another text next week. PA is a high turn over job. The production department is always looking for new bodies. Active networking is reminding people who you are.

[@Likklejemfilms]

Thanks for sharing! I have my first PA job in 3 days and I'm nervous. I'm transitioning from a career in law to film (I would like to sepcialize in documentary filmmaking and directing), so it is extremely different. I will make sure I read the callsheet!

[@joanaribeiro2339]

Hey! I am in a very similar position, transitioning careers (still work in IT). Also passionate about documentary film-making! Would love to have a chat!

[@camlizabeth8641]

Omg how was it Jamie!

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Save your call sheets and crew lists so you can network when you’re between gigs!

[@justindelascuevas7999]

this video is great. I just started getting on set about 9 months ago and I love it the importance of networking is crazy this video was so helpful!!

[@philip7833]

It’s my goal to work in the entertainment industry. I’m a junior in high school and I’ve been doing research on how I can set myself up for the future. Wish me luck.

[@brittanicunningham]

Good luck!

[@johnnythunder8382]

I’ll give u advise. Once you grad. Don’t feel you have to go to film school. Film school is a great tool to meet the ones who will be in the future film industry. You make friends there your career could boom however. Working in film right after you grad. By 20 u can be a key pa. By 24 u can be an ad. And by 28 you may be the director. Working on set beats film school 9.5 / 10. Trust that

[@daijahxnicole]

Thank you, Professor Cunningham lol!! This is very helpful!👏🏾

[@brittanicunningham]

That has a nice ring to it 😉😂

[@07laeina]

Thank you tor marking this video! I really want to either do graphic/prop design for movies or generally work in the industry, because I’ve always enjoyed and loved making films (on a very low budget lol). Even though I’m not a PA or looking for a job in that area right now… still deciding on what I should study, if I should go to film school or what.. this was a helpful video. Got yourself a new subscriber :)

[@youtubewatcher5622]

Thank you for this video. Everytime I see your videos it makes me dream and gives me hope to follow my dream but then the reality comes and there’s no way I have the courage to move to other country alone 😔😔😔 still keep making these videos many of us love it, and like many have said, you are very good at communicating 💚 Love from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@brittanicunningham]

aww thank you! Trust me if I can do it, anyone can! Just need to believe in the process :)

[@stoneschanify]

. so grateful for PAs and how they treated me I was playing a co-star role. Being that he was just a small role in the production, would it make sense to do this? If so, What is the best way to leave some type of feedback/review for a few of the PAs that helped us out on set without it getting lost in the chain of command and actually ackowledged? Who's the best person to talk to? I need to do this if its possible. These people were so kind to us. We appreciated them so much! Thank you for all of your work and videos!

[@jilysylla]

I have my first PA job coming up I’m nervous but this video helped me be less nervous

[@PeachPlastic]

I was not expecting the ultimate point to be "get out as quickly as possible", but it's actually good advice! Haha

[@brittanicunningham]

hahaha just my experience 😂

[@brittanicunningham]

Watch in HD!

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

the news channel video of making it in NYC on $37k/annually brought me to your channel . you're doing great ! love to see it !

[@brittanicunningham]

Awesome! Thank you!❤️

[@MPB059]

I will be attending the Georgia Film Academy for the On-set Production Assistant certificate this fall!

[@brittanicunningham]

Congrats! Woohoo!

[@swmthomas5066]

Hi Brandon. I'm also interested in this program. Would love to find out your opinion of it.

[@FryDaddy]

Thanks for this! Starting my PA journey next month, will definitely be coming back to this video

[@brittanicunningham]

Best of luck!💖

[@RemyLebeauIAm]

I'm finally about to start back after being sidelined by the Covid production cutbacks in my area, for a couple of years, thanks so much for the video, it's been a great refresher!

[@ChelleMishe]

This video was so helpful girl!! Thank you!

[@brittanicunningham]

thank you sweetie 🥺💕

[@kiahnaeve]

Thank you! Just started PAing on mg first set so this was helpful.

[@brittanicunningham]

good luck :)

[@LewseeAhh]

Can you go over some standard ways to communicate on walkie. Also, how to set it up. I know the setup isn’t hard, but i dont want to make a fool of myself on the day of 😅. Last time i had trouble having the earpiece stay in my ear

[@brittanicunningham]

Haha Honestly I been doing it for years and the walkie and I don't get along🤣 try out different ear pieces until you find the right one. And on set it is OK to ask for help!

[@anngellewis2065]

thank you so much for this! it’s also nice to hear this advice from someone who looks like me! im planning on going down this route starting out in my career so more than grateful for this video :,) 💛

[@brittanicunningham]

You got this!! 💕

[@nunyabeeswax3127]

Always love your videos! This is so informative and thinking about communication: you communicate very well! Very engaging and easy to understand (even for someone with 0 knowledge of the industry). Can't wait for the next video!

[@brittanicunningham]

Thank you so much!

[@aliethp6316]

Looove this type of content ❤️☺️ thank you for sharing ✨✨

[@devlevy]

You are so inspiring and your authenticity and generosity are so appreciated and refreshing. If I am switching careers and do not have any experience but am interested in learning the basics of being on a set, what would you make sure to include in your elevator pitch/ first convo with a key or AD?

[@brittanicunningham]

Just be honest with them and straight to the point! They are around ppl that ask the same things all the time so just be yourself and use some charm but don't make it sound like ME ME ME, try to offer some VALUE or help! Good luck!

[@blisss3333]

thank u! I'm moving to nyc next year for school and looking for internships/jobs in the film industry, this was so helpful. are there certain companies you'd recommend starting out with?

[@656sunsetproductions8]

Can you do a video if you haven't already on how to land jobs in the industry? I'll be heading up that way next week from FL and I want to continue working in the cinema/photo field but I have no clue where to start. 🙏🏾 Love your videos btw 🦅🔥

[@brittanicunningham]

great idea!

[@MarcosElMalo2]

First to arrive and last to leave.

[@reynemati8790]

I needed this video thank you thank you thank you

[@brittanicunningham]

Good luck hun!!!❤️

[@Jaughn]

Good advice, thank you

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

mmm , so if the goal is to be a great one to get out of there as quickly as possible , what's it that you're aiming to do ? 👀

[@brittanicunningham]

I wanted to work in Prop dept but now I've changed my mind and I'm figuring things out :) PA is just entry level though, you are supposed to move on w something else

[@deannapak]

This is great. Thanks beautiful

[@phebewadsworth932]

Do you have to go to college or take classes to become a PA? I’ve wanted to become one so long and I feel like your the only person who answers questions and gives info. Thank you 😊

[@brittanicunningham]

You don't! Just learn as you go!

[@sharmaine1499]

Should i study at film school to be part of film industry or just like yours? I really love watching films and i get to the point where i want to be part of filmmaking

[@daiisylove9168]

THANK YOUU SIS 😉

[@alexisbananas123]

Could you tell me how you would network with an AD? As they’re always busy, and I don’t want to waste their time. I’ve been on a set for 3 weeks and haven’t really spoken much to AD, is it weird if all of a sudden I start chatting to them.😂 I may be overthinking this. I don’t want to be direct and seem like I’m using them, but they don’t have the time to make friends with me. Is telling them you’re interested in running/being an AD enough or would I have to give me number/ keep talking to them about my interest

[@brittanicunningham]

DO IT! Chat them up! Let me tell you something, one time I was at crafty having a convo with a girl in her early 20s, I assumed was also a PA. Next thing I know, the ADs come up to her and start asking her about what SHOT she wanted to do next - I was talking to the director!! And I didn't even know it! Network with EVERYONE on set, doesn't matter who, at the end of the day they are just people getting the job done just like you. Everyone starts from somewhere 💕

[@ragenkagee]

Love your videos and hoping to move to NYC before the end of the year! Do you have any advice for someone looking to be a Writer/ get into the writers room? I know Writer’s assistant is the starter position but would you say there is a way to start there with no experience or would the PA route work as well? Thanks for the videos!

[@brittanicunningham]

PA route works great! I would suggest being an "office PA" so that you are physically around the writers, they will have you print the scripts, and you'll have access to writers. If you prefer to be on set this is great too because the writers are often there, you can introduce yourself! Also make friends with script supervisor because they are the writers right hand man/woman. Good luck on your move!

[@ragenkagee]

@@brittanicunningham thank you so much! Will try this !

[@Giorgia12028]

Love your videos, you’re so inspiring! I’m studying fashion communication at university and I’d like to get a job in the dress department for film. I’m from another country so I’m worried that it’s kind of difficult finding a job in ny or la but I really want to. Do you have any advice? Do you think it’s possible for me having a job in the film industry even if I’m from Italy? Thank you, I adore you!✨

[@brittanicunningham]

Of course it possible! International ppl are the heart of the american film set! Get your but over here, we need your talents!❤️

[@cherryblossom5446]

I always want have career in film industry long time and I have been researching of PA, BUT I have question as curious, I'm deaf and do you think they would accept deaf person to be PA? I know there have required use walkie or hear something even communicate too, but I always can write paper as communicate or any gestures. love this videos for tips so I can learning about it more! :)

[@MissAmeriNegro]

I dont think so

[@the1-daytrader275]

how did you get into the industry? I am looking for professional PA roles but can only find Indie Film productions which isn't help me gain the professional experience recognised in the industry. Any advice would be most appreciated.

[@brittanicunningham]

Network is your Networth!!

[@johnstanson3479]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@luluohm2709]

What should I wear? I don’t have cargo pants! It also Very hot

[@brittanicunningham]

In the summer I wear tshirts and shorts! In the winter, lots of layers, jumpsuits or one pieces are also very good !

[@AndyG97]

Good video ♥️

[@TreyDewitt]

hii whats your advice on someone who wants to break into the tv/film industry being an actor? is pa a great job to connect with directors and begin work as an actor?

[@enricodavis2728]

Hello Brittney, do u have any suggestions on how to snag pa work here in nyc for first time??

[@brittanicunningham]

Networking!!

[@justrach_]

I am in my last year of school and id love my career to be a full time cast production assistant, I unfortunately have no connections with people in the film/tv industry and i was wondering if i could get some advice on how to go about getting a PA job. i also live in Ireland and would love in the future to get the chance to travel to New York and work as a cast production assistant their where their would be a lot more opportunities, any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊

[@brittanicunningham]

NYC is a great place for networking and job ops I would def make the move to somewhere that is booming in film. I'm not too sure about Ireland (lovely place) but L.A is a great option as well. It's all about networking!!

[@justrach_]

@@brittanicunningham I would love to be able to work in NYC like you said it would provide so many opportunities, it would take me years to save up the money to travel their, so i think ill keep searching for jobs in Ireland since im thankfully 18 in less then a month and then slowly start searching for jobs around Europe in around 2022!! thank you for replying...your account has helped me a lot

[@nicolasmauwa6285]

so how does the scheduling work, do you know the day and time you will be working for the week?

[@brittanicunningham]

They send out a call sheet the night before lol

[@inchwormentertainment780]

Thank you Beautiful 😍💚

[@asproduction7562]

Can I apply for PA job even when I'm not in the country I'm from Nigeria and I'm much interested in this

[@saxanith6117]

How did you become a PA in the first place? I'm trying to , but I don't see many listing and i don't have any experience yet

[@brittanicunningham]

Networking!

[@ninaelizabeth19]

Success is spelled wrong in the title!

[@brittanicunningham]

haha thank you my love! Good catch😂

[@abhidnyad3190]

but also you are so pretty

[@brittanicunningham]

thank you my love!!

[@Bri_Tanisha]

Hi, this is a great video. What’s your advice for someone like me who wants to work in tv/film as a pa, but don’t have the experience. I worked as a “pa” for a small business that made videos for non profits. I use pa loosely because it was rare for us interns to go on shoots and I the shoots were few in between. I was basically a receptionist. I even applied to news stations but haven’t gotten the job

[@brittanicunningham]

No experience needed! It's def entry level and trust me it's okay to "fake it til u make it" sometimes. Put yourself out there and make it known that it's what you want to do and the right opportunity might just fall into your lap!

[@spoiledwife2578]

💰

[@yattedbook7012]

What is your pay rate, if yuh don’t mind me asking

[@brittanicunningham]

$250/12

[@PoypoyProduction]

How do get a job as a production assistant 😅😅

[@brittanicunningham]

Makes sense!

[@jaquelineflores6247]

What did you study?

[@brittanicunningham]

Communication and Film degree :)

[@katieking6845]

16 hours wyg

[@AdilKhan-el1mq]

How do I contact you? I have a question, please. Thank you

[@brittanicunningham]

What's the question??😄

[@jodian7488]

Are you on LinkedIn ?