How to Get Job As A Production Assistant (PA)

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[@jalen2024]

I’m 18 and i just finished my 1st week at Tyler Perry Studios. My first day, everyone thought i sucked. I was approaching it like any other job. Then I get home and my Dad was talking to me and I felt like he doubted me. That was all I needed honestly. Tuesday, i started ATTACKING. I started filling into the role i felt was needed most, a spark plug. I put a smile on all the time, always telling everyone that i notice they are working hard, telling everyone to be great, and helping out any and everyone i came into contact with. Kept waters and small snacks on hand, always had extra call sheets and shooting orders, and i saw how the positive energy i put out made its way back to me. The hours are long, we don’t sit down unless we’re on lunch (4-5) and it’s a lot of telling people to quiet down on set but i found that if the crew likes you , they’ll be more inclined to listen when you ask them to do something.

[@jordanpanderson]

This is an awesome story from the field. Thanks, Jalen for posting this.

[@naerozier3806]

How did you get on set I’ve graduated from Film school and I’ve been trying to get on I’ve sent in my resume. Numerous amounts of time talked to people but I keep getting the run around

[@jonathanpatrick9459]

Jalen? Do you have an Instagram I’d love to talk more about your experience!

[@jalen2024]

@@jonathanpatrick9459 Wow, forgot i ever posted this. Oh, the green days! Feel free to dm me @AtpJahan (my real page is locked out so it’s my alt.)

[@jalen2024]

@@naerozier3806 Sorry for the late reply but the industry as a whole (especially at TPS) is pretty much a who knows who type of basis. Once you get your first job though it’s an opportunity to work your way into another job, and that’s basically every job. The crews change around so it’s good to make as many connections as possible and they keep you working. Feel free to email me [e-mail] or dm me on instagram @AtpJahan

[@chrstinedivinagracia7259]

when I was a PA I totally enjoyed it it was a good experience for me, everytime I feel like I'm not doing anything I always ask "is there anything I can do?" uhmmm I never looked at my position as something "low" or anything like that though I get alot of comments that PA's are useless but then the best way to outwit that label is to just keep asking the crew what you can help.

[@chrstinedivinagracia7259]

and plus! love your job, be nice to everyone. always be alert and abrupt, be humble and know that your there 'to help'

[@nikajosefujoseh7671]

@@chrstinedivinagracia7259 very true 🤗

[@dasiajb]

I was a PA for 2 days just recently and I loved every single second. The AD , director and DP were so grateful for us because we worked our asses off.

[@NomadOverNormal]

The Production Assistant's handbook is a great read for anyone interested in what it's like to be a PA on a real set. Very short

[@NomadOverNormal]

@Onyi Ononye When you ask for money, people give advice. When you ask for advice, people give you money.

[@NomadOverNormal]

@Onyi Ononye Perhaps I'm both. I'm disappointed that my answer did not meet your standards.

[@kimbacon6331]

"Don't sleep on set" omg what kind of terrible pa's has he had ahahaa

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

It is wrong to promote not paying crew as OK if "not in the budget". I have gotten paid more than you have as a PA with not that much experience as straight PA, and I never work for free except for friends. It is illegal not to pay minimum wage. There are a lot of people that claim they never have money to pay PAs in their budget, especially in LA. That's because they think they don't have to. Wait till we get our new Attorney General soon. If they are ever sued for not paying minimum wage they will have to find the money to pay the penalties too. In CA the penalty for late pay is up to 30 days pay plus interest and social security etc.. Claiming the PA is a "volunteer" or a freelancer is an excuse that no government agent will pay any attention to.

[@ritabrisbane2579]

My last gig as a PA, the producer had us scrape fish guts off a pier until they started filming, and then we were crowd control. Those were fun times honestly, talking to other PAs and working with an all-female crew!

[@jordanpanderson]

Whoa! Fishguts!!! Ewwwww. Sounds like some good times "in the trenches." Keep striving and keep working up the ranks.

[@scubadiver31]

Jordan is so right 100% all that he has said is great. When i was a PA on a set of a film i got up graded to grip and electric just do to the amount i helped out them. then the director liked how i looked and put me on as an extra. also one last key thing is that no mater what you should have a Business card ( your contact info) basic email a number to contact you and your website if you have one. this will give you some thing to give out if say someone stops by the set and sees how you work and then then might want you on there set doing other jobs or maybe even another PA job.

[@roastarena]

You were upgraded to electric. Do you need to have an Electrical license? And what's the most sought-after position in electric?

[@japtakito8551]

In simple terms... PA is the Butler of the production, seen but not heard, active but quiet, helpful with manners and a positive attitude! Always ready and willing to help in any way possible!

[@aguynamedme7760]

My first job on set was a PA and it was for free with a lot of manual labor. That doesn't sound like a great experience, but I learned a lot and made some connections. Just two weeks after that, I got put on another gig as a second camera operator, but the camera operator from the first gig. I am really happy I took that because it taught me something. If you work hard and have a good attitude, people will forgive mistakes and give you other work. It was a nice insight into the industry.

[@jordanpanderson]

An awesome story. Yes, positivity goes a long, long way.

[@nicclarke1151]

PA experience: First day. Guy asks me where bin bags are on location. I asked do you mean the bin bags owned by the place were filming (bar)? He says yes . I say i don't know as i dont work at the bar and weve been here 10 minutes. He starts freaking out and saying I should "know these things". Hilarity ensues.

[@jordanpanderson]

Yeah...some people forget where we all came from: zero experience. Sounds like a lack of empathy. Brush your shoulders off, Nick.

[@saraminc]

Great video - really helpful advice. I've got my first PA job tomorrow so thank you!

[@jordanpanderson]

Awesome! Work hard, keep morale high, and be polite. Good luck!

[@isaaccarrillo2797]

I only worked as a PA only a day and the job isn't a lazy job for sure. It's long hours but it pays good and it's a start.

[@jordanpanderson]

Much respect.

[@tiffy_loves]

What’s the salary?

[@joes0406]

I’m age 50 and finally getting around to one of my interests of film

[@jordanpanderson]

Welcome aboard, Joe!

[@twillsol]

Starting my first day as a PA on a feature tomorrow of a 42 day shoot, really looking forward to it.

[@twillsol]

I'm on day 24 of 42 and it has not been a fun experience as a PA, can't see myself doing it again. But meeting a lot of cool people, hopefully I can get into another department on the next film.

[@jordanpanderson]

After this project, I would avoid being a PA at all cost. You've put in your time.

[@twillsol]

Thanks Jordan that's what i'm trying to do, I've learned set etiquette since being a Set PA on this long shoot and I know that I want to be a cinematographer so it's preferable to get into the camera department. I have landed my next job as a grip on the next project so that's cool as well since they work closely with the camera and electric department i'll get to see lighting designs up close and even help with it.

[@Sam-fg9lf]

Terelle Williams did you get moved up into the camera department? Did you form a convo with them or just straight out ask if you could be moved?If so how long did it take you from first starting out as a PA?

[@FrightBites]

@@twillsol I know this post is 3 years old but what did you dislike about your experience?

[@maxsdad538]

Whoever you are, you better have no problem firing ANYONE who's disrupting the set. And if you're the cinematographer, YOU don't fire ANYBODY! That's the job of the 1st AD (who hires them) and the producer (who signs their checks). Even the director doesn't typically fire people. He can kick them off his set, but that's usually the limit of his power.

[@jordanpanderson]

Thank you for clarifying.

[@drew8235]

I was a PA once on a set where I was told to just offer people water during the shoot. People got angry at some random person asking them if they needed any water. Get out of being a PA as soon as you can. It's the job literally everyone forgets that they once had to suffer through as well.

[@IglooDweller]

How do you get the job in the first place? edit: Nvm. The answer is in Part 2!

[@MilesBergstrom]

Sound design is top notch on this. Loving the added details.

[@MilesBergstrom]

Also, one added thing. I've been a PA many times too. If you see a green PA, help them out. Everyone starts out as a PA and we all know what's that like. Trust me, people remember when you help them out.

[@jordanpanderson]

+Miles Bergstrom Ab-sooo-lutely! Great comment!

[@Laurenlife]

i was a p.a. 3 times this year the 1st time was for a tv show 2nd time was a reality show and the 3rd time was from the same tv show from the 1st time i talked to a few people from the same tv show and they said i did a good job but there's still ALOT more i need to know about they basically said the same thing you said about not being afraid to ask questions and to help people out by opening the door for them and someone also said that i should be more open to people but it was kinda hard for me cause there's SO MANY people around and it's hard to talk to them when everyone is busy with their own departments and it's like you said you don't wanna get in their way and one of the a.d.'s said that i should always have extra "hot bricks" in my bag before we start filming and i need to ask for a head set immediately when i get my walkie but other than that they said i did a good job i told the extras what to do i asked different departments if they needed any help with anything and i'm just waiting on a phone call back they pretty much put me as a day player BUT i emailed one of ad's 2 weeks ago to see if i can start coming on the show once a week so that i can work on the things people told me about and i haven't heard a response so hopefully i'll get a call back soon but if not i'll have to call them myself

[@jordanpanderson]

+Lauren This was so awesome to read!! Thank you, Lauren, for sharing this story. As a new person to a set it can be really hectic and overwhelming. I have to admit that early on as a PA, I calmed up a bit. I hope you stick with it and never lose sight of why you joined the film industry.

[@Laurenlife]

Jordan P. Anderson thank you so much

[@katieking6845]

Shamelessly ignorant yes

[@iamvatoloco9453]

ive had one PA job and dude. i really wish i had seen this! Tough skin required- youre so right. and loved that tip seen not heard. def need help looking for work- tips in that?

[@wizdomperez5404]

I'm 17 and I just got my first PA job for a pilot episode of a show. Watching videos is making me so nervous 😬

[@jordanpanderson]

You'll be fine. Be enthusiastic and be curious about everything. People know you're a PA, no need to fake being a pro. Work hard, stay out of the way, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

[@chrissystewart4123]

My question is what does Production assistan do?

[@jordanpanderson]

A lot of things. They help the directors, help the producers, help with food, coffee, take out the trash, print the new scripts, handing out call sheets, moving the truck, parking cars, directing traffic, watching the bathrooms, watching the equipment, charging the batteries, handing cash envelopes to the producers, going to buy cases of water bottles, pitching the catering tent, breaking down the catering tent, eating last, showing up first, getting yelled at, being an extra, working for free, working for $50, working for $100, sitting in a car, sitting in a van, sitting on a folding chair, being told to stop sitting around. You know those sorts of things. Haha

[@abbieamavi]

*awesome video!!! I've got a volunteer unpaid PA gig tmrw, and I'm nervous but very excited!! I want to bring my best* :)

[@scottygrapher365]

Good vidéo !! i'm belgian and i understand this ! :D

[@jordanpanderson]

+Scotty Grapher Awesome dude! The struggle is real for a PA.

[@nataliolvera9692]

Can you do this as a full time job with no film school experience or should you also get a regular job simultaneously?

[@jordanpanderson]

Depends on where you live and your expenses. You don't need film school experience to be a PA. PA jobs don't pay a lot of money. The idea is that you progress into the film industry - become a director, writer, producer, videographer, cinematographer, etc.

[@andriizakrevskyi5335]

@@jordanpanderson 1.how much time is needed to get further? 2. How many hours does it take daily when on set like (9to5) or how? 3. Does this industry can bring you good money amount even from pa position ?

[@chrissystewart4123]

Wow Im into film director please explain what film directors do & how to become a professional film director

[@jordanpanderson]

Hey Chrissy, a film director is the lead creative visionary for a movie. They usually have a lot of the final say when it comes to the creative choices that are involved in the movie-making process. Here's a great resource for what a film director does: www.screenskills.com/education-training/job-profiles/content-creation/director/ Also, I've read this book on Directing: amzn.to/2UP0QQG

[@chrissystewart4123]

Jordan P. Anderson thankyou for info Film directing is a long term goal for me

[@daintydarlingbows]

I’ve always wanted to work on movie sets, but I don’t know where to start. I feel like some things are better suited for men and something’s you need a genuine talent like writing, directing. So what are some good film set jobs that pretty much anyone can do, especially women. I’m not worried about money, I just want to do something I love. Thanks for any advice or recommendations on where to start my search :)

[@xXGameRazerElectraXx]

im 17 i was asked by my classmate if i want to do a part time for 5 days 8am - 6pm and i'm just curious how to do this stuff

[@jordanpanderson]

Give it a shot. Keep doing your research about the filmmaking world. You'll learn through experience mostly.

[@xXGameRazerElectraXx]

@@jordanpanderson u were right so i gave it a shot it was an amazing experience since im interested in this type of environment it's so interesting because i can learn from it

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Useless? Sad you put the PA title hammer down and unrespect what we do day in and out! I have been a PA for over a year in Vancouver BC Canada. #northhollywood It is a long hours work min 12 hrs to 15 hrs a day! We are EYES and EARS for the 1st AD (Assistant Director) an important role when working. PA works lead us to Directing Role in the further! PA can be easy and can be hard due to the nature of long hours indoor or outdoor (rain or shine, snow with any weather conditions) Yes no experience is needed but street smart, common sense, hard work, and people skills take you to the next level! Not everyone can do it day in and day out! Work for a year and you will see clearly of PA's life! #LifeofMoviePA

[@justaperson8385]

I want to become a PA but have not resume experience so I have to rely on a amazing cover letter so i was wondering what are the do’s and donts of that

[@Cosmogris]

This was good, subbed :)

[@jordanpanderson]

+Cosmogris Whut whut! Thanks!

[@SethTaylorProffitt]

great advice, thanks! Ive gotten paid in pizza before sadly

[@jordanpanderson]

Sad but true.

[@baeleighhamlin9376]

This helps alot thank you!

[@jordanpanderson]

Happy to help! Cheers!

[@justine866]

What are the exit pathways for PAs? What kind of roles do they lead to?

[@jordanpanderson]

It’s your foot in the door. It helps to know which door. Directing? Camera? Producing?

[@justine866]

@@jordanpanderson I'm interested in directing and screenwriting! Should PA still be my starting point? or Is that more for people who want to go into camera op or producing? I do have experience with camera op and being on set.

[@jordanpanderson]

@@justine866 PA is a great start in tandem with writing, networking, interviewing directors. Or you could buck the PA route, and write/direct your own projects. Commercial work is a great start too.

[@paschameleon]

How do you become a PA or is there a way I can “shadow” one just to get the feel of it?

[@floortah]

Awesome video dude! Have been a PA for a few sets but its all my friends/student set so i didnt really get the chance to learn as much. Hopeful to get involve in bigger sets and learn some cool shit! Keep making these dope videos man! :D

[@jordanpanderson]

+3LACKMAM3A That's awesome! One way I saw that you can be a PA on a Hollywood set is to be a really good extra. I worked with some extras that had been on-set for several days. By Day 2 or 3, the 1st AD reached out and asked them if they wanted to come back tomorrow to be a PA. A very fluid work situation.

[@floortah]

+Valley Films that actually might be good news for me hahaa time to start searching for productions that requires extras hahaa

[@hellothere4485]

When were you a production assistant in, like what country?

[@jordanpanderson]

+Aawkward USA.

[@hellothere4485]

+Jordan P. Anderson oh ok

[@Lario64]

Jumpscare at 0:15

[@jordanpanderson]

Yeah my bad...

[@Lebronjr123]

So is this video about how to get a PA job or what to do as a PA…

[@ericaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Hello, I'm currently majoring in Digital Cinema but my school is a money scheme. Is a degree needed?

[@brandonbuckley2730]

you deserve many more subscribers than you have

[@jordanpanderson]

+Brandon Buckley Thanks man. Don't be afraid to spread the word.

[@magsbydefault]

Do you have any recommendations for someone who wants to be a TV writer? I'm taking writing classes and getting on-set experience by volunteering to be a PA on a few 1-3 day productions. Is being a PA a correct course of action?

[@jordanpanderson]

I have never attempted the TV Writer career path. But I do know that being on-set and understanding the production process helps tremendously in many career paths of Hollywood. Maybe on-set try to talk with the writers or directors. See where you go from there. Ask questions. Be curious.

[@magsbydefault]

@@jordanpanderson thank you!

[@PleatherGirl]

I would love to be a Production Assistant on a film set. I do not have a driver's licence, and thus I am viewed as worthless. I seriously had a 3-hour long group chat about this last night with people in the industry. Because I cannot drive, people are not willing to give me a chance to do the job. What is your opinion on the matter?

[@jordanpanderson]

+PleatherGirl Well frankly put, you gotta get your driver's license. Coming from the producer side, they see you as someone they have to carry you around. Most want an independent, no-holds person without any hinderance to the job. It sucks, I know.

[@PleatherGirl]

+Valley Films It's a shame. I live in Toronto, so it's not like there's a shortage of public transit.

[@jordanpanderson]

+PleatherGirl I gotcha. Well, maybe getting the license but not the car is a step in the right direction.

[@hztubnez]

Ummm. Pretty much any job worth having is gonna require basic licensing..I don't wanna sound rude and don't take this the wrong way but if someone cant get it together long enough to get something as simple as a driver's license then mabey they aren't motivated enough for the job..

[@hztubnez]

Also don't sit .. that's like p.a. rule number 1 where I work.

[@jordanpanderson]

A great rule. There's always work to be done.

[@alanmakesfilm5253]

No where here on this video do you tell us how to get a job as a PA so why is it titled this? This is more what a PA does and how to be while doing it.

[@jordanpanderson]

Would knowing the skills of a PA and what goes into the job help you get a PA job?

[@dimplezndreads9053]

How many months/years would you say someone had to work PA jobs before the progress in the industry?

[@jordanpanderson]

No set amount of time. You could do it for a week or for 4 years. You don’t have to be a PA at all. You could jump straight to director or producer.

[@dimplezndreads9053]

@@jordanpanderson Thanks a lot Jordan, I appreciate it.

[@kenpruett6989]

Would love to have a cool experience as a PA

[@jordanpanderson]

Apply yourself. Reach out to production houses.

[@toplinecreation]

What kind of microphone do you use for audio?

[@jordanpanderson]

+kidgoku1031 It's a $25 Sony stereo lavaliere mic. I don't know the exact model but pop that into a Google search.

[@woicbgreg5045]

Good video

[@jordanpanderson]

Thanks!

[@roastarena]

So if PA is at the bottom what are some of the skilled positions or what comes after a PA

[@finnmacdiarmid3250]

Getting out of the industry is the most skilled position.

[@bradebronson8835]

STOP! Don't be a PA! Ahhhhh. I've done it for years. 4 most important rules of being a PA. 1. Bring a back pack. So you can stuff it with Crafty food and take it home. 2. When someone beings you to your spot. Do a 360 turn and find out where you will sit for the next 8 hours before lunch. Then make sure you try to switch positions after lunch and try to work right on set. That way you're more likely to go home with the rest of the PA's and not get boned and have to stay till the Circus trailers leave. 3. Try to score office PA gigs or studio gigs. Those are short 12 hour days. 4. DONT BE A PA!

[@willywonkausername]

horrible advice

[@lucasdiniz2144]

Are you still a P.A.?

[@jordanpanderson]

Every now and then. Depends on the project.

[@lucasdiniz2144]

Jordan P. Anderson But have you ever worked as a producer?

[@jordanpanderson]

I have worked as a producer for one of my short films.

[@hebahmuhammad8607]

Hi there I'm a production coordinator and i think it's the same as a PA, I just find it funny how you underestimate this very important job, all productions need a production assistant! It's so ignorant of you to say the least skilled person on set! My job involves, more than scheduling and making the process easier for everyone, it involves as well some great communication and writing skills, problem solving mentality, researching and collecting information on each new project and to be honest when I came to view ur video I thought I might find sth helpful that could add to my knowledge as a production coordinator, but you're only dissing a job that u probably weren't good enough for or maybe u personally thought less of it!! Either ways, you're useless! Thanks a lot

[@hebahmuhammad8607]

Another skill that you should acquire as a PA is a great personality, and maybe that's why u ddnt do well in the job!

[@jordanpanderson]

+Hebah Muhammad Yes of course. Personality is key. Stay positive, Hebah.

[@Noa......]

@@hebahmuhammad8607 Production Coordinator can be considered a more senior position compared to a Production Assistant. PA do stuff like operating office machines, taking care of transport and other menial work. Do not need a diploma or a degree in film studies or communication for most cases.

[@jobelguarico9434]

Useless content

[@Milan-cf1xe]

go play fortnite