Production Assistant Handbook | Win Your First Day on Set

[@kaijagreene7479]

I would love to see more videos like this. I'm brand new to the industry and I'm considering starting out as a PA to become more comfortable on sets, to make connections, and get my foot in the door. I'm a screenwriter.

[@tylergalvez5033]

Does it work or is it effective to set connections or network from inside the production behind the scenes or along a day/shift?🤔

[@jalen2024]

I’ve been almost exclusively working as a key PA the last 3 years (22, started at 18) . Quick tips that apply to damn near every set 1) Listen to what’s going on over walkie. When you’re green, you’ll typically find yourself on the outskirts of set. Stay engaged, this is where you get the chance to learn without the pressure of knowing you might blow the shot or fuck something up (which isn’t the end of the world but you’ll learn that after you get caught in frame once or twice) 2) LEARN YOUR CREW. For a multitude of reasons, if not just to make your job easier. Learn their names, what they do. That way when you hear the AD calling for something, you know who has it. 3) Don’t be intimidated. We all know your green the moment you step on set, that deer in headlights look escapes no one. don’t let the crew punk you. Some will try it, especially when you’re young. 4) Learn the ‘why’. You’ll be asked to do 100s of things in a day, but when you learn why you are doing them it all starts to make sense. Rather it’s a personal task (why do i have to go get the ADs coffee?) or a crew-wide thing (Why did we skip a scene) this allows you to stay proactive. As my favorite 1st always says “You can be with me, or ahead of me, but if you’re behind me you’re in the wrong place.” 5) Mind over matter. There are times it sucks, there’s a whole patch of this shit we call “the suck” . There’s no glory in PAing, none at all. We get the short end of every stick. But we’re integral to the shooting process. Real unsung heroes. Legs will usually be okay first few days but by thursday you wobble out of bed. 60-80+ hours on your feet, lunch often gets cut into to handle things, and you’ll hear the phrase “just a PA” a lot. Stay the course (600 days) or get into a dept. you really want to if the AD route isn’t for you.

[@zeking5370]

great tips! If you want brownie points, keep the Director, AD, DP & etc hydrated. They can't just go to crafty when they want. Also, ensure the Client & Agency has a crafty box & cooler in there.

[@amarancreators]

True that! Thanks for watching.

[@maxsdad538]

Back in the 90's, I (free) PA'd on a TV movie starring Billy Zane and Louis Gossett Jr, and literally spent 3 "12 hour nights" in downtown Los Angeles, walking around a parking lot, protecting crew vehicles. No break, no craft service, no meals, not even a chair to sit. For the next 40 years, EVERY P.A., paid or otherwise, was treated with the same courtesy as every other member of the crew. The same craft service as the regular crew, the same meal catering, the same common courtesy. One of my "non-paid" production assistants went on to produce comedy television (he's won 3 Emmy's for Producer, Best Comedy Series for Modern Family), and he makes sure the people on his shows are treated with equal respect. Remember, today's most junior assistant, can be the studio head in 10 years. Want to score extra points? Treat the camera department like they're special (because they are)... when everyone else is on break, they're usually setting up for the next shot, and tell G&E when Crafty has Skittles.

[@nataliechau]

Add-on to the petty cash/zip lock bag tip: ALWAYS GET RECEIPTS. If producers can't account for all of the cash they gave you via receipts, they'll have you pay them back that money

[@ipodhuman123456]

Starting my first PA job next month. Absolutely terrified because it's not a small production

[@namitnaidu]

I wish all the luck to you! Don't worry you will be great out there! Cheers

[@sethrandal]

How did it go?

[@ipodhuman123456]

@@sethrandal it went great! We just wrapped last week. Got to work on Dancing with the Stars for a full season and I loved it !

[@sethrandal]

@@ipodhuman123456That sounds like a great opportunity. Congratulations! Welcome to the business.

[@Dead2Self1990]

​@@ipodhuman123456hey that's great to hear about your gig with the show. How did you get yourself the job ? Just curious

[@ForYouFromTemp]

If only this video was around when I was a Key PA training other PA’s. Would’ve saved me a lot of time lol

[@nicks4612]

When i was a set and key set, I would get to set early to stand and be waiting to hand out call sheets, it’s a great way to learn everybody’s

[@binaryinfections]

First 3 minutes and already lots of good tips

[@acdirects]

Hey y’all! This is Alec - thanks so much for watching! Feel free to drop any other questions below 👇

[@davivalentefoto]

Love it. Great tips. I never go out without one or two Aputure MCs 😂

[@binaryinfections]

I love the parts where you talk about the lingo on set

[@misstroy4146]

I really appreciate this video, super helpful for me.

[@amarancreators]

Glad it was helpful!

[@niss.s7368]

Thank you🙌 Def want to see another one of these

[@amarancreators]

More to come!

[@davydg6427]

First PA gig tomorrow, great video. Is there a FB group you recommend for getting gigs?

[@hinchasmedia3563]

Amazing tips guys! So much value until the end! Thanks a lot.

[@javierpadilla9672]

Is it possible to get into set as a PA without any experience? cause I want to get in and learn everything i can while being there!

[@amarancreators]

Yes! It’s often the first entry level job on set. Best job to look for with no experience on set 🎬

[@happygood10]

Love this!! 🌞🌞

[@chrisgoodrich46]

1:38 great feature. I didn't even know about this until now, but you have to do it on the computer. It won't work on your phone

[@acdirects]

Works on Apple iPhone!

[@aj-og9pc]

It does work on your phone though.

[@GabrielHR55]

A day meaning 12hrs max right

[@darionepps4363]

Question? Bare with me, but what do you mean by "The longer part of that range?"

[@MoeDelivers]

Is it hard to get work with no experience. I’m considering the georgia film academy for pa in georgia. I don’t know how to get jobs though.

[@infohere1000]

PA make fun of the corporate admin's and mock the directors every time they doing something wrong. also i have seen austin directors and other texans not pay at all ever non texans - multiple times different people, i still havernt gotten paid for college house - the movie from austin in 2010 i work for 4-5 days on, esp with recent arrivals /new people to the industry / smaller crew parts, and alot of faking like they are goignt o check or going to do something

[@chrisgoodrich46]

12:14 what does he mean by that?

[@acdirects]

Try to avoid driving unless it's explicitly stated in the job description. It's a liability and larger union productions ~should~ hire professional drivers.

[@Kastrator13]

This is advice for working on terrible productions I guess

[@robertBlair2234]

Here in Albuquerque New Mexico, one of the PA’s essential job is getting BG ready to be on set. Their main focus is knowing as many of the Background actors names and just make sure they’ve been checked in, going through Wardrobe, hair and makeup. Just making sure they know the rules of being on set. The most important thing is filling out the paperwork to get paid! Also making sure the BG doesn’t approach the actors, and if the actors approach them then be sure they’re professional and stay away from personal information. Keep it short and sweet. Also cellphones!! A huge NO NO IS NOT having your cellphone on airplane, silent or turned off!! No one wants to be that guy! PA’s need to make sure that the BG has returned everything to props, wardrobe, or anything that doesn’t belong to them. If caught walking off set with something is a huge No no! Your name will spread throughout the film sets that you’re a thief! Another thing is making sure they don’t wonder off and be places they’re not supposed to be!! The BG has a responsibility to let the PA’s know where they are at all times! End of day sign out paperwork making sure that all paperwork is dated and signed PERIOD! The paperwork is usually about two to four pages thick and they’re usually carbon copies, and so really hard to read on that last two pages! Every day is a different day and every thing just rolls into another and if your paperwork isn’t legible then more time than not, you’re going to get shorted hours if you’re not thorough!!! One super important thing I noticed is that if anyone is complaining about anything, over and over at all they need to be removed from the set after you notified your supervisor or Key so let them do it. You want a peaceful nice day on sets to be a part of and a positive attitude towards everyone will bring you back time & time again. Usually because you’re pleasant to work with. PA’s job is to make sure that anyone who is not working in a field other than