How to be a Production Assistant
The Production Assistant (PA) position is one of the most sought after roles when trying to break in to the entertainment industry. It’s usually the blanket answer to “How do I become a ___ (insert entertainment job you want to do)?
Before you step out in to the humble world of coffee and runs, there is one main thing to consider: What do you want to do in the entertainment industry?
Pick Your Path
Unlike most other industries, Entertainment is a place all roads really can lead to Rome (Rome in this case being your super sweet dream job). Although if you know (or think you know) what you want to do than it is good to focus on a more standard path. In general this will help you get there quicker and avoid backwards or side steps in your career.
If you have an idea on which direction you would like to go choose it from the list below to read the detailed guide for that path, otherwise skip down for general info on how to be a Production Assistant.
- On Set Production (Grip, Electric, Camera, etc)
- Studio Executive / Development
- Post Production / Editing
- Representation
Getting a job as a Production Assistant
Step 1: Make Your Resume
Standard: Most similar to your average resume you’ve been putting together all your life. Unlike freelancers longer term positions at companies tend to have different responsibilities. Be sure to:
- customize your resume for each job
- list all the jobs you’ve done, big and small
- list your responsibilities and outline additional responsibilities you have been taking on
- list the people who hired you or anyone with a superior title who will remember you and not
Do NOT:
- use funky symbols, hearts or anything other than bullets for lists
- list any other types of employment (restaurants, clothing, etc) unless related in some way
- create a section for unpaid work, its the same job, you did it, take credit for it
Freelancer – The major difference here is that you have so many different gigs ranging from 1 day to months that it would take up entirely way too much space to write about your specific duties for all of them. Freelance crew positions tend to also have consistent responsibilities that don’t need to be explained. When making your freelance resume do:
- customize your resume for each job
- list all the jobs you’ve done, big and small
- list the person who hired you or you most connected with above you in your department
- break it down into the different relevant positions you’ve worked
- list them in group order of higher positions (grip and electric or 2nd 2nd AD experience comes before PA experience)
Do NOT:
- list your directing, writing or any other credits not relevant to the position you are applying for
- list any other types of employment (restaurants, clothing, etc) unless related in some way
- create a section for unpaid work, its the same job, you did it, take credit for it
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Step 2: Networking
Networking is one of the most effective ways to get a job in the Entertainment Industry. It can be tough and awkward at first, but you need to start somewhere if you want to be successful.
The easiest way to start is to contact family and friends to see if they know anyone currently working in the industry you can talk with.
There are three basic guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to networking:
- Networking is a long term process. Your goal is to build lasting connections who will be willing to help you and who you can help throughout your career.
- Always be friendly, honest and genuine. People can tell when you have ulterior motives, this industry is build on people working with and helping people they like.
- Have drive and passion for what you want to do. Showing initiative and having drive is what differentiates you for a majority of the crowd. There is an incredible amount of competition out there, so them that you’re better and worth their time.
- Always be open to criticism. Never take it personally or get defensive. At the end of the day you have to trust your gut and do what you think is best, but do not attack someone for giving you their opinion or advice.
- Follow up and keep in touch. Whether its a spreadsheet or a section of your address book, create a database of all the people you connect with and be sure to touch base with them every three to six months or as you feel inclined. If something makes you think of someone or a piece of advice they gave you comes through, drop them an e-mail saying hi.
Below are articles related to Networking, check them out for more ideas on how to strengthen and build your network.
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Times are Still Tough
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Deadline Hollywood: Hollywood’s Job Whisperer
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Networking No No’s
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The Networking Extra
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KeyPA Networking Night
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Fight off Hollywood Bloodsuckers and Stay Creative
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You and Me and Everyone We Know
Step 3: The Job Hunt
The most important aspect of the job hunt is staying positive. You will undoubtedly send a multitude of resumes, take meetings and go on interviews and the majority of those will not pan out.
It can take months and sometimes even a year to land the type job you are really searching for. Remember that it takes time and it does get easier. Every person you connect with, every job you apply for and every interview you get brings you one step closer to making it in this industry.
Be confident in what you know and understand your place. Learn from everything you do and always be respectful. You never know who will be in the position to help you break in or move up.
Optional: Working for Free
There is a fine line between a great opportunity and being taken advantage of. Working for free can be a great way to meet new people, gain experience, try out new potitions, and build your resume. Whatever you do don’t let it take over your life.
Keep it short: This is not paying the bills, if you’re committing to more than a week of free labor that only give you three weeks to make rent, build your website and search for paying jobs.
Don’t Pay to Work: If you’re driving all around town ask for gas money and NEVER pay for anything out of your pocket.
Lunch Break: Make sure you get one in a resonable time, 6 hours after call is the industry standard.
Trust Your Gut: You’re working for FREE: if you don’t feel comfortable doing something you don’t have to do it. Regaurdless of the situation always be respectful.
Try Something New: Interested in a different potision, take it for a spin and get a free lunch while you’re at it. When I was working full time as a PA I spent many a weekend trying out different set positions (grip, electric, AC, 2nd AD). All those experieneces were integral in getting my frist promotion to Key PA on set. May not sound like much, but it meant a raise and no more runs!).
Get to Know Everyone: It’s not usually the producer or director who’s going to throw you a rope out of the “working for free world.” 9 times out of 10 their going to call you to work for free again.” The majority of the paying jobs I got from free work came from below the line crew (DP, AD, Gaffer, etc). They tend to work much more frequencly in paying freelance jobs where there is a lot of turn around. Connect with people in the department you want to work in, if they like you they’ll want to bring you on to other projects.
Leave out the words “Free or Intern”: It can be our little secret you worked for free last weekend. You still did the work and got the experience. Since you’re not getting paid be sure to take full credit.
Deferred Payment = Working for Free: People love to disguise the free labor with “deferred payment.” I don’t care how many pieces of paper you sign, you’re rarely going to know if their little project makes money. Don’t get me wrong: you may one day get a check, but don’t count on that money paying for rent or food.
Free Copy: Thanks! You’re project is exactly with my DVD collection needed!
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