Landing Your First Job as a Production Assistant
By Dorez Douglas, N2Arts Correspondent
How to break into show-biz
 

n the entertainment industry, a Production Assistant is called a PA.  In order to be paid for this position you must be 18 years old.  However, for those under 18, there are still ways to gain PA experience.  One way is to find out if your school has a Film or Video Production Department, or if any of the students are allowed to videotape school theatre productions.  Of course, you won’t be paid, but you’ll get hands-on training.  Another way is to volunteer as a PA when a friend or relative is videotaping a wedding, birthday party or other event.  Finally, contact your local Cable station/Public Access Department.  Ask about intern opportunities. 

Your next step – educate yourself.  You need to learn the terminology “the lingo” that’s used in the industry.  For example, there are words like “call sheet,” “sides” “honey wagon,” and “call time.” If you don’t understand these words, you can’t do your job properly.  Books are an excellent way to learn the terms and to find out about becoming a PA.

What are the duties of a PA?  It depends on the type of production, and whether or not it is a union or non-union project.  On a union shoot, you will not be allowed to touch the production equipment.  But on a non-union set, you may be asked to do several jobs.  However, the basic job description is “Gopher,” which means you’ll “go for” whatever is needed on the set.  The formal description is that you are the liaison (or “go-between) for the crew.  You will mostly run errands or distribute paperwork.  You are usually one of the first people to arrive on the set and the last to leave.  This means you’ll need a lot of energy and a thick skin.  On a film, you could work anywhere from 8 - 12 hours per day; sometimes longer.

The wonderful part about being a PA, is that it gives you a chance to learn what each department does.  There are five departments: Production, Art, Camera, Electrical and Sound.  By the time you are finished with a production, you will have some idea which department is right for you.  PAs work in every department.  So, if you already know that you would like to become a Camera Operator, you would apply for work in the Camera Department. 

Next you need to familiarize yourself with, “the trades.” These are magazines and newspapers geared to entertainment industry professionals.  The main ones are “The Hollywood Reporter,” “Variety,” “Film & Video” and “Backstage West” or “Backstage East” (if you live on the east coast).  “Film & Video” is specifically for those who work behind the camera.  Get “The Hollywood Reporter” on Tuesdays and “Variety” on Fridays.  Those are the two days when the Production Charts are listed. 

The Production Chart is a listing of films and television shows that are in various stages of production.  If a project is in “Pre-production,” it means they’re hiring.  Send your resume to the Production Manager in care of the production company. 

Dorez Douglas has worked in the entertainment industry for nearly twenty years. She is a writer/producer who lives in Los Angeles, California.