Job Description
A production assistant (P.A.) is the entry-level position on a film crew. P.A.s provide support and assistance to almost all areas of the production, and can also work for specific departments — which can be of great advantage to you when you’re getting started. Your varied experiences with different departments can help you decide in what department you may want to specialize and make connections with crew members in those fields.
Types of PAs
- Set P.A. – Works for the Assistant Directors but in effect works for all departments by taking information (usually from the A.D.s) and passing on information. Other duties regularly assigned to Set P.A.s include: Supporting the set through Lock-ups, managing Extras; helping in company moves or crowd control; collecting paperwork and out times for the production; passing out scripts and schedules; escort actors to and from their trailers; deliver film to the airport or the production office; and help load and unload equipment.
- Art Department P.A. – Assists with office duties; runs errands; may assist with construction of props or set dressing.
- Wardrobe P.A. – Assists Costumers; labels costumes; may organize costumes for laundering; runs errands; assists with collecting costumes.
- Location P.A. – delivers contracts; puts up signs to direct workers to the set; makes and distributes maps to locations; cleans up locations after filming; runs errands.
The Downside
- Long hours
- Low wages
- No health insurance
- Will work outside in bad weather
- Freelance, no job security
- A lot of travel and yet P.A.s are rarely house
The Benefits
- Time off between jobs
- Two free meals a day while you’re working, plus snacks, soft drinks and all the water you want
- Chances to see places and meet people you would never get to otherwise
- The job is never boring
- Don’t have to dress up to come to work
- With talent and hard work comes promotion
Requirements
- Previous experience is not necessary (you will be told what to do and how to do it).
- A dependable car is an asset. P.A.s can do a lot of driving. If you have a good driving record, keep it that way, it can keep you employed.
- Have voicemail or an answering machine, and make your outgoing message short and professional. Avoid the silly message, as it can make a bad impression on your potential employer.
- Have a cell phone, keep it with you at all times, and put the number on your résumé. If they can’t find you, they can’t hire you.
Skills Needed
The must-have qualities of a P.A.:
- Dependable – Most important of all the skills. Do what you’re told, keep your word.
- Punctual – Which actually means be early.
- Flexible – Adapt easily and respond to change. Don’t repeat your mistakes.
- Clear – Communicate verbally or in writing in a concise and explicit manner.
- Calm – Be the source of reason and don’t panic.
- Attentive – Listen and follow directions precisely.
- Professional – Have a cheerful attitude, respect others and dress appropriately.
- Resourceful – Think on your feet, say “yes” and find a way to make it happen.
- Vigilant – Anticipate problems, keep eyes and ears open.
- Brave – Don’t be afraid to ask when you don’t know something.
- Responsible – Take the job seriously and own up to your mistakes.
- Resilient – Have a thick hide. Sooner or later, you’re going to get yelled at, whether or not you deserve it. Don’t take it personally — get over it — everybody else does.
Work Environment
- Weather – Office P.A.s usually work indoors, but Set P.A.s spend most of their time out in the weather. Be prepared. Dress appropriately for spending time outdoors, no matter how rotten the weather might be. Shorts and T-shirts or pants that can get dirty are the norm, and closed toed shoes you can run in are a must! At the minimum you’ll need a reliable waterproof rain jacket. Even on dry days a production may make artificial rain and you’ll be the first one assigned in it.
- Hours – Very, very long — sixteen-hour days are common. You will not have any social life while you’re working on a film. Willingness to work long hours without complaining is essential to success.
- Job Mobility – The necessary skills for a P.A. are the same anywhere. You can build your resume wherever there is production work. That being said, you may need to travel to an area with greater production work possibilities to build your resume and find work, so read on….
- Travel – P.A.s are almost always hired as “locals” and production companies do not pay hotel/living expenses for locals. However, if you have a friend or relative who will house you in another city, you can always apply for a P.A. job in that city, as a local. When you do, be sure to show a “local” address on your résumé, indicating to producers that they won’t have to pay to put you up.
- Job Security – There isn’t any. Most P.A.s are self-employed freelancers, so real job security does not exist. Once the job is over, it’s over. You depend on your good job performance, professional reputation and networking to bring you the next job.
- Advancement Opportunities – Great! Most crew members started out as P.A.s and moved up through the ranks. Of course, once you’re known as a P.A. you’re more likely to be offered P.A. jobs than other positions. However, low-budget films are often the solution, offering the chance to move up the ladder on higher positions than you’d qualify for on a big-budget film. Also, you may also consider letting crew members know of your interest in moving into their department, in case an opening occurs down the line.
Earnings
- How much you earn depends on the job and your experience. On paying jobs, P.A.s are typically paid by the day, with the rate varying between $50 and $250, depending on the budget of the film.
- You may find that on many low-low-budget films, the crew and actors are not paid; they’re just working for the experience and to build their résumé. Other films might offer “deferred payment,” which means that you get paid when, and if, the film ever makes a profit. That day might never come, so you shouldn’t expect to receive any income from a deferred payment contract. But you may want to consider these unpaid jobs because they can provide you with hands-on experience and introductions to film professionals.
- Very important: Many production companies will withhold your income taxes, but some may not. For any paycheck you receive that hasn’t already had your income tax deducted, you’re going to have to pay federal income taxes. Be prepared, and set some money aside to cover the taxes.
Resources
There are also many print and online resources available about getting started as a PA, including the following recommendations:
Special thanks to our friends at the Texas Film Commission for the above advice.
