Production Assistant Tips
One YUGE advantage of starting one’s film career as a PA is that it’s arguably the simplest, quickest and cheapest way to enter into a higher department in film. You won’t need to spend tens of thousands of bottle caps going to film school, or years making indie projects to hone your skills. You can learn on the job as a PA working hand-in-hand with professional film crew from all departments doing a wide swath of productions. Many of the departments would like specialized training from trades schools, but it’s not a disqualifying requirement. It is much more important to learn the in-and-outs of the film industry, and being a PA will give you that experience.
Tip #1: if you are new to film, then learn as much as you can, and as fast as you can all the industry lingo and procedures. Things around a film set are hectic and fast moving, you must be aware of the situation and what’s to come. Be a go-getter and the rest of the crew will notice, this is essential to you moving up in your career.
Tip #2: if you have a specific department in mind, then get your tickets/certifications early. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to remain a PA for the foreseeable future, it is better to be at the ready when opportunity knocks say when they need a new trainee for a specific department. You can be the hardest working PA, but if camera comes up to you with an offer to be their camera assist and you have no training/practice… oh well.
Tip #3: be prepared for the environments. Have the proper outerwear because it can suck really hard not being prepped for a cold rainy day out in the woods with 400 sheets of soggy 3/4″ plywood stuck in a foot of mud and doggie poo.
Tip #4: have proper communication skills and be a good representative for your production to the public. You will have much better cooperation by being helpful and considerate; otherwise some looky-loo could be the reason why your show didn’t make it’s day.
Tip #5: eat properly and get as much sleep as you can… no need for explanations here.
Tip #6: help out other departments when appropriate, you can learn a thing or two in the process. Help each other out, it’s not fair having one PA/set of PAs consistently doing plywood while another PA gets to sit and do gate duty all day. Ask for a rotation if you are doing the easy task and you will get more respect/cooperation from you coworkers.
Tip #7: while it is great to have a strong work ethic, you shouldn’t try to be a hero and take on tasks beyond your physical/mental capabilities. Injuries can occur and you will lose work days or worse. Working smart is often better than working hard.
Tip #8: get your Motion Picture Industry Orientation, WHMIS, Safety Awareness, TCP and Rail ticket ASAP. These courses are quick, cheap (or free) and most are required for furthering your career in other departments. They will also get you more work and will be essential for those wanting to become a member of the DGC (Directors Guild of Canada). It’s the avenue for moving up to aspiring positions such as Location Manager, Assistant Director, Production Manager, Director… the sky is the limit.
Tip #9: don’t take inappropriate photos of set or share private production info to the public. Take personal pride of your job/work and the real accolades will follow; no need to get fired.
Tip #10: go and Google more film industry tips/news… stay ahead of the game and be successful!
