Why become a production assistant. Short answer is that it is the easiest way to get on set experience. Let’s definie what a production assistant (PA) or runner if you are in the United Kingdom. In short, a PA is extra hands on set to do or grab whatever is needed at the time for whoever is asking for it. They are the unsung heroes of production. PAs are the eyes of the set. If there is someone that needs to be found, send a PA to do it.
A PA on one set could be the AD or director on another set so treat PA’s with respect. Some of them have feelings. As a PA, rule of thumb is the assistant director (AD) is your boss. Unless you are assigned to another part of the crew or production head.
PAs are errand humans… they go get things, bring things, buy thing, and sometimes hold things for long periods of time even if they don’t understand why they are holding that thing.
Being a PA is definitely hard work. You start at the bottom of the film chain but with a little networking, you could land another crew position.
Things to consider as a Production Assistant:
- As a pa you have to be present on set (listening).
- Don’t be on your phone playing games.
- Think ahead and try to be as useful without stepping on toes of another position. (It’s a tricky dance but it can be done. Be a ninja on set.)
- Don’t screw up a take. (When they a rolling, make sure you are quiet and that everyone knows that set is rolling quietly if need be.)
- Have a good attitude. (Don’t be sarcastic. Don’t be lazy. Work hard and you’ll keep getting hired.)
- Between takes you run on set and help out with whatever is needed then when they are ready to roll, you run off set and be ready.
- Even though you are at the bottom of the totem pole as a PA speak up if something doesn’t look safe or if you are unclear about something.
PAs are the first people on set and the last people on set to eat and to leave. PAs clean up the set and make sure the location looks as if there wasn’t’ a film crew that just exploded all over it. There aren’t many people who’s end goal is to be a PA. Usually, PAs have aspire to be directors, editors, cinematographers, or anything else really. But even when they get to be those positions, they still need PAs to keep the set going.
Things that are smart to have as a PA…
- You’re own in ears for walkie
- The call sheet for the day. Printed not on your phone… it’s way faster.
- Hot bricks provided by set… Basically a walkie battery to give to someone if their walkie dies.
- Sides… Little sheets of paper that have the script pages that are being shot that day.
- Sharpie…. Because you gotta write stuff.
- Pocket notebook… because you gotta write stuff down like taking food and coffee orders.
- Battery charger for your phone… so you don’t run out because not everywhere has power and production days are long!!!
So in conclusion, production assistants are awesome. Mostly overlooked in the film community but when you find a good one it’s one of the best feelings.
