By Parisienne
You know you hit the big time in Hollywood when you become a Production Assistant. That’s right the life of a production assistant AKA: PA/Gopher sounds glamourous. Right? Perhaps! However, the real life of a PA is anything but glamorous but can be very rewarding if you can persevere.
The job of a production assistant is a grueling one. It is an entry level position on a television or film set. The responsibilities of an assistant vary depending on what they are asked to do. P.A.’s must have good listening skills, be extremely responsible and have a willingness to learn and practice having the patience of a saint.
Kathleen Kennedy started out as a production assistant for Steven Spielberg and was asked to organize some notes for him. He was very impressed with her organizational skills and mentored her. She has since become a producer in Hollywood.
Please join us for a discussion Tuesday 1/10/2012@7pmE/12UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Thanks Paris!
How does one apply for this position?
What are some of the perks and cons of being a PA?
In regard to rank and seniority, is PA work governed or managed the same way work is organized in other fields?
Hi Everyone!
LittleBells, Here is one job I found. One doesn’t need much education to do a PA job. http://www.4entertainmentjobs.com/jobs/ind/4entjob24775.html?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Indeed
CR,
I don’t know the answer to your question but I will try to find it for you. 🙂
Thank you! I laugh at the requirements because I can’t tell you how many professionals I know who speak and write grammatically incorrect. It blows my mind. Well at least I know I have a job as a PA if I ever need one! 🙂
🙂
LB…U would have a ton of offers I’m sure.
Littlebells,
One of the cons, is being everything to everyone unless you specify that you want to work in the office or be a screenwriter pa or something like that. the pro is that you get to work on a set and see how a production is put together.
I imagine if u want to maximize the position it’s better to have some idea of what u want to do and have some education or experience. No?
Take for example Kathleen Kennedy. What was her experience or background prior to working as a PA?
I think it is better to have some experience in different aspects. For example if someone is interested in screenwriting, there are screenwriting PA’s, Office PA’s etc.
Due to the limited amount of time i had for research. I couldn’t find out much on Kathleen but she did work in t.v. doing various posts for KCST in San Diego.
Thanks Paris…
No problem. This is still good info.
Hi everyone!
Hi LB!
Hi Everyone-
Great topic Paris!
Thanks OB!
Howdee!
Hey Lurker! How are you?
Hey Paris!
I’m hanging in there – how are you doing?
I’m doing great! Extremely busy.
Me too!
😉
Hi Lurker!!
Ahh! This is like old times. LOL!!
I know! Hail, Hail the gang’s all here. 🙂
Hi all!
Hi Ozzie!
Hi Paris!
Hi Ozzie & LB!
*hugs*
Hi Lurker! Hi OB!
Hi LB & Oz!
Hi OB!
I have a question.
Are PA’s paid positions or does it vary?
The reason I’m asking is that I saw an article recently that there was a big uproar in HW with unpaid interns.
Not sure if that turned into a lawsuit or not.
Lurker,
It depends on the size of the film that is being shot. Some PA’s are paid a daily rate and some PA’s are paid hourly. Some are not paid at all.
The ones who are not paid usually have no experience, connections or education.
Interesting. And I’m assuming that moving up the industry ladder is based on how well you do your job as a PA????
yes. I would say so. I don’t know how many things i just read that say have a positive attitude, keep your mouth shut, be willing to learn don’t pretend you know something if you don’t know it and you’ll be asked back.
It’s soooooooooooo nice to work with someone who has a positive attitude especially in stressful environments.
I couldn’t agree more.
when people actually show up is nice too.
Yeah I don’t get that honestly.
And it happens a lot all over the spectrum.
I know! Either show up or don’t. Pick one. Why even bother asking for the job if you’re not going to show? Irks me to no end. Plus its disrespectful, IMO
I don’t get it myself. It blows my mind honestly. I’ve shown up at a school and had to sub a different class because the other sub never showed.
Yep! Show up early and on time is a real treat.
I was just reading the job description for the PA job opening. I have many friends who work in various capacities as a PA. The PA job u posted is heavily writing based. Is that more common nowadays?
Open Book,
I don’t know if that’s more common nowadays. I just found it. I was trying to give an example of one of the many PA positions.
Ahhh! Gotcha…..
That job description is so vague!
I’m cracking up.
Sort of reminds me of the movie where Anne Hathaway takes the executive assistant job and is running around like a crazy person!
It might as well say “must breathe”. Hahahahaha!!!!
Lol!
Actually in my industry we have a catch all task…
“and other as assigned”
That means whatever they ask you to do to get the job done!
sorry missed a word
“and other duties as assigned”
It’s vague so they can keep piling on the work. LOL!!
I love this line from Horrible Bosses.
Jason Bateman’s character says: Success comes by how much **** u can take. He said his Grandmother died poor because she would not take any ****. LOL!!
LOL that’s true though……also how well can you bull****?
hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!! Well I guess I’m gonna die poor!
Yes! The art of bull**** should be at the top of every PA’s resume. LOL!!
Well as you move up the food chain, it honestly doesn’t get easier the work load changes but certainly the stress of more responsibility can take its toll. And then factor the specific industry. Its can be crazy!
Just remember that line (can’t remember the movie at the moment)
“thank you sir, can I have another”
And say it with a smile.
LOL
LOL!
“Oliver Twist”!!!
Love that line Lurker…. What movie is that from? I’ll be back.
OMG can’t believe I forgot that.
ANIMAL HOUSE !!!
I think this is what my quarter cousin is, lol! I’ll have to look her up and see.
Ok, is a production assistant the same as a production secretary or an assistant production coordinator?
great question!! (Hi Ozzie 🙂 )
Hi LB!
Thanks! I’m very interested in this discussion to actually find out more about what kind of job she does. When I see my Great Aunt, I get told of what films she’s worked on and who she has met, which is all well and good but I’d like to know what it is she actually does! I am just as interested in the behind the scenes stuff, as I am the finished product, lol!
Honestly, IDK. 🙂 I need to do more research.
Thank you Paris! 🙂
Does the number of PAs on a film vary ? Do they go from film to film or do they usually stay with one studio?
I’m not sure LB i’ll have to research the position more and get back to you.
I was looking at some PA positions earlier and some of them you have to be proficient in Word and Excel and different types of PC programs.
I thought this was great. I actually learned a lot on the first page alone!
http://www.anonymousproductionassistant.com/
I read that the other night and fell asleep on the PC.
Also http://www.theartfulwriter.com is good too. Its Craig Mazin’s blog
Did you drool?
Ok, this is for everyone and anyone: say I get a job as a PA. Who is my boss? What if someone above me tells me to do something and another person tells me not to?
I think….if you don’t have a specific role like screenwriter PA the AD is your boss. I could be wrong. I’ll have to look that up.
Only listen to your immediate supervisor but the director trumps everyone.
Hey this blog you linked to the guy is pretty funny!
Informative and funny. I like that! 🙂
Ok, I’m going to bid everyone adieu for now. Take care!
Yes! That’s a fantastic blog. Love it!
I need to get going ladies. Does anyone have any more questions?
Good Stuff Paris!
Talk to you again soon!
Night Everyone!
Night!
Goodnight Paris!
Good discussion.
Night all! Loved this discussion! 🙂
Goodnight Everyone!