So, I got into this whole “film PA” thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. At first, I thought, “How hard could it be?” It’s just being on set, right? Wrong. It’s way more than that. I started by researching online, you know, trying to figure out what a production assistant actually does. Turns out, it’s a bit of everything.
I got my first gig through a friend of a friend who was working on a small independent film. I showed up on set, all eager and ready to go. First thing I did? I introduced myself to everyone. You gotta make those connections, you know? And then, I asked, “What needs to be done?” That’s the key, always be asking how you can help. The first few days were a blur of running errands, getting coffee, and basically being a gofer. But I was learning.
Here’s what I picked up along the way:
- Be a sponge. I tried to absorb everything, watching how the experienced crew members worked. How they communicated, how they solved problems. It was like a masterclass in filmmaking.
- Anticipate needs. This is huge. If you can figure out what people need before they ask, you’re golden. It’s like, if you see the director looking around, maybe they need their script. Or if the DP is squinting at the light, maybe they need a specific filter.
- Stay positive. Film sets can be stressful. Long hours, unexpected problems, you name it. But if you keep a positive attitude, it makes a difference. I tried to be that guy who was always smiling, always ready to help, even when things got tough.
After that first film, I started getting more gigs. It’s a lot of networking. You meet people, you work hard, you impress them, and they recommend you for other jobs. It’s kind of like a snowball effect. I worked on commercials, music videos, even a few short films. Each set was different, but the basics were the same. Show up on time, work hard, be helpful, and keep learning.
It’s not glamorous, being a PA. There’s a lot of grunt work. But you’re part of the process. You’re contributing to something bigger. And if you pay attention, you can learn so much. It’s like a crash course in every aspect of filmmaking. I discovered that I loved this business.
My biggest takeaway?
It’s about the people. Filmmaking is collaborative. It’s about building relationships and working together to create something amazing. And even as a PA, you’re part of that team. I learned so much from others. And I realized I want to stick around in this industry. I saw everything with my eyes, and it’s so amazing.
So, if you’re thinking about getting into the film industry, being a PA is a great way to start. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Just remember to be a hard worker, stay positive, and always be willing to learn. And wear comfortable shoes. Trust me on that one.
