So, You Wanna Be a PA in LA?
Let's talk turkey, folks. You want to be a Production Assistant (PA) in Los Angeles. You're dreaming of glamorous red carpets, rubbing elbows with celebrities, and getting paid to shout, "Quiet on set!" Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the reality is a bit different.
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| How To Get A Production Assistant Job In Los Angeles |
The Glamorous Life of a PA (Not Really)
Let's get one thing straight: being a PA is not all glitz and glamour. It's more like grunt work, coffee runs, and learning how to survive on minimal sleep. You'll be the person who fetches everyone's lunch, finds parking, and somehow manages to keep a straight face when the director yells for the 87th time.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Skills: Beyond Fetching Coffee
You might think all you need is a knack for finding lost dogs and a love for coffee. While those are certainly helpful, there are a few other skills that’ll come in handy:
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
- Multitasking: Juggling a dozen tasks at once while pretending to look calm and collected is essential.
- People Pleasing: You’ll be dealing with all sorts of personalities, from the moody director to the diva actor. Learn to be a diplomat.
- Problem Solving: Things will go wrong. A lot. Be prepared to think on your feet and find solutions.
- Endurance: Long hours, early mornings, and questionable food choices are part of the job.
Breaking Into the Industry
So, how do you actually land this dream job?
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- Networking: It’s who you know, not what you know. Go to industry events, meet people, and build relationships.
- Internships: Gain experience and make contacts by interning on sets.
- Online Platforms: Websites like ProductionBeast and Staff Me Up list PA jobs.
- Cold Pitching: Be bold! Reach out to production companies directly.
Remember, persistence is key. Rejection is part of the game. Don't let it discourage you.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
The Perks (Yes, There Are Some)
It's not all bad news. There are actually some perks to being a PA:
- Learning the Ropes: You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry.
- Meeting Cool People: You’ll work with talented individuals from all walks of life.
- Career Advancement: With hard work and dedication, you can climb the industry ladder.
How to...
- How to network effectively? Attend industry events, join online forums, and follow up with people you meet.
- How to create a strong PA resume? Highlight your multitasking, problem-solving, and people skills. Include relevant experience, even if it's not film-related.
- How to prepare for a PA interview? Research the company, practice common interview questions, and dress professionally.
- How to handle long hours on set? Stay hydrated, eat well, and take short breaks when possible.
- How to build relationships with the crew? Be friendly, helpful, and respectful. Remember, everyone is working hard to achieve a common goal.
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