In a previous article, I discussed how important it was that every writer understands the full filmmaking process to improve their craft. To do this I advised taking on the position of a Production Assistant.  Becoming one may seem intimidating to some writers so let me clarify any preconceptions or fears about the position.

Production Assistants are the silent yet present, undervalued yet overused masses that accept any token of payment just to be close to heart of production.  You may be assigned the task of walking an actor from their trailer to the set, or you may be stuck cleaning up trash after a location move.  Either way, it’s valuable experience for you as a writer.

The competition can be fierce and keeping the job takes a tenacious and organized individual. If you want to have the best experience as a Production Assistant on a film set, let me give you a few pointers. I can’t entail every tedious job you might accomplish, but hopefully give you a taste of what to expect.

The different areas of production can determine what duties you will perform. 

Under the A.D.s: (Assistant Director)

Being a Production Assistant under an AD is the highly coveted position on set. It’s the position that gets you close to the actors and producers, but also entails the most amount of work. If the A.D. likes you, you’ll stay employed as they drag you from film to film and you’ll climb the ranks quickly. If they don’t like you, you’re gone before the camera has recorded the first take. 

You’re going to be one of the first people on the set in the morning and the last to leave.  To keep this position you need to think two steps ahead of everyone else during your day at all times. Actors are coming and going on the call sheet, the set is progressing shot by shot at a fast pace, and while all that is going on, you’re expected to go on a Starbucks run while simultaneously getting the next call sheet and map ready to go for the next day.  Sounds easy right? It is if you’re organized.

Important personal tools for this position:  Cell phone, pens, a black sharpie,  a leatherman or Swiss army knife, metal clipboard with storage capabilities, a highlighter, small pad of paper for notes, and an earpiece for the walkie-talkie which is available online or at a film supply store. Earpieces are great because they alleviate your greatest faux pas on the set…not turning down your volume when you enter.

Under the art or costume department:

This is a great position for creative types. You’re not on set as often but you really get to see how an independent film spends its dough. The people you’ll be working under (Production Designer, Props, Art Director, Wardrobe Supervisor) have to be creative with cash and you’ll learn tricks that will turn make believe into reality on the screen.  You’ll probably spend most of your day making runs to prop, costume or set houses to pick up rentals or return them and you’ll miss out what’s happening directly on set but if you have any painting/building/wardrobe experience, they’ll keep you close by and you’ll get to observe more action.

Important personal tools for this position: clipboard, pen, sharpie, cell phone or digital camera with picture sending capabilities, leatherman for the art department, small scissors on a necklace for costumes, earpiece for a walkie-talkie if you end up on set a lot.

Under the Camera or Grip Department:

Rarely does the camera department hire Production Assistants for their crew. Chances are, the positions available are first, second and third assistant camera and loader. If you get a chance to assist under this department, you’ll be on the very bottom rung. You’ll be lucky to get on set, and your primary duty will be watching or helping the loader due his or her job. It’s a very technical path to take and I wouldn’t advise seeking out this position unless you want to learn how to direct or shoot your own material.

Important personal tools for this position: A leatherman, pen, sharpie, and your muscles. They’ll provide everything else. This list also applies to the grip department, have muscles and a “yes sir/ma’am” attitude and you’re good to go.

Finally:

With every type of Production Assistant position above, there are a few commonalities that apply to all departments. Staying organized, keeping your ears open for the sound of your superior’s voice, and not being caught socializing is something that will keep you employed. Socializing is a trap for the production assistant and there are many points during the day where the trap will unknowingly be set by a kind actor or producer. Unless these guys give you an order, do not engage and do not follow orders without confirming it with your superior.

The best way to avoid the trap is to always be busy. If you aren’t busy, look busy or find something to do. EVERYONE can see you not working so be the one that is busy, not sitting down, and not chatting it up with the crew.  You’ll gain the respect and admiration of everyone around you.

Don’t forget to check out the FiveSprocket.Com job board to find your next P.A. job. You’ll be amazed how working on a film set will improve your writing.