main
side
curve
  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

PA Jobs

Discussion in 'Fan Films, Fan Audio & SciFi 3D' started by NitroBlade, Aug 20, 2006.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. NitroBlade

    NitroBlade Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Jan 13, 2004
    I've had two PA jobs and both of them were very fun and interesting at times. I was just wondering if anyone else has doen some PA work out there and if they have any stories, tips, etc...

    My first PA job was small budget. It was a volunteer job and was very fun. Learnt a bit about how sets work. It was for a small indy short called the tarnished piano.

    My second job was just a few days ago. It was a volunteer job as well, but was loads of fun. Lots of work obviously, but it was a first music video for a new artist called Zane. www.zanemusic.com

    The second job the unit manager normally works for big films in montreal, so he took down the PAs numbers on set and said he would call us for a big film coming up in 2 weeks if they need someone. Also, found out the producer, whom I've been in contact with turned out to be a semi celebrity actress. She's been on a few TV shows, some as main actors, some as a guest, mainly kid shows for YTV (in Canada) and a few small movies here and there. A lot of people here recognise her from her first TV show, Student Bodies on YTV. But she's great though, and she's going to use me as help for her other films, and she's going to take the whole cast and crew out for supper soon. For you canadians, you may recognise her from somewhere, especially if you watch YTV. Her name is Victoria Sanchez - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0761073/

    I also got to learn how to direct traffic. We closed off a street in old montreal, nice stone road, and I was at one of the barricades directing traffic with a traffic uniform, not allowing anyone in except locals, got to use the walkie talkie, very cool stuff. :) Except had to stay there for 5 hours. :S

    Anyone got any cool PA stories?
     
  2. bgii_2000

    bgii_2000 Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Jan 21, 2005
    You got to use walkie talkies?!
     
  3. AdamBertocci

    AdamBertocci Manager Emeritus star 7 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Feb 3, 2002
    I was never officially a PA on a big shoot, but one day I had to help block traffic because there weren't enough PAs to go round. So I got a walkie.

    It was the coolest thing ever.



    Rick McCallum loves you!
     
  4. DMPjedi

    DMPjedi Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 26, 2003
    We got all the radio chatter at a big shoot here in town recorded, so when the DVD is out, people will get to hear us all bickering about what shot to get while the fireworks are going off...including me[face_dancing]
     
  5. WINDSTORM

    WINDSTORM Jedi Master star 2

    Registered:
    Feb 8, 2004
    I've never PA'd but i've been 2nd A.C. on three big budget movies. Being on a professional set is fun, I highly reccomend it.
     
  6. NitroBlade

    NitroBlade Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Jan 13, 2004
    Well the walkie talkie is the best part. Made me look cool and I felt important, even though I was just a PA. :D

    It really is exciting, whether you're a PA or any other position. The energy and excitement of trying to do the best job you can so that the shooting can go smoother and faster.
     
  7. bobaandy123

    bobaandy123 Jedi Master star 3

    Registered:
    Jan 21, 2005
    How would you get involved in something like that?
     
  8. NitroBlade

    NitroBlade Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Jan 13, 2004
    Well film is a business of contacts. The thing is you need to search for these contacts. If there's a film organisation in your town I suggest you join up. Put your name out there, tell people you're doing volunteer work as a PA.

    I always search places like www.craigslist.com, click on your town or city, then click on the tv/film/video link and always take a look every day or two. Lots of people post "need a cameraman for this" or "need a PA for that" or mostly "need a porn model for this"... but try to avoid the last one. ;)

    Find other ways to get connections. Web Sites. Go to local studios or film companies and drop your CV saying you'll do volunteer work. Through the volunteer work you get contacts then they call you for working PA jobs.

    If you see a film being made go up there and ask to see the Unit Manager or Stage Manager (I think it's called) and tell them "I'm a good worker and I'll give you my number if you ever need a PA.

    Get out there, let people know who you are, or just wait around and hope for someone to ask you, but that way isn't as good.
     
  9. Oreckel

    Oreckel Jedi Master star 3

    Registered:
    Jul 18, 2002
    PA = "Production Assistant" for everyone out there like me who was reading his post over and over realizing "Pennsylvania" (abbreviated 'PA') made no sense in that context ;).
     
  10. NitroBlade

    NitroBlade Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Jan 13, 2004
    Well I'm on a film making board, I figured people would know the abbreviation. :)
     
  11. SkywalkerG

    SkywalkerG Jedi Grand Master star 3

    Registered:
    Apr 22, 2000
    pa'd on several las vegas productions. vip access cards. walkie talkies with ear pieces so you feel like secret service. full access to clubs with your access card.. yeah its awesome.....

    but after being the set bit#4 for 10 hours. rarely do you have the energy to appreciate the perks.
     
  12. DARTH_CORLEONE

    DARTH_CORLEONE Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Oct 26, 2001
    Never been a PA...got started working directly in production and post...editor, location sound, second camera, UPM, etc....but I have fed myself for a week off of Law & Order's craft services by posing as a PA (they're shooting everywhere here in NYC). Just wore an old laminated tag around my neck, put on a walkie talkie with headset, said some nonsense into the mouthpiece as I strolled up to the table, and kept talking while I casually made myself a bagel sandwich. Works every time.
     
  13. darth_Boba

    darth_Boba Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Aug 28, 2002
  14. Jaina_Fel_Solo

    Jaina_Fel_Solo Jedi Youngling star 1

    Registered:
    Sep 8, 2005
    I kind of got to be a PA on an indie, Domino Effect. It was great fun, even though I only got to do it for two of the shooting days (so I guess there aren't really many stories that I have, hehe...). I kept nearly dropping the bounce boards I was asked to hold (the ones for lighting), though, because I was trying so hard not to laugh during some of the takes. It wasn't big-budget or anything (though they did have a new XL-2, which was donated. *wistful sigh*),but it was a great experience. I can't wait for the next one the studio makes, although I'm hoping that I may get a bit of a bigger part in it (got a bit of a cameo in Domino). ;)
     
  15. WormieSaber

    WormieSaber Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Oct 22, 2000
    I recently finished (at 6 months ago) PA work on two independent features. One of the PA jobs a friend of mine hooked me up. I just happened to be talking to her on the phone and she said, wanna work on it? I hadn't worked on a feature (besides my own low budget) for quite a long while. I was working a regular day job at a talent agency and busy writing and working on my own films, but at the same time, I was able to take a few days off and sometimes, after work, I'd be on the set until about 8:00am (in the morning!) then go back to work right after that. Don't know how I stayed awake. I remember the guy I was working with just laughed the moment I'd walk in the door (he thought I was crazy working two jobs). It was tough, but I met some great people on that film. I ended up being the 2nd 2nd AD, actually, I had done AD work before but not sure, I probably will only get credit as Production Assistant. You don't always get credit for everything you do on a film. The bonus however was, on the very last day of shooting, the director asked me if I wanted to act in the last scene, so I should also get acting credit too.

    The other feature (that I started out on as PA) the director was using the same camera that I wanted for my next feature (which I ended up buying, yeppie :) ). I kept huddling with the camera operator, asking him loads of questions, and eventually I was on camera crew and taped some shots for him, not to mention I filled in as boom mic operator for about half of my work. I also did an official, professional, props list for her - I don't really know what credits I'm going to be getting; I'm sure she'll do me good. And just to add to my winning streak (for acting roles), the director gave me a part in her movie with a character name. So I know I'll at least get two credits for her movie. Most of the work I've done in film has been independents (and LOADS of independent short films). In fact, I think most of the films I've worked on aren't even up on IMDB. That doesn't surprise me. IMDB wasn't even around or thought of back when I was popping them films out. Anyway, the work I've mostly done has been as camera operator (and/or D.P.). Directing is my creative, impulsive habit of course. I will never stop directing or creating, it's impulsive and I can't stop myself. But I think I learned how to make films by observing other independent crews, and that's what I'm going to be doing - shooting my own movies for my budding production company.

    Well the walkie talkie is the best part. Made me look cool and I felt important, even though I was just a PA.


    The walkie talkies are fun. And knowing how to use them on the set, and saying the right terminology during shooting is the key. ADs really make use of the walkie talkies. I remember my first feature as an AD...the AD on recent feature I worked on usually only gave me the cues and then I'd yell it out to everybody else, because she knew I had AD experience. Anyway, by the second week the walkie talkie head sets start to hurt your ears.
     
  16. Semaj Ovured

    Semaj Ovured Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    May 8, 2000
    My first PA gig was a low budget film with Bruce Boxleitner called Diplomatic Immunity. VERY low budget. In now time I was a property master assistant when the guy didn't show. And then I was teaching the actors how to fire M16s. Had a great 2 hour chat with Bruce about politics and Hollywood over lunch. It was a gas first gig.

    Course, not as fun as these guys.
     
  17. quigon_brian

    quigon_brian Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Aug 16, 2001
    I was an intern this summer at one of the top production companies in st. louis so I basically did PA work with an intern title. not really any cool stories. did get to do some dolly grip work though on a J L Fisher dolly. also some jib work.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.