Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Rorie Dirk van Klaveren · Accepted Answer

“At the beginning, say yes (mostly!) Once you get more experience under your belt, learn when to say no!”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Rorie Dirk van Klaveren · Accepted Answer

“Don’t choose this career because it’s Instagrammable, for the social currency, the mystery. It’s very hard work and it will be disappointing. But if you enjoy it for its utility as a jumping off point, then it’s right for you. Don’t let it swallow you up.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Rorie Dirk van Klaveren · Accepted Answer

“Should I consider a PA job in post-production? Post is growing rapidly — it really is the future of entertainment.”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Rorie Dirk van Klaveren · Accepted Answer

“Happy. I am and always have been happy doing my jobs. To me, that is success.”

Question 5

What is a Key PA?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The Key PA, or Key Production Assistant, is the person on set who is responsible for the entire Production Assistant department. This means communicating with all other PAs and making sure that each of them is successfully carrying out their assigned tasks.

Question 6

How much does a Key PA get paid?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Depending on the nature of the jobs they book and the volume of them in a given year, a Key PA can make close to $50,000 annually. As mentioned, though, that figure can fluctuate according to multiple factors such as experience, the budget of a particular production, and the frequency of jobs booked.

Question 7

What does a PA do on set?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

To rise to the position of a Key PA, most individuals start out as a PA. This means being in charge of the smaller yet very important tasks that help a production run smoothly. Some jobs of a PA might include moving equipment, running off-set errands, grabbing lunch, and generally being available for any other requests from the crew or cast.

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Key PA