Question 1

What skills do you need to be a Production Assistant?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Production Assistants need the following skills:

Organizational skills
Ability to read a call sheet
Ability to understand a budget
Clear communication
Patience
Time management
Interpersonal skills
Flexibility

PAs will need to learn other, new skills based on what department on set that they’re working in. For example, they may be a Costume Department PA and need to know how to sew.

Question 2

Do you need a degree to be a Production Assistant?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Even though it’s an entry-level position, finding a Production Assistant gig is super competitive. This means hiring committees get to pick the best and brightest candidates, which usually means Production Assistants will have a college degree, usually from a film program.

Question 3

What should a Production Assistant wear?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Production Assistants are advised to wear comfortable, utilitarian clothing that makes sense for hours on set, standing on your feet, and running around as a gofer.
Most Set PAs wear jeans and a t-shirt or sweater, possibly with a hat and sunscreen if they’re working outside. Office PAs dress business casual, with a nice shirt and jeans, slacks, or a skirt.
Dress for movement, in a way that inspires confidence!

Question 4

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

Kaitlin Cornell · Accepted Answer

“There are a few basic things a PA can buy to make their lives easier. The first one is to buy a pouch to carry petty cash and receipts. The show gives a Production Assistant money in case they need to buy supplies but if the PA loses the receipt then they must pay out-of-pocket for the item.
“It’s also good to always carry pens and pencils because a PA never knows when they may need to write something down. Finally, carry an extra power pack or phone charger. If a Production Assistant’s phone dies they become useless and can often get upbraided or fired off a movie. These items may seem trivial but always having them near can greatly reduce the stress in a Production Assistant’s life.”

Question 5

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

Kaitlin Cornell · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake people make is they feel entitled. Some people who attended film school or have been working in the field for a while and haven’t gotten a break will run their mouth off to prove their worth. It usually comes back to bite them in the butt.
“There are people who have been working in the industry longer than most PAs have been alive and when they’re trying to teach something they want their instruction to be heard. Everything works differently on every production. It’s important to keep that in mind and approach each opportunity with enthusiasm. People like curious and efficient individuals who want to work and will help them get the job done so they can go home earlier.”

Question 6

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

Kaitlin Cornell · Accepted Answer

“How does one improve their interpersonal skills as a Production Assistant?
“Working as a PA means that an individual will constantly be working with others. They need to learn how to communicate in a direct but non-confrontational way. This can be achieved by talking to other Production Assistants or bosses about how to improve and developing a general consciousness about what words are used.
“There is no shame in asking someone else to read over an email to make sure that everything is phrased in the right way. Ultimately, the ability to communicate will allow a PA to build relationships that will lift them onto the next plateau of their career.”

Question 7

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Kaitlin Cornell · Accepted Answer

“How does a successful Production Assistant cope with their intense schedule?
“Production Assistants work some of the longest hours on a film set. They need to know how to take care of themselves in their downtime to maintain a productive attitude and not get burned out. The way people treat themselves when they’re not working will directly correlate to their productivity.
“Going out drinking on their day off instead of doing laundry and sleeping will make a big difference come the following Monday and especially the subsequent Friday or Saturday if an extra day is called.
“Also, don’t be afraid to take a sick day. A lot of people feel they need to push to the limit or past it. But if someone is sick they should leave to avoid getting others sick or being accused of collecting hours. The company that fires someone for getting sick isn’t one that many people will want to work for.
“Finally, it can be good to have a protein bar nearby, drink a lot of water, and exercise or meditate. Do that special thing that puts you in a good space. People will feel that self-care when they are working with someone else and it’ll make the experience more pleasant for everybody.”

Question 8

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

Kaitlin Cornell · Accepted Answer

“Positivity.”

Question 9

What does a Production Assistant do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Production Assistant, or PA, is someone who provides instrumental assistance with any production needs. They are essentially available for any tasks that may come up such as grabbing lunch, prepping the crafty table, or moving equipment. Whatever a production needs that does not require a high level of expertise, a Production Assistant may be asked to do it.

Question 10

Do Production Assistants get paid well?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The role of Production Assistant is an entry-level job, which may make it challenging for individuals in this role to attain a substantial salary from it. Production Assistants can make an average of just over $32,000 in a single year, but that number can vary according to a number of factors. The budget of a production and the number of projects booked in a year are two major elements that can affect a Production Assistant’s annual salary.

Question 11

What skills do you need to be a Production Assistant?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Because the role of Production Assistant is meant to be an entry-level job, expertise in any particular area of filmmaking is usually not necessary. Rather, a PA must have terrific listening skills, great communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the openness to take on tasks big and small to succeed.

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