Most crew-members on low budget productions usually wear many hats. Everyone involved does whatever they can to help out on set. Sometimes a grip has to take continuity photos. There are other times when an actor bounces light. Sometimes a boom operator has to double as a flag. Sometimes that boom operator is the Producer. You never know what you could be doing on set from day to day on a small shoot. You could be the D.P. on this shoot, and a P.A. on the next. There is one thing that production assistants, or anyone else for that matter, don’t usually do… direct. This task is reserved for the director. Here’s a short list of pointers for anyone that finds themselves as a P.A. on a film set. Even if you directed your own movie recently.
- Show up on time. If you aren’t 15 minutes early, then you’re late.
- Be prepared to work. Don’t stand around craft services chatting it up while others are prepping the first setup of the day.
- Pay attention to what’s going on around the set. Stay close to the camera, but out of the way. You want to be the first one there when something is needed. It doesn’t look good when the D.P. needs an apple box, and the only one available is on the other side of the set, and occupied by your rear end.
- Actually, you should never sit down unless it’s time for lunch. Just because the shoot is at someone’s apartment doesn’t mean the couch is fair game.
- If you notice someone in need of a assistance, ask them what you can do to help.
- If you are assigned a task, and you’re not sure what to do… Ask questions.
- Keep your opinion to yourself unless someone asks you for it.
- Don’t try to recruit crew for your own project while you stand around doing nothing. Don’t get me wrong, making contacts and building relationships is essential. Just don’t do it at the expense of the shoot that you are supposed to be working on. If you aren’t doing anything on this shoot, why do you think anyone would want to come help you out on yours?
This list could go on forever. Just remember to be courteous and work hard whether the gig is paid or not. When its your turn to make a film, the people that you impress will be there working hard for you.
