Getting it Done: The Ultimate Production Assistant Guide

by Joshua Friedman

Overview

Only a fool would enter a film set without having first read this production manual. There is no faster way up the ladder than being prepared and no faster way out the door than by screwing up. This manual was created by a working PA as a tutorial for those starting out, or a reference guide for seasoned filmmakers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615931026
Publisher:	Wiese, Michael Productions
Publication date:	11/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Joshua A. Friedman is a working Production Assistant in New York City. Born in Stamford, Connecticut, he moved to the state of Georgia at the age of 12 when he became interested in theatre and film working on many productions and documentaries before studying theatre at the University of Maryland. After graduating in 2005, he moved to New York City where he currently resides. Over the past three years Mr. Friedman has worked on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Fringe, Gossip Girl.

Table of Contents

I. THE PEOPLE

Production Department

Unit Production Manager

Assistant Directors

Production Assistants

Key PA

1st Team PA

Background PA

Walkie PA

DGA/Paperwork PA

Paperwork Survival Guide

Additional PAs

Working Crews

Hair/Makeup & Wardrobe

Locations

Props

Sound

Camera

Grip & Electric

Scenic

Set Dressing

Script Supervisor

Craft Services

Transportation

The Production Office

Production Office Coordinator

Asst. Production Office Coordinator

Production Secretary

Office PAs

A Day in the Life

II.THE ON SET EXPERIENCE

Working On Set

The Rehearsal Process

Walkie Etiquette

Lock Ups

Interacting With Talent

Photo Shoots

Moving Vehicles

Types of Work Days

III. THE PAPERWORK

The Callsheet

The Production Report

Schedule

Timecards

Petty Cash

IV. TIPS AND THINGS TO KNOW

Things to know before you get to set

Prep

How to Read a Script

Things to Know On Set

Equipment & Gear

Camera Shots

The Trucks

Cappuccino vs. Lattes

Gambling on Set

V. HOW TO GET A JOB

Types of Jobs

PA Rates & Perks

Resume

Getting a Job

The PA Ladder

Wrapping Up

Appendices A-D