There are many different jobs to be done during film production. We’ve already covered what makes a good Director of Photography and what makes a good Gaffer, but what about the other positions that need to be filled?
Today we’re going to talk about Production Assistants. What do they do? What qualities should you look for in candidates for the role? What are some of the challenges they face on the job? How can you find the right PA for your production? This blog post will help you to answer all of these questions and more!
What does a Production Assistant do?
A Production Assistant, or PA, is responsible for a variety of tasks on a movie or television set. No single day of theirs is exactly the same because they have so many different tasks to take care of.
PAs help the production team with everything from setting up and breaking down equipment to keeping the cast and crew fed and watered. They also act as a go-between for the production team and the talent, making sure that everyone is where they need to be when they need to be there.
What qualities does a Good Production Assistant have that you should be on the lookout for when hiring a PA?
Just as with any job in production, you want to be looking for people with the following qualities:
Organized
Being organized is one of the most important qualities in a PA. They need to be able to keep track of a lot of different things at once and make sure that everything is where it needs to be.
Flexible
PAs need to be able to adapt to the ever-changing needs of production. Things can change at the last minute, and PAs need to be able to roll with the punches.
Good Communication Skills
PAs need to be able to communicate effectively with the cast, crew, and production team. They need to be able to relay information clearly and concisely.
Able to Take Directions Well
PAs need to be able to take direction from the Production Manager, Assistant Director, and other members of the production team. They also need to be able to give directions to the cast and crew when needed.
Able to Work Long Hours
PAs need to be able to work long hours. Production days can be long, and PAs need to be able to keep up.
Reliable
PAs need to be reliable. Production days can be unpredictable, and the production team needs to know that they can count on their PAs to show up and do their job.
Good at problem-solving
PAs need to be good at problem-solving. There will inevitably be problems that come up during production, and PAs need to be able to think on their feet and find solutions.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of qualities you want to be on the lookout for, but it’s a great place to start when interviewing people to fill the position for your next
What are some of the challenges that Production Assistants face on the job?
PAs often have to deal with last-minute changes, long hours, and difficult people. They need to be able to stay calm under pressure and think on their feet.
PAs also have to be careful not to overstep their bounds. They need to know when to take direction and when to offer suggestions. It can be a fine line to walk, but PAs who can do it well are an invaluable asset to any production.
If you’re looking for someone to fill the role of Production Assistant on your next project, be sure to keep these qualities in mind. A good PA can make all the difference in the world. Thanks for reading!
Where Can I Find a Production Assistant for My Next Production?
There are a few different ways to find a PA for your next production.
You can also reach out to local film schools and ask if they have any students who are looking for an opportunity to get some experience on a set. This route is great if you want to help a newbie in the industry to build a resume. But, if you’re in need of someone highly skilled, you might consider going with someone with more work under their belt.
Another option is to ask people you know who have worked in production before if they have any recommendations. This is a great way to make sure you’re hiring someone who can get the job done and done well. You’ll have realistic reviews on your side.
Finally, you can work with a professional production company that provides you with a full crew or hire one of their production assistants that are highly skilled in what they do. Companies like us, C&I Studios, have already vetted highly skilled production crews that have great experience and know their jobs well.
Once you have a few candidates, be sure to interview them and ask about their experience and qualifications. You should also give them a chance to show you what they can do by giving them a task or two to see how they handle it.
With a little effort, you should be able to find the perfect PA for your next production!
Why Should You Work With C&I Studios’ Crews?
There are a number of reasons why you should work with C&I Studios’ crews for your next production. For one, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who can take on any job, big or small. We’re also known for our reliability, so you can rest assured that we’ll be there when you need us.
But, perhaps the biggest reason to work with us is that we understand the challenges that production teams face. We know that things can change at a moment’s notice, and we’re always prepared to adapt. We also know that time is often of the essence, so we work quickly and efficiently to get the job done right.
Contact us today to work with our crews or hire one of our amazing PAs during your next film or video production!