|
|
|
|
|
Name: Ben
Username: ionad
Hometown: CSt. Louis, MO
Occupation: Production Assistant
|
What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
I took a super 8 film class at a community college when I was 19, and I was hooked. I got my first job through a series of contacts. A teacher at my school put me in touch with a UPM who referred me to the Production Coordinator on a feature film. I interned on the show for two days and was hired full time as the Art Department P.A.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
After the first film ended I worked part-time on two more films for free to make more contacts. Working for free can be difficult. Now a challenge is finding my next paycheck.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Be persistent. Walk the fine line between annoying and assertive. I call people looking for work rather than waiting for them to call me. If you don't know who to call, get in touch with your local film office; they should have a listing of films looking for interns. Also check local film schools, and volunteer to help out on some student productions.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what a Production Assistant is.
What a P.A. does depends on the scale of the show. For the most part, this is how my day goes: assist in parking all production vehicles, setting up craft services/breakfast, setting up tents/ chairs for the Director/Producer/Script Supervisor around the video monitor, insure motor home generator is running a full tank of gas, ensure that water and mini craft is ready on set, setting and securing lock up, setting up and breaking down lunch, do garbage sweeps of set, continue to check gas on genie, water for actors, and keep a lock up. At end of day, do the reverse of beginning.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
Listen to your walkie-talkie. Listen to the people talking around you. It helps to keep tabs on what's going on to better anticipate what may be needed. Learn the chain of command, and know who to talk to about what. Think before you speak. If you screw up (and you will screw up) tell the Key P.A. or 2nd A.D. Do this so a minor mistake doesn't become a big problem.
Please illustrate the way the performance of your position can help or hurt a movie. Name a movie that you've seen (or worked on) that we could view and understand the difference between a good job and a bad job.
You don't really see what a P.A. does on screen. But a set with bad P.A.s will be less fun to work on. A film with bad P.A.s will take longer, cost more and run less smoothly. A film with good P.A.s will be more fun for all departments, be more on schedule and cost less.
Are you a writer, and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
Yes, several shorts. I am currently working on two features.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
I don't work in Hollywood. I live and work happily in Chicago. I would advise anyone in any business, but especially the film industry, do not burn bridges. Everyone you work with could be a future employer.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
It sucks to write with a specific budget limitation, but if you have to: keep the locations to a minimum, less actors, less extras, no special effects and stunts (keep in mind, rain is a special effect) no difficult locations (moving cars, trains, boats, etc...) avoid a period piece. "Stolen Summer" should cost more than $1 million; I am surprised it was picked in that sense.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
Be realistic. Don't expect something from your budget you can't have. Be prepared, have a shot list, know your script. Communicate with you're A.D. and D.P!!!, and don't wander to far away.
List your top 5 favorite films
- Alien
- Goonies
- To Kill a Mocking Bird
- Close Encounters
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
