I want to ace a script coordinator position with a professional film & television studio!
Do you have insight into how production studios hire their production assistants, and what they look for in a resume?
I know I exceed the qualifications called for on a generic Production Assistant job advertisement...
* I safely navigate entertainment sets rife with dangerous construction-- I worked under IATSE Local 251 and earned OSHA Entertainment Safety certification. I build sets under delegation and with teamwork.
* I possess professional attitude and excel at communicating & delegating details- I successfully project managed for Celebrity Cruises' entertainment executives.
* With my bachelor's education in theatre & communication arts, and further hobbyist study, I am proficient in literary and script analysis- I was once the acquisitions editor for a global script distributer.
Even though I'm a rockstar!- I can't ace my next career step.
Love and care, advice appreciated!
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One tip I already received! PA's are usually hired via reference from other PA's. So when a company posts an advert for those positions, it may be for legal reasons... But, submit something SHORT & SWEET anyways! Focus on selling yourself into the exact position they are advertising for. (If they want a Production Assistant, don't yet try to sell yourself into a script coordinator role.)
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Hey Rachel, this is Karen from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Anything Goes to Producing (since a PA works with the Production Team), as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!
Good luck to you!
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I wanted to give this post another chance in the Producing Lounge because as a Production Coordinator or AD, I often find myself "training" PAs on set. But how to get the job? Not so easy. Honestly, the best recommendation I can give is simply to be one of the first to respond to the job posting. PAs are some of the last positions to be secured, so the turnaround tends to be incredibly quick. If you can respond quickly, then they tend to forgive your lack of training because they would rather you be naturally responsive and trainable than trained and slow to respond.
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As for "getting noticed" from a resume - you already mentioned reference from other PAs, but if you have worked on a set with ANYONE they might have heard of, ensure the credit has a prominent place. Because they will always seek to keep it in the family, so to speak.
Almost all hiring and promotion is handled 'on set'. The trick is to get yourself on a live set in the first place. Keep your eyes & ears open so that when you know when & where the shoot is to take place. Make it a point to 'just' be there, introduce yourself and let 'em know that you'll help whenever. They always need someone to hold a bounce card or a boom pole... If it's a union project - don't waste tour time.