Career Spotlight: Post Production Assistant 

The entertainment industry is filled with production assistants who are eager to work their way up in the business. Many production assistants here in Los Angeles are college-educated people who are working very long hours with very little financial reward. Base-camp PAs typically work with the actors, helping them coordinate with first AD's, wardrobe department, and others on set. Background PAs are in charge of the extras, and usually interact with the second AD's throughout the day. My friend, who chose to be anonymous for this interview, currently works as a PA in post. She was kind enough to discuss her work life with Some Like it Filmed.

How long have you been a post PA?
One year.

What does a post PA typically do?
We go on a lot of runs, mainly we make sure the kitchen is stocked, take lunch orders, make sure office supplies are abundant and the shuttle drives make it to and from the different post facilities on time. We also deliver DVDs of each cut to the network, studio and sometimes we do home deliveries to Execs. But mainly my job is to make sure the executives are happy, which in the scripted realm means I make sure their stomachs are satisfied. 

By executives do you mean just the executives in post production?
No, we take care of everybody, including the writers, the creators, the associate producer, all the way down to the post coordinator. We make sure the smaller details are completed, so the executives can focus on the bigger picture. 

What did you do for work before being a post PA?
I was a story associate producer in reality television. I helped build the skeleton to each show. I went through the footage and found the moments that I felt the audience would want to watch, then built a string out of these moments for the Story Producer to edit even further. I had a lot of creative control at my old job.

What has been the biggest change from your last job as a story associate producer to your current work as a post PA?
Starting at the bottom again has been hard. Also, money has been a big change. I went from having a decent salary to the exact opposite. I currently have no benefits in my job. I pay for my own health insurance, and no 401K is offered. There is no union/guild that covers production assistants, nor post coordinators in this industry. Because of this we usually get screwed over if we work more than 12 hour days, or holidays. 

What has been some perks in your job?
I get to go inside major studios, for free. I grew up watching tv and movies, so to be able to see where they shot some of my favorite tv shows and movies is awesome. I also get to see some cool celebrities while on the job, and try my best not to be star struck. Also, a lot of the people I have worked with, have worked on some of my favorite tv shows and movies. So I have tons of questions for them, and they're all really nice, which is surprising because I've heard horror stories about Post egos. 

What is usually the next step after working as a post PA?
It really depends on your interests, but assuming post is where you want to be, becoming a post coordinator is the next step. After doing that, many then move on and work as supervisors, then AP's, Co-producers, Producers, etc. The higher the title you get, the harder it is for you to move up. Some never make it past being an AP before they get burnt out and join the corporate side. 

When you were studying film production in college, did you have the intentions of working in post production after graduation?
No, not at all. I originally had the intention of working in production. I loved being on set and operating a camera. However, the hours are a lot better in post. 

How did you even fall into working in post?
I interned at a reality company when I first moved to Los Angeles. I asked the Executive in Charge if they had any production jobs available, and she told me that I have more of a "post personality", shy and reserved, doesn't mind being on my own for long periods of time. In the moment I was a little offended, but now I'm like yes, my personality definitely meshes well with post. The EIC offered me a vault coordinator position, which meant that I maintained a tape library. It wasn't production work, but I was fresh out of college and really needed a job. Afterward, I got promoted to a post production coordinator. I always wanted to get into scripted television, so when my previous company laid me off, I jumped at the opportunity to work as a production assistant on the set of a drama series. From there I got hired to be a post production PA on a different show, and once you get your in, you usually don't have any problems finding your next job (if you're smart and good).

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Hopefully within the year I will become a post coordinator. After that I hope to just continue moving up the ladder.

What advice can you give to those who are interested in breaking into the entertainment industry?
It's all about networking. Everyone seems to know everyone in post production, so it's all about your connections. Make sure to be nice to everyone, because that intern or PA you're shitting on, could be your boss one day. Also remember that things take time in this industry. I first started out in reality television in 2010. It wasn't until 2013 that I got my foot in the door working in scripted television. Things will happen, when they happen, but you still have to be very proactive in getting what you want.