1st Edition
Keys to the Production Office Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film & Television
Opening a door to the real behind-the-scenes of a film or television show, this book explores the reality of working in the Production Office as an Office Production Assistant. Drawing on over 40 years’ combined experience, authors Jennifer A. Haire and Gilana M. Lobel map out a career path into the industry by providing comprehensive practical information designed specifically for individuals pursuing the entry level role of the Office PA.
An invaluable tool for both breaking into the industry and on the job, the book is full of detailed "how to" information that not only provides an overview of the full scope of the industry, but also functions as a user’s manual for Production Office operations. Haire and Lobel outline variations of the job of an Office PA nationwide, for both big- and small-budget feature films and television shows, and how you are a vital component of the Production team which can open the door to your future career. With coverage on how the Office PA supports the process of creating a show, the Production staff and crew, the practical day-to-day of the office, and developing your career, this is an essential resource for anyone wishing to take their first steps into the film and television industry. Featuring charts, graphics, diagrams, sample documents, templates, supplemental materials, and lighthearted cartoons throughout the book, the reader is immersed in real-world scenarios which create a solid foundation for how to be a professional in the workplace.
This is an inspiring and practical manual that reveals what is beyond the behind-the-scenes of film and television production. It’s ideal for aspiring film and TV professionals with little to no experience working in Physical Production as well as readers studying film and television production courses and industry training programs.
DEDICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHOR PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: YOU ARE HERE
PHASES OF A SHOW
WHERE ARE YOU?
Production Hubs
Production Office vs. On-Set
NUANCES OF PRODUCTION HUBS
CREW STRUCTURE & MANAGEMENT
Keys to Section 1
SECTION 2: WELCOME TO THE PRODUCTION OFFICE
THE PRODUCTION STAFF
Who’s the Boss?
WHAT THE PRODUCTION OFFICE DOES
Why the Production Office is Necessary
The Production Pyramid
Keys to Section 2
SECTION 3: UNLOCKING THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE PA
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE PA
How long is the job of an Office PA?
THE PRODUCTION OFFICE CYCLES
Prep > Film > Wrap > Repeat
WORKING HOURS
JOB SKILLS & TOOLS
THE PRODUCTION CREW
"On" and "Off" Production Departments
Keys to Section 3
SECTION 4: MAKING IT HAPPEN, BEHIND THE SCENES
PRODUCTION OFFICE SET UP & WRAP
Initial Production Office Set Up
Vendor Services
Distribution
Office Signage
Craft Services Set Up
Parking, Public Transportation & Production Vehicles
PRODUCTION FILING
DIGITAL WORKFLOWS
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
Hard Copy Distribution
Electronic Distribution
OFFICE OPERATIONS
Office Machines
Runs
Meetings, Greetings & Scouts
That’s Lunch
Craft Services
SCRIPT REVISIONS & SIDES
DAILY CHECKLIST
BASIC ACCOUNTING
Purchase Orders
Petty Cash/ Purchasing Cards
Check Requests
SUPPORTING CAST & CREW TRAVEL
Keys to Section 4
SECTION 5: TURNING THE PAGE ON PRODUCTION PAPERWORK
FROM THE SCRIPT TO THE FILM SET
Morning Paperwork
CONTACT LISTS
SCHEDULES
SCRIPTS
REPORTING DOCUMENTS
POST PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL NEEDS
FINANCIAL
OTHER
Keys to Section 5
SECTION 6: MASTERING THE ART OF WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE
IMPRESSIONS & PERCEPTIONS
ASK QUESTIONS, TAKE NOTES
LISTENING & COMMUNICATING
INITIATIVE & FOLLOW THROUGH
BEING ONE STEP AHEAD
OFFICE ETIQUETTE
PHONE ETIQUETTE
How to Give Good Phone
Cell Phones & Texting
APPROPRIATE VS NOT APPROPRIATE
PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT
Keys to Section 6
SECTION 7: REEL LIFE, UNHINGED
GETTING PAID
PA Pay Rates
Start Paperwork
UNEMPLOYMENT
ON THE JOB
Safeguards
Day 1/ Your First Day
Lessons Learned on the Job
CLIMBING THE PYRAMID
Inspirational Stories
UNIONS & GUILDS
Keys to Section 7
SECTION 8: RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION INITIATIVES
PRODUCTION SAFETY
Production Safety & You
Employer Responsibilities
Production Office Safety Awareness Guide
Pandemic Safety
HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION
Types of Harassment
Discrimination
GREEN PRODUCTION INITIATIVES
Keys to Section 8
SECTION 9: THE BIG SCREEN VS THE SMALL SCREEN
PRODUCTION PATTERNS & SCHEDULES
RELEASE PLATFORMS & SCHEDULES
PA WORK LIFESPAN ON A SHOW
Keys to Section 9
SECTION 10: WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS
NETWORKING
OTHER JOB SEARCH TIPS
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW
Internships
Programs
Mentors
LANDING THE JOB
The Resume
Your Online Presence
The Interview
COMPETITION
REFERRALS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Keys to Section 10
CONCLUSION
COORDINATOR CORNER
APPENDIX DOCUMENTS
3.4 – Crew List
4.2 – Office Supply List
4.10A – Prod File Org Chart
4.11 – Episode File Labels
4.12 – Prod File Labels
4.21 – Mileage Log
4.25 – Script Title Page
4.26 – Script
6.1 – Phone Activity
GLOSSARY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INDEX
Biography
Jennifer A. Haire is a Line Producer and DGA Production Manager with global feature film and television experience. Proud to be a "Fighting Pickle," she earned her BFA in filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Her commitment to the industry includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Producers Guild of America, IATSE Local 871, and launching international Production crew training and Production safety education workshops.
Gilana M. Lobel is a New York based Producer and DGA Production Manager. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking, her experience with the Production Office comes from working on major feature films and television shows in various capacities. She is dedicated to telling diverse stories and creating a more inclusive work environment by collaborating with numerous organizations to encourage upward mobility in the film and television industry.
'Every line producer and UPM should read this book and keep it as a reference. It covers "soup to nuts" about production dept infrastructure. Schools that teach filmmaking should make this mandatory reading. This is what’s under-the-hood of the car. With our industry growing so fast, we are faced with more people in key positions with less mentored experience. Even for an experienced soul like myself, it’s a great resource.'
Cleve Landsberg, Producer and DGA UPM
'This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in entering the film and television industry. The information divulged in this text is incredibly thorough and accessible. It is written with both advice from experts and foresight to prevent mistakes. This book needs to be in the back pocket of all recent film school graduates and those entering the "industry."'
Jim Peterson, Director of Theatre and Film, Carmel High School, and Adjunct Professor, Ball State University
