New Art PA

4 Responses

1. Hey Maggie:

   Don’t be afraid to apply for Art PA positions. I got my in because I interned for a set designer and from there it kind of snowballed into different people calling me for different things because they saw how well I worked. Additionally, it helps to have an art portfolio ready so they can see what your skills are as an artist and what you’ve dressed.

   Most of the time it requires being able to lift things, knowing where to purchase last minute things quickly, and being organized. If you have any friends in art dept, ask them what they look for in an Art PA/what experiences they have as an Art PA. Also feel free to e-mail me with any specific questions: * Join to View * I’m always happy to dish on the department.

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   1. @karafan Gold star!

      

      

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2. Hi @maggieparagian ! Welcome!

   Even if you don’t have lots of experience, you bring a lot to the table. Having the HUSTLE is a big PLUS, which you do because you found your way here and posted!

   On your profile under Skills. Tools and Licenses, you can list skills like “can-do attitude” all the programs you know, “organized” or you can even request a custom tag that illustrates that you are a GREAT PERSON TO WORK WITH.

   You might spend many hours in the trenches with the same crew, but make it clear you will be, even if you are still learning – an asset.

   We all are always learning! Admit what you don’t know, come clean with errors, anticipate the needs of your key and drive safely. 🙂

   Keep your eyes on the Cube for opportunities, it’s slow right now, but when the weather heats up, so does the Cube.

   BEST OF LUCK!

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3. Hi Maggie!

   I’m not sure if you usually work as a production pa on union shows or if you usually work on non-union film/commercial stuff. If you’re on non-union stuff with smaller crew you will likely rub elbows with art department. If so, make a great impression, hustle, and tell the PD, set decorator, or other folks in the department that you’re really interested. If you can drive, especially cargo vans or trucks, let them know you’re interested in art paing. Then if you exchange info, follow up in a few weeks so they don’t forget. I always save numbers of people who I like on set who approach me about doing art. And then I sometimes forget hence the follow-up.

   If you usually work on union shows, it might be trickier because depending on where you are in production (office vs set) you might not interact very often with art or props people to rub elbows. In that case if you get close with other folks in production, your coordinator or other pas, make it known that you are interested in trying a new department so you can see how everything works. I know someone who had great relationships with his bosses in the production office and decided he wanted to try different departments so they pulled strings to get him on a show as a costume pa. After costume paing he realized he wanted to go back to the production office.

   I think really just getting the word out to people you know is a great idea. It will hit someone’s ear in the right moment and they’ll text you.

   There aren’t a lot of art pa gigs to apply to right now but keep at it and apply when you see them! We love to see people who show up on time, can drive and hustle, learn quickly, and take direction.

   Lisa

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