ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

At first I thought you were talking about show runners until I saw Paddy's list. Really good list. On a few of my shows (we call them P.A.s here in America), the producer had to have a talk with some fresh P.A.s because they thought they knew better about everything (most P.A.s are fresh out of film school). So don't fucking gossip, or say shit about how others do their jobs. Keep your yap shut. There's a reason attitude is number one on Paddy's list! And if you see something that will fuck up tomorrow, make sure you tell an A.D. about it (usually the 2nd AD).

10 years, 1 month ago - Steven Corton

I've done a few Runners or PA in the past for a few films now. A lot of film students think they know alot and know jack shit on set. Best I would say is have a positive attituade and always have a smile on your face. Last year I was working long hours, low pay and working in the Rain, Sun and Caves. So a positive attituade/smile on your face helps alot.

Also, I would be on time for the start of shot and be realiable aswell. Because you might be sent to obtain some Paffain on Saturday night and through to lifting Light Stands in a Cave etc.

Also, don't tell people like DOP etc how to do the job, it's not going to look good etc.

and good luck.

Steven.

10 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Ha! Quite the opposite ends of the spectrum :)

Show runner as a term isn't used so much as a term over this side of the pond. It's used for the likes of Dr Who where someone needs to sit atop multiple writers, directors, story arcs and series, but is still more common to credit them as execs :)

10 years ago - Anna Carrington

Running - literally. If somebody asks you to fetch something - run for it. When you bring it back decide whether running is appropriate or not (e.g. if you are carrying expensive or delicate kit it might be safer to walk). Wear clothing that doesn't restrict your movement (e.g. you can bend your legs to pick things up) and is weather appropriate. Get yourself things like breathable waterproof trousers, jacket, linens for summer (to keep cool) sun hat etc. The more comfortable you are the more you will greet each task with a genuine smile. Work on lifting weights and stamina. Good luck.

10 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

In addition, BTW, running is hard work if you're doing it right!

Qualifications won't help, everybody starts from square one, and that means not being above any jobs. If you're handed a hoover, get cleaning. If you're sent for fags, ask what kind?! Just about everyone you'll work with has started low and worked up, so they won't be impressed with arrogance. They will also see a LOT of runners, most of whom will be dreadful, and only a few will stand out as being able to cut it in the industry. Most try it thinking it'll be fun or glamorous, and the reality is that it's tiring and ugly, and give up!

This means that if you shine, you can really shine. Preempt problems, alert people, and it'll be appreciated. People dislike problems but hate surprises, so don't be afraid to near bad news. Better still, have a suggestion for a solution ready and waiting. For instance if your principal cast forgets their iPad, and they use it for scripts, tell the 2AD and suggest that you could go to their hotel to recover it (or print that days pages for the actor, or buy a new production iPad to loan them for the day) etc.

Some problems need solving fast at any cost, so bear in mind that the best solution might not be the cheapest, even when you're paid peanuts. If you're spending £25,000 to £250,000 a day on location, hold ups are the most expensive thing!

Enjoy it, it's a chance to work across departments (last one you'll have), so you can find out where you want to specialise :)

And be lucky!

10 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

TVWatercooler produced this http://www.tvwatercooler.org/download/file.php?id=493 a few years back - a few of us here probably made suggestions for it.

I don't agree with all of it 100%, but it's a darn good start

10 years ago - Ben Rider

Just common sense.