How to land a production assistant job

Advice from a TV writer/showrunner

Do you want to make it in Hollywood as a producer, screenwriter, or director? If so, the clearest path to the top starts at production assistant. Almost everyone I know in the business, has spent as least some time working as a PA. It’s an entry level job — running errands, making copies, picking up lunch — that kind of thing.

You don’t need any special skills. And you certainly don’t need a degree from film school.

Usually, the job requires only 3 things:

1. A car

2. A good attitude

3. A pulse

These jobs don’t pay well, but because they can launch very desirable careers, they’re highly competitive.

This guy has a car and a pulse but a bad attitude, so he won’t get the job.

So how do you land a production assistant job?

Here’s what I recommend: