How to get my first producer assistant job?

[JRy]

Ok, guys; I have a few more questions if you don't mind helping me out by answering them for me.

I have everything set to move out to LA on May 9th, a little earlier than I originally expected -- but I'm in a hurry to get started.

I'm looking to get started as a producer assistant and work my way towards associate producer, then producer, and hopefully eventually get into feature film directing.

I have no prior producer or production assistant experience. I do have theater experience, and a little bit of stunt work, but nothing really outstanding that I'd even consider mentioning on a resume, but should I?

So, how should I go about getting my first producer assistant job and should I have a resume? Should I just pop in and offer to work for free for a little while and hope to get promoted as soon as possible?

If I should have a resume, should I include all my working experience? I have a little retail and sales experience from when I was younger, but I've been a freelance computer programmer for the last 7 years or so. Should I include those?

 

[directorik]

Do not mention your stunt work unless it was for a major stunt coordinator
on a released feature. Your theater experience is in producing for the stage?
Or did you take tickets? When deciding what to include in your resume think
like a producer in Los Angeles with 50 resumes on his desk. Will a little retail
and sales experience stand out from the USC grad? Or the young woman
who's been a PA in a production office for three years?

Once you get out here and start your networking you will look for that assistant
office job and for small, no budget filmmakers (like me) and offer to help produce
for free. Popping in and offering to work for free is a fine idea - know that 20
other people will be making that offer each day - signing up with a temp agency
is a good idea, working crew on small no pay films is a good idea. All will start
those all important connections.

 

[knightly]

This entire business is predicated on networking... More so than any other business in my experience. Even knowing the adage "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Everything you need to bring in can be learned on set except how to get along well with others.

 

[JRy]

Do not mention your stunt work unless it was for a major stunt coordinator
on a released feature. Your theater experience is in producing for the stage?
Or did you take tickets? When deciding what to include in your resume think
like a producer in Los Angeles with 50 resumes on his desk. Will a little retail
and sales experience stand out from the USC grad? Or the young woman
who's been a PA in a production office for three years?

Once you get out here and start your networking you will look for that assistant
office job and for small, no budget filmmakers (like me) and offer to help produce
for free. Popping in and offering to work for free is a fine idea - know that 20
other people will be making that offer each day - signing up with a temp agency
is a good idea, working crew on small no pay films is a good idea. All will start
those all important connections.

The stunt work I did was for a major stunt coordinator, but it was uncredited work on two television productions. Basically, the stunt coordinator is the uncle of a good friend and there were two occasions where he needed someone to fill in for some quick stunt work when the guy they hired couldn't make it to set. Besides, it's good money, but I don't want to do stunts at all in LA. So I'm thinking to just leave those off.

My theater experience was acting on stage throughout high school and for nearly 3 years afterward. I've done 10 performances, 2 of which were musicals. Should I include those?

Rik, this may seem like a stretch; but do you have any current or upcoming productions that you could use a PA for? I'll work for free and I guarantee you I won't let you down. I'll be the first on set and the last to leave and I'll be one of the hardest workers you'll ever have.

I have just a few connections in LA that I'll be calling & emailing today -- letting them know I'm moving soon and seeing if they have anything coming up that I could be apart of.

This entire business is predicated on networking... More so than any other business in my experience. Even knowing the adage "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Everything you need to bring in can be learned on set except how to get along well with others.

I am excellent at networking. I've been doing it for years with my freelance programming business. I'm hoping I'll be able to hang in LA.

 

[directorik]

Making contacts any way you can isn't a stretch - it's how you
make it in this business.

I'm going to be in barnaclelapse's neck of the woods in May
working on a documentary. Shoot me your contact info and we
can get together when I get back.

I wouldn't suggest including your high school theater days in
your resume.