Filmmaking / Directing : Production Assistant resume? by Jon McCary

Jon McCary

Production Assistant resume?

What's a production assistant resume look like? I know the work is lowest on the totem pole in many people's eyes. But I'm curious anyways. Is it literally just a list of different films you've worked on?

Julius Jean-Baptiste

To me, I have no clue. Never been a PA before, but It's like a regular resume.

JD Hartman

Don't really know, never been a PA. What did you do on each film/short/etc? I'd think potential employers would want to know.

David Trotti

I like to see a simple resume. Name and contact info at the top. List of films/shows worked on, with Year or Dates to/from, PA position (Key Set PA, Basecamp, Handled Background), the names of the UPM, 1st AD and Key 2nd AD for each show. If you have a college degree, mention it, but don't dwell on your film school history. At the bottom, include a selection of references with names, emails and if possible cell phones. Only put relevant special skills, like languages, Software familiarity and if you've ever set really big background, run a splinter unit or know how to calculate over time in tenths of an hour. If you don't have a lot of prior PA experience, don't sweat it. Just be professional and to the point when applying and mention you are a reliable worker, have a functioning car, a good pair of shoes and can think fast and follow orders under pressure. Good luck. The PA job is a thankless, low paying position, but it's the best education you can get if you want to know the business from the ground up.

Patrick Freeman

It should be a list of projects worked in chronological order, most recent at the top. Project name - date released - job description - production co./director/studio

Under job description it would just say Production Assistant unless you had some specific job like Special Assistant to Mr. Spielberg or something like that.

Justin Miller

I've always done something similar to what David and Patrick have suggested, essentially mine looks something like a lined receipt, projects bolded with Position, Director, and Production Company, listed (non-bold) on the same line. I also make sure to itemize everything in categories (Features/TV, Commercials, Corporate).

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