The worst part? The scammers use the names of REAL industry professionals. Remember, the people listed here aren’t the actual scammers– they are victims, too.

**Current imposter name list as of May 2019:

• Johann Martinez
• Matthew Schwartz
• Clement Cheung (Mei Ah Entertainment)
• Chris Galipo
• Gabriel Tyner
• Matthew Bates (Emblem Entertainment)
• Grant Bell
• Brandon Taylor
• Alan Parker
• Graham Rich (Rich Tint Production/Film/Director)
• Louis Rogers (Visuals by Clever Chim)
• Boris Cifuentes
• Brad Cruz
• Michael LeBlanc
• Beatrice Mercy
• Rebel Production Studios
• Rufus Cannon
• Ryan Chandler
• Robert Alexander
• Gung-Ho Film Productions
• Jean-Luc B. from Mar Vivo Films
• Steve Gonzalez from Eyes and Ears Productions
• Chikki Media Productions
• Donald Chan at CREATV Company
• Jean-Alexandre Luciani of Eastness Productions
• Moviola
• Emblem Images
• Richard Chan – Hurrah

How does the scam work?

These guys find the information of real professionals from real job sites, film crew databases, and local state and city film directories. It begins with an innocuous text message or e-mail, “Hi, I found your information on Mandy.com/Workbook/ *Film Crew Directory Here* and think you’d be a great fit, please send me your resume”. They’ll offer you a strange rate and maybe give a few other bizarre details.

You e-mail your resume, and then you get a length reply (see below). It can be for any number of positions beyond production assistant — there’s been reports of the scam offering a position as an editor, boom operator, makeup artist, screenwriter, or camera op.

How the scam actually works: After applying (the application requires you submit your mailing address), you will receive a check within 2-3 business days for around $3,000. The scammer will ask that you deposit this check in your bank account and use the money to make some sort of dubious $500-$1000 purchase. What actually happens? The scammer voids the check, and you’re on the hook for the $500-$1000 purchase.

How to tell it’s a scam: Grammatical and spelling errors. There’s also an over explanation of expectations and job descriptions. After personally being a freelance hire for ten years, in my past experience, all details are discussed in person or over the phone. With these scams, though, there’s a lack of any sort of personal connection that is very unusual. Any real industry professional is going to want to talk to you on the phone to ensure you’re competent. **UPDATE: As of September 2017, some particularly bold scammers will actually call you on the phone. **UPDATE: As of April 2019, their grammar has gotten much better and they’re much more succinct. See bullet points below.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a production scam, alert your bank immediately.

How the scammer finds victims

The scam started on Craigslist, but unfortunately, the scammers also now prowl job boards and sites where freelancers find work. Examples may include Mandy.com, ziprecruiter.com, film industry crew lists (including on state and local film commission websites), or productionbeast.com.

(In my ten years in this career, I am yet to receive a job offer through any of those sites — it’s almost always through word of mouth. As a producer who hires crew, I never hire anyone through any of those sites. It’s usually through word of mouth or FB hiring groups.)

Remember:

• Scammers will pose as a real company or production person, and will direct you to a legit website. Their e-mail address never has the same domain as the legit web address for the company they are impersonating; a letter may be omitted or added.
• If a company offers direct deposit, you will receive a form in person on your start date; it will never be requested in advance via email.
• NEVER accept advance checks from companies you’ve applied to online. If they want you to pay for anything in advance, ask them to call ahead and put it on their credit card.
• If something seems off, it probably is.

The Scam as of April 2019:

There is a savvier version of this same scam floating around. Some folks might still be sending out the very wordy emails (see below), but some have picked up on brevity:

“Emblem Images would like you to join our team as a production assistant for a Ben Sherman photo shoot in San Francisco, CA as you came highly recommended by a production website linked with indeed.com.

The shoot date is September 22nd to 24th, your flight will be scheduled to leave by 11:30am on September 22nd as you’re required to work from September 22nd to 24th. Work hours are between 6pm to 1am and pay is $350 daily, so a check for $1050 will be issued at the end of the production, you’ll also receive $350 as per diem to cater for your meals throughout the shoot and this check will be issued early next week.

Send a reply if you’re available and interested in the shoot, thanks.”

This is much sleeker, but it doesn’t fall in line with the bullet points above.

Text of the Scam:

My name is Johann Martinez (Matthew Schwartz, Clement Cheung, etc, etc, etc) am a Editor and Composer with a background in fiction, poetry, classical music, jazz, and painting.I also combine the powers of music and imagery to deliver the most honest, raw, and powerful emotions in films. I tend not to seek out awards, because I believe our work speaks for itself; however, our clients have entered our films and won many awards.

For me, life is about finding passions, pursuing dreams and connecting with people.

I really feel I need some assistance at this time that’s why I need someone who can work with me hand in hand throughout the production period. We are presently working on a short film which I’m directing the production aspect, although work hasn’t commenced and we should start working on the film in next 15 days.

As a Production Assistant at Johann Martinez studio,you will work closely with me throughout the production process, Your duties basically would be;

To do this role, you will need to:

=Assisting a photographer in all aspects of their work.
=Doing whatever is necessary to ensure that a photographic shoot runs smoothly.
=Assisting in everything from administration, to the shoot, to scouting locations.
=Be willing to learn.
=Be organized and practical.
=Understand how to operate digital and traditional cameras, and scanning equipment.
=Anticipate the needs of the photographer.
=Have excellent communication skills.
=Be able to foresee and evaluate potential problems, and deal with them calmly.
=Be skilled in image-manipulation and image-management software.
=Possess good office skills.
=Pay close attention to detail.

NOTE:

Before our HR department reviewed your resume and gave their report I decided to consider you among the three applicants that will be on probation before i finally pick the right person as the Assistant to carry out some activities on my behalf.you need to be very honest because sometimes my personal or corporate items such as financial instruments or non financial items can be with you. In conclusion I’m looking for someone that can be trusted and reliable to work very well and with good understanding and i believe you posses those qualities.I have decided to offer you a probationary offer (Trial Period). Here i want to see how you will demonstrate your skills and how exceptional you are and how efficient and on time you will be. I will need you to perform a couple of tasks for me during this week, which are part of basic duties you will be performing when fully employed by me. Successful completion of the trial period qualifies you for an Oral interview,you will paid during the trial and temporary weekly wage for the trial period will be Three Hundred and Ten Dollars.($310)

Job Salary and Hours Schedule When fully Employed after the trial period is as follow:

Available Position: Production Assistant Position
Type: Part-Time(It may lead to Full Time depend on your active and passion for the job)
Hours: 9 Hours per week
Days: 3 days per week [ Each day 3 hours ]
Weekly Pay: $600.30

BENEFITS:

• AD & D Insurance
• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, Vision

Willing to take this job position, reconfirm your information. I will have my financial adviser have payment for these purchases and tasks, mailed to you. The trial period runs for a week or two. If you want to sign up for this, Kindly provide the details below …

Your Full name ;
Mailing Address ;
Apt;
City, State, Zip Code :
Mobile Phone Number :
Two Work or Personal References ;

Sincerely,
Johann Martinez.

The Editor Scam:

About My Production:

johannmartinez is a digital media strategist, Moving Picture Producer, Video Editor, Photographer, Videographer, Video Artist, Interactive Designer & Illustrator. Also i specialize in landscape and night-sky photography, motion-controlled time-lapse, and creative dSLR film-making. I also hold private and group workshops and classes, as I love to teach other people how to achieve their creative Editor.

site info: johannmartinez.com

I really feel I need some assistance at this time that’s why I need someone who can work with me hand in hand throughout the production period. We are presently working on a short film which I’m directing the production aspect, although work hasn’t commenced and we should start working on the film in next 3 weeks.

As the Editor , You will assists the film director by establishing the visual look of the movie.

You will work closely with me and other crew throughout the production process, Duties basically would be

. Have a good aptitude for technology

. assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer

. Supporting the whole of the post production process on feature films and working closely with film labs, and with the camera and sound departments

. Be able to react quickly and precisely

. digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable

. creating a ‘rough cut’ (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages

. reordering and fine-tuning the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

Additional tasks may include:

. overseeing the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and editing;

. Taking responsibility for the smooth running of the cutting room on feature films

. writing voiceover/commentary;

. suggesting or selecting music.

You may also carry out online editing duties, which involve finalising technical aspects such as correcting faulty footage, grading and colouring and adding special effects.

NOTE:

Your present job doesn’t affect the Status of the job because i need to place you on trial period i need someone who can perform his or her duties with resourceful and proactive in dealing with problems and queries, All i need you to do is to complete all task in a timely manner. I am being thorough and explanatory here because i have hired people in the past who did not live up to what i expected and this time, i do not want to make the same mistake. I have decided to offer you a probationary offer (trial period). Here i want to see how you would demonstrate your skills and how exceptional you are and how efficient and on time you will be. I will need you to perform a couple of tasks for me during this coming week, which are part of basic duties you will be performing before the project fully start and if i am impressed and convinced that you are right for the job, I will be setting up a meeting with you once am done with this shooting am presently working on. Successful completion of the trial period qualifies you for an interview and Temporary weekly wage for the trial period will be Eight Hundred And Thirty Dollars/weekly and full employment details and permanent salary package + bonuses will be discussed in our meetings.

If the above work with you, I will take all necessary step and make my financial adviser have payment for these purchases and tasks, mailed to you. The trial period runs for a week or two. If you want to sign up for this, Kindly provide the details below …

Available Position: Editor

Type: Part-Time

Hours: 9 Hours per week/3 Hours Daily

Days: 3 days per week

Weekly Pay: $830

BENEFITS:

• AD & D Insurance

• 401(k)

• Medical, Dental, Vision

Willing to take this job position, I will take necessary step to have my financial officer have payment for the purchase and allowance to carryout the task, mailed to you. The trial period runs for a week or two. If you want to sign up for this, Kindly provide the details below …

Your Full name :

Mailing Address :

City :

State:

Zip Code :

Direct Phone# :

Two Work or Personal References:

.   .    .    .

For more information on production scams and how to spot them, please read this post and visit our Facebook group.

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In hindsight, it was ridiculous to have any fear. I blame the overly cautious and  paranoid American news media.

So, what is it like traveling alone in Mexico for one week?

First of all, here’s a goofy video to illustrate.

I was never actually alone.

That’s usually the case when you travel by yourself! I met great people because I was alone.

I’m especially grateful I joined my hostel buddies for a tour of Chichen Itza. I was very underwhelmed by the whole thing (if you’ve been anywhere with ancient ruins, they’re probably better. Tulum’s ruins are more easily accessible and just as interesting, in my opinion). Our camaraderie and propensity to goof off made it memorable. I would’ve been miserable alone — even our tour guide was so bored, he yawned the entire time!

People travel Mexico alone… a lot!

Mexico isn’t any different from the rest of the world. People travel Mexico alone ALL THE TIME, and from all over: Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands were just a handful of countries represented at the places I stayed. The majority were solo travelers, too.

My trip was far shorter than most due to work obligations. Most solo travelers spend two weeks to several months in Mexico, and cover a lot more ground. I’d love to return and spend more time explore more of the Yucatan– such as Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres.

And then there’s Mexico City, the ruins of Teotihuacan, Puerto Escondido, Guanajuato, Sayulita… I’ll be making return trips for years to come.

Where I Stayed

Playa del Carmen

I had an interesting time in PDC: Despite being a popular tourist spot, Playa del Carmen was without running water for two of the three nights I was there. If you were on the main street of the city that caters to tourists, you weren’t affected, but I stayed in a hostel on the edge of the local neighborhood, and it WAS a problem. We couldn’t take showers. The staff managed to fill the toilet with rain water so that we (all six of us in the dorm) could flush twice per day. I’ve peed in some dodgy places — a hole in the ground in Vietnam that I had to pay to use — but this was disgusting. And the humidity and lack of ventilation in the bathroom didn’t help. Yuck. 

In the end, though, we survived and it makes for an entertaining story. I felt especially bad for the guy that flew all the way from Australia to arrive at our dorm room with an unflushed toilet and no running water!

This hostel I stayed in is now defunct (maybe due to the water issues?), but if I went back, I’d stay somewhere like The Yak. They organize lots of activities and seem to attract other solo travelers.

Tulum 

Ah, Tulum. It had running water! It’s a good base for exploring the area: it’s quieter than PDC, and a lot of backpackers stop here, making it a good place to meet other travelers. The main strip is fairly touristy and about a mile off the beach, but you can rent a bike to tour the ruins (my favorite part of my trip!) or get to the beach. The street that is along the beach is full of resorts and private beach access, but there are a few public access trails.

The real magic of Tulum can be found in the nearby cenotes. So other worldly!

I stayed at Hostel Sheck. It has a great vibe, mostly attributed to the open-air bar. It attracted a slightly younger crowd, but age is all relative when traveling, anyway. You’re only as old as you act!

How Much It Costs to Travel Alone in Mexico

I found a last minute one-way flight on Delta for $170 and bought my return flight home using Southwest miles I’d earned with my credit card sign-up bonus.

For six nights in Mexico, I spent $550 total including flights, on the ground expenses, and travel insurance. $310 was spent on the day-to-day stuff, such as food, lodging, and activities, including a 24 hour bike rental, snorkeling in Akumal, and the wah-wah of a Chichen Itza tour (~$52).

This breaks down to $78/day, which is pretty pricey and not sustainable for a longer trip. But for a week-long adventure, I consider it a great value, as I would’ve spent $550 in accommodation at least for a week at any beach destination in the USA.

As always, though, cost really depends on how you like to travel. I prefer to travel cheaply as a personal challenge. You could do a different weeklong trip, stay in Cancun at a resort hotel, and spend three times as much.

Side note: If you’re looking for a relaxing and romantic getaway with a private beach, I highly recommend Soliman Bay. There are some great beachfront bungalows for rent, and it’s fairly inexpensive when compared with other beachfront locations around the world.

Goofy video shot primarily on the base model GoPro. I have since upgraded to the GoPro Session 5, will let you know how that goes…

The post A Week Alone in Mexico: What to Expect and What it Costs appeared first on .

Let’s do a hard reset.

Here’s what’s up.

Work

2016 was a solidly good year for work — it was the most diverse and fruitful year I’ve had. I worked in a variety of capacities: field producer, segment producer, script supervisor, truck reels producer, and even camera op!

This year’s off to a sluggish start, but that isn’t unusual for the dead of winter. So far, I’ve worked on one small project from home that had a lot of prep but only two shoot days. It’s been a welcome break from 2016, which was a bit chaotic for several reasons.

Coming up: There’s a few potential projects flying around. I loved the diversification of last year and would love to work on several short-term projects for multiple companies again. I’d also like to figure out more ways to diversify myself — the entertainment landscape is changing, and I’d like to earn a living that isn’t solely dependent on the survival of cable networks.

Travel

2016 was the first year I made it out of the country twice in the same calendar year!

I finally took a last-minute trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. I had zero expectations, but guys, Mexico is AMAZING. There’s so much to explore around the Yucatan — I hit up Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Akumal — but I can’t WAIT to get back there, specifically to visit Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres.

And then, in August, I got sent back to the exact same spot in Mexico for work. It was extremely convenient that I’d inadvertently pre-scouted for the shoot eight months earlier. (I would write that first trip off as a “scouting trip”, but when you only spend $200 in airfare, $15/night in hostels, and eat 5 cent tacos– all for “work”– the IRS looks at you funny.)

So, of course, the first time I traveled overseas twice in the same year was to the same place, but I did knock out a huge bucket list item: Travel abroad for work. I’d love to combine both these loves (and skill sets!) more frequently… are you listening, future employers? I’ve traveled independently to fifteen countries, and I have six years of producing experience!

Coming up very, very soon: CUBA! With no acceptance of American credit/debit cards, limited Wifi, and no cell phone data, it is going to be the most challenging place I’ve ever traveled. Also, Gunner is going with me. Yes, this is our first international trip after being together for nearly ten years… wish us both luck!

No Politics

When it comes daily political drama, I’ve kept my online opinion to a minimum, with the one exception being Ukraine. This blog just isn’t the place for political chatter. It’ll be still be a place I’ll write about my adventures and misadventures on set, tips for breaking into the business, and of course, the occasional blurb about travel. If you wanted to read more unsolicited opinions on politics, I’m going to guess you’d be on your Facebook wall instead of here.

Anyways, that’s the summary of 2016 and the first chapter of 2017! As always, if you have an industry or travel question that hasn’t been answered, feel free to reach out via Twitter or e-mail.

The post What’s Going On Around Here in 2017 appeared first on .

Production Assistant Responsibilities on Union Sets

For union shows, the “set production assistant” falls under the department of Assistant Directors. Your main task is to assist your bosses, and yes, that is the assistant directors (there are office production assistants as well– that’s a separate post).

Some PAs will be assigned different roles, which I’ll cover in a bit. There are some general duties that all PAs are responsible for.

Lockups

This is the main duty of all production assistants. It may be the most boring task, but it is also one of the most important.

Imagine you’re watching one of the dozen reboots of Spiderman or King Kong and some lady pushing a stroller in the background stops. She stares at the lens in confusion, pulls out her iPhone, and takes a picture. It completely takes you out of the movie, right?

A “lockup” keeps those curious people from wandering into the shot. If you have a camera and you’re shooting anywhere not on a sound stage, the public will want to know what’s going on. (True story: Someone asked me the name of the movie we were filming. I told him. He replied, “Oh, I haven’t seen that one yet.”)

Production assistants will be posted up outside of frame, or just outside the studio door, to prevent anyone not in the scene from walking into the shot. This includes random looky-loos or even members of the crew.

Locking up a door back in the day

Lunch Duty: Fire Watch 

On union shoots it’s often the production assistant’s responsibility to make sure all of the crew has departed set to head to lunch — whether via transpo van or on foot. One production assistant, usually a locations production assistant (but sometimes a regular set PA), will hang back on set to “fire watch” — make sure the gear doesn’t walk away or catch fire.

Lunch Duty: Counting the Line

Another production assistant will leapfrog to the catering tent for the purpose of “counting the line”, which means that PA is responsible for two tasks: 1) Counting the number of people that go through the catering line, and (2) set the parameters for the official half-hour.

Counting the line ensures production has been budgeting for the right number of people per day, and also to check the caterer’s count.  The other important task this PA has is determining when the official lunch break starts and ends. The true thirty minute lunch break does not begin until that last crew member has gone through the line and sat down. The PA in charge of “counting the line” needs to figure out who this is, wait for them to get their plate, and sit down.

This final crew person is referred to as “last man” (or “last woman”, I guess?). The production assistant who’s been counting the line will then alert the ADs and anyone else on Channel 1 the exact timings over the walkie: “That’s last man at 12:34, we’re back in at 1:04.”

Note: Occasionally, lunch will be served in a 3 hour block, and it’s the responsibility of each department to rotate out who goes to lunch (referred to as “French Hours”). This allows filming to continue, since the entire crew never breaks at the same time.

Announce Rolls and Cuts

The director’s (or 1st AD) isn’t the only one who gets to say “rolling” — all set PAs do, as well.   The first AD announces over walkie that the camera is “rolling”. All set PAs all over set will also announce, “ROLLING!”

Why? A large production can have a crew size from thirty to hundreds. Different departments will use different walkie channels to communicate. (Can you imagine if all two hundred people were on the same channel? Yikes.) A nearby grip may need to move some stands, and in the process, bangs them around quite a bit. It’s not their fault — they have no idea the camera’s rolling, or when it cuts. As a set production assistant, it’s your job to make sure your fellow crew knows exactly when the cameras are rolling, and when they aren’t.

Tip: As a general rule, don’t say anything over walkie while rolling. You need to be able to hear when the 1st AD announces, “Cut!”

Specific Roles of Production Assistants

When working on a movie or television series, each production assistant is assigned a role in addition to the aforementioned responsibilities. These roles are standard from union to non union shows.

Key Production Assistant

The Key PA is the ringleader of set PAs. The amount of control the Key PA has varies from set to set — sometimes it’s purely a title thing, other times, you’ll hear the Key PA in your headset more often than the 1st AD.

Generally, the key production assistant find out from the 1st AD what the next set-up entails. Which actors are involved? Are there any background? Is this a wide or a tight, and what is in frame and what is out of frame?

From there, the Key PA will relay the information to the rest of the production assistants. The Key PA will set lock-up positions and reiterate who will be seen on camera.

First Team Production Assistant

A production assistant will be dubbed the “First Team PA”, meaning they’re responsible for keeping track of the main actors of the shoot while they’re on set (or, any actors of the day that have lines and are listed on the callsheet). This PA is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of the actors. They also keep the actors and styling team up to speed on which scene is up next. This PA will also alert the hair/make-up team when the AD calls for “last looks”, and if and when there’s a close-up coming up “moving in for coverage”.

Read more: How to Be a Production Assistant: Watching First Team

photo credit: PCG2

Background PA

This is the role I had the most, and I loved it. Extras, especially in smaller cities, are regular people getting a chance to be on camera. They’re so excited to be there, curious about the filming process, and eager to do the best they can. They’re nervous, they’re giddy, and they look to the background PA for guidance. You’re the one who knows how this filming stuff works. Take them under your wing, and help them out.

As a background PA, my duties were:

• Sign in All Extras: At the beginning of the day, you’ll receive the day’s “skins”, a list of all of the background with their phone numbers. Check off this list as extras arrive, usually by call time, and help them fill out their paperwork. If not everyone shows up, make a call to the casting director to get replacements.
• Help extras “go through the works”: On some shoots, the wardrobe and hair and makeup needs approval from each department. Make sure every extra goes through this process.
• Place background: Sometimes, an AD will “place background”, other times, that duty can fall on the PA.  “Placing background” is assigning extras a task during the scene. “Crosses” are the most common– asking one extra to walk behind the actors, asking another to count to a specific number before they walk, etc. It’s also the background PA’s responsibility to keep track where in the script each extra walks to make sure the extras’ movement is consistent throughout the scene and for all camera angles.
• Sign out background: Once the day is over, the background PA signs out all the extras. Notate their out time, and initial it.

Basecamp PA

I really believe whoever runs basecamp, whether a PA or 2nd 2nd AD, has one of the toughest jobs on set: You have to make sure all the main actors are ready on time. You’re responsible for making sure they have the correct sides for the day, know what scene is up first, and making sure they go through hair, makeup, and wardrobe in the correct order. Fortunately, the majority of actors take their jobs seriously and they’re punctual. Then there’s the one that has an ego and it all gets shot to hell.

Note: “Basecamp” is where all of the trailers live away from set. This includes all actor trailers, hair & makeup, wardrobe, the AD trailer, and the honey wagon.

Other Note: The 2nd 2nd AD usually runs basecamp, but I’ve seen a PA also run it a couple of times.

Walkie Production Assistant

One PA is in charge of ALL of the walkies. This PA will start a few days before shooting begins, and they begin by assigning all crew members a walkie and headset (if they need it). On a day to day basis, this PA is responsible for keeping “hot bricks” (extra batteries) on set, keeping batteries charged, and for signing out additional walkies during filming. At the end of production, the PA will then have to account for every walkie. Yes, that part of the job sucks.

Note: Walkies are EXPENSIVE. Losing a walkie costs about $500-$600, and production does not like it.

Distro Production Assistant

During the course of a production, different departments will receive memos, paperwork, or packages (collectively known as “distro”). Since the mailman doesn’t deliver to film sets, one production assistant is responsible for making sure all of these items make it to the right people, or departments.

Examples of distro: Props, pieces of gear, new script pages, or travel movements.

And yes, “distro” comes from the word “distribution”.

Production Assistant Responsibilities on Non-Union Shoots

PA duties on non-union shoots are much more varied and random. While some union tasks may apply, you’re more likely to get pulled into any department that “needs hands”. There aren’t any union rules prohibiting you from picking up a C-stand, for example. It’s all good, though: Helping out other departments is how you learn. It can also help you figure out which niche or department you want to pursue.

When I was a PA on non-union gigs, I did a bit of everything: Assisted art department (look mom, I steamed those purple curtains!), helped grips move stands and sandbags, stood in for lighting, took behind-the-scenes photos, acted as a chauffeur, herded pigeons, and even was a second (uncredited) boom operator.

Some standard non-union responsibilities of PAs:

• Pick up crew breakfast: The most important part of the day. Don’t be late!
• Go on runs: This could be anything from gear pickups to last-minute prop or crafty purchases. And, of course, the afternoon Starbucks run for the EPs/client. Sometimes, being the runner is an entire job in itself.
• Transportation: There isn’t a transpo department on 95% of non-union shows, meaning production assistants are responsible for driving a box truck or a 15- pass van. It’s important you have experience and are comfortable driving larger vehicles, and DON’T TRY TO PARK IN THE PARKING GARAGE.
• Babysit talent: Keep track of talent for the day and get them anything they need. This could be anyone from the hero A-list talent down to the 40 extras.
• Help any department that needs it: Usually art department or crafty.
• Help the producer/coordinator collect crew paperwork: At the end of the shoot, collect timecards and make sure the crew fills out their paperwork properly.
• Make FedEx runs. It’s helpful to know where and when the last drop off time is.
• Deal with trash/recycling:  Throughout the day, you’ll find coffee cups, chip bags, and half-full water bottles. As a PA, you’re never supposed to be idle or sitting around. Doing trash sweeps are a great way to stay busy and make a positive influence.

Plus thousands of other combinations of random tasks.

Additional Notes

This was written with “set production assistant” in mind. Different departments can have their own production assistant, such as:

• Camera PA
• Art Department PA
• Wardrobe PA
• Locations PA

Being a production assistant in a specific department is the fastest way to move up within that department. If you love being a set production assistant, you may want to become an assistant director. It’s a bit tricky moving up in the AD realm. If you eventually want to work on cool motion pictures and television shows, you’ll need to join the union — the Director’s Guild of America. This is NOT an overnight process and can take several years.

To be added to the DGA’s Qualifying List (QL), you need to work a certain amount of days, the exact number depending on the part of the country you’re in. Keep track of EVERY day you work on set. Save all paperwork: Call sheets, pay stubs, and deal memos. Or, you can try to skip this process by applying to be a DGA trainee.

Further Reading

• How to Get a Job as a Production Assistant
• How to Not Get a Job on a Set
• Film Gear for the Prepared Production Assistant

Photo credit: Jeff S, Brian M, Jen B.

The post Guide to Production Assistant Responsibilities and Duties appeared first on .

Here’s the email:

 

Production Runners are the foot soldiers of a film or television production team, performing small but important tasks in the office, around the set and on location. Their duties may involve anything from office administration to crowd control, and from public relations to cleaning up locations. Production Runners are usually employed on a freelance basis, are not very well paid, and their hours are long and irregular. However, the work is usually extremely varied and provides a good entry level role into the film industry.

I will like to thank you for your interest in the job offer.After reviewing your email, I am glad to inform you that I am impressed.

As my assistant, your activities amongst other things will include:
Creation and distribution of reports and schedules
Booking travel arrangements for shoots
Making copies of scripts and distributing them
Getting approval for the utilization of any clip or music that may be copyrighted
Check Processing
Buying equipment that would be needed for production.
good organizational skills Serious sense of
humor required and mandatory to work with me Ability to handle highly sensitive
and confidential information Perform duties with accuracy, quality, and
integrity You can only apply for this position if you own a personal computer.
Basic wage is $550 a weekly.
About me: I am married and have 3 kids. I have been short movie producer, director in many places in Europe and I want to shoot a short documentary, so right now getting the actors ready and the manager as well. .I travel a
lot,hence the reason why i need an assistant to handle affairs for me on the home front when i am away on business which is usually quite often. This position is home-based and flexible you can be in any location,working with me is basically about instructions and following them, because working from home now, you take care of things that need being taken care of till the venue is decided and the actors assembled and production starts.This is only an introductory e-mail, as time goes on we should be able to arrange a proper meeting to get things started officially. I do have a number of things you could help me with this week if you will be available for me. This can act as a stable foundation to our working relationship.
Note:This position is home base office work you can be in any location and work
with me from your home. Let me know your interest if you are ready to work with me from your home Mon-Fri @ 10am

First Name :- Middle Name :- Last Name :-
Street Address :- apartment number{if applicable},

City, State, Zip Code:- Sex :__________ Age :-

Nationality :- Cell Phone Number (___) :- Home Phone Number(___) :- Email::-

Current Job:-
Thanks for your time , hope to hear from you again. Fill the Application and
E-mail It back to get started Asap!!!
Regards

How to Tell This is a Scam

As with the previous industry scams, there is way too much over-explanation of everything here.

• First of all, the whole point of a production runner is to GO ON RUNS. If you’re working from home, you’re not doing that.

• The post contradicts itself. The first paragraph explains what a production runner does, the second half explains it’s a “work from home” assistant-type position.

• No real, reputable film or production company will advertise “work from home” positions. When I was starting out as a production assistant, I always had somewhere to report to. Now, I often work from home for my job when I prep shoots, but it took me years to get to that point. Plus, I’ve known my employers for years.

I don’t want to get into more specifics because I don’t want to help them tweak their scam.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Never give your bank account info to a new production company, or a company you found by answering a job listing on the internet. If you’re pursuing a job that seems legit and they ask for your bank account info immediately after hiring you, that is a HUGE red flag. Ask for an in-person meeting, or a phone call at least.

If they say it’s so you can “go on runs” and buy things for them, ask for a Visa debit card instead. Say you’ve been taken advantage of before by production companies.

Early in my career, I allowed a production company to direct deposit directly into my bank account for reimbursement. You know what happened? That money ended up being lumped into my pay on my 1099. I didn’t have any receipts because I turned them all in to the production.

While I wasn’t scammed, I had to file dispute paperwork with my accountant in order to avoid paying taxes on that reimbursement money. Now, I never let production companies direct deposit for expenses. Instead, I demand petty cash or a visa debit card.

I’ve given my bank account info for direct deposit on some shoots, but that’s only  after I’ve physically met with the producer, been to the production office several times, and know several people who have also worked with the production company.

Don’t Search Craigslist for Production Gigs. I highly advise avoiding Craigslist for production work at the moment; there’s just too many scams. Craigslist used to be a good place to find odd film jobs back in 2009 and 2010, but since then, it’s just gotten too weird and spammy. I haven’t heard of anyone actually using it to search for reputable crew in years.

These days, sites like StaffMeUp or Work in Entertainment are actively managed by people who actually work in the film industry.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

Call your bank immediately and let them know. Freeze your account. You’ll need to open a new bank account in order to get a different bank account number, or else you’ll still be at risk. In theory, they could use your bank info to print fraudulent debit cards.

If you see similar scam postings on Craigslist, write a reply on Craigslist to warn others. Create your own job post, label it RE: *Whatever Scam Job Post is Called*, include part of the original post’s job description, and write THIS IS A SCAM! wherever you can.

Report it with the local police. You’ll need a police report to show your bank it’s fraudulent activity. If you’ve already been scammed and received a deposit in your account, try to ask your bank for information about the source of that money, and report that info to the police. Don’t do anything with the money — it’s likely fraudulent — and, of course, freeze your account.

Some banks reimburse for fraud. Know your rights on bank account fraud.

The post Scam Alert: Work From Home Production Runner appeared first on .

This is the land where they’ll sell you cheap beer for hours on end and think nothing of sending you into a kayak in deep, murky waters at nightfall without a life preserver. No one means to cause you any harm– safety just isn’t high on the list of priorities.

Not all will tell you there are mosquitos carrying malaria or dengue in a particular area– they’ll just laugh and say “there are no mosquitos.” It’s a cultural thing to have a bright outlook on everything rather than take precautions.

If you or someone you love is about to jettison off to this corner of the world, particularly if it’s their first overseas adventure, here are some backpacking safety tips for Southeast Asia.

Watch out for scams.

This is true of every major city everywhere in the world. 99.1% of the people in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, are fantastic people and will drop everything to help you. But there are still the occasional scams on unwitting tourists — particularly in the tourist areas of cities. Different regions will have different scams, so read up before you arrive.

A few of the common ones in Bangkok: Taxi drivers not turning on the meter; telling you an attraction like the Grand Temple is “closed” and taking you somewhere else for a “private tour” with their friend where you’ll have to spend an exorbitant amount. Hanoi has its own set of scams, including one where “shoe cleaners” will throw gum on your shoe and try to clean it off for you in exchange for a fee. (Just keep going.)

Bonus Tip: In Bangkok, take the MRT from the airport (BKK) instead of a taxi — the rush hour gridlock is fierce.

Ask: Where is the Closest Decent Hospital?

It is 2017, but that doesn’t mean a world-class hospital exists in every heavily tourist locale. Thailand has some of the best health care in southeast Asia, whereas hospitals in Laos and Vietnam are dicey.

Within Thailand, Koh Tao is one of the hottest destinations for backpackers, but there isn’t a full-fledged hospital there. There are clinics, yes; but for anything serious, you’ll need to be transported to Koh Samui, which is an 1.5 hour journey by ferry.

I always take a kit with over the counter medicine with me to save myself the hassle of finding it abroad. (Are you really going to want to try to find Imodium AD in a foreign country if you can’t separate yourself from the toilet?)

There are mosquitos, and some carry dengue.

Southeast Asia does fall in a “malaria zone”, and it’s a debate amongst travelers whether or not you should take anti-malarial medication (I chose not to as I wasn’t visiting Northern Thailand, the mountains/jungle, or other high-risk areas), but it’s important to note that dengue fever is also a concern, almost everywhere. There are no vaccines for dengue, and it’ll spoil your holiday very quickly, especially if your travel time is limited. Just read these stories for a glimpse into how much misery you’d be in for should you get it.

Before you get freaked out–Not all mosquitos carry dengue, but it’s easier to get in the habit of prevention early on your travels. In Thailand, there’s been a recent spike of dengue cases. 

A few ways to lessen your chances of being bitten: Wear mosquito repellant, avoid being outdoors at dusk/dawn, stay in hostels with air conditioning, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and use a mosquito net if there’s no A/C, the windows are open, or if you’re camping. (Most places will not provide you with a mosquito net, so bring your own.)

A night in Koh Tao with mosquitos and without air conditioning. Not all adventures are glamorous… but at least they are adventures.

If you do drugs, be aware that Southeast Asia has some of the stiffest laws and harshest punishments on the planet.

Drugs are illegal in most places in the world, but the repercussions in Southeast Asia are a lot stiffer than back home. You’re looking at massive fines and potential life-long jail sentences in Thailand, death (albeit rare) in Singapore or Indonesia if suspected of trafficking. (For a longer and more detailed list on other countries, read this list of marijuana laws in Southeast Asia.) If you choose to light up knowing these risks — and several thousands still do — be smart about where and how. Do not walk along Khao Son Road holding a joint, you will get caught.

Just because a professional guide tells you something is safe doesn’t mean it actually is safe, or a good idea.

This is a tougher one to grasp, as the main reason tours exist is to provide organized and safe adventures to tourists.

While in Vietnam, I opted for a Halong Bay party cruise, where one of the activities was cliff jumping: An adrenaline-pumping and fun activity as long as you know the waters are deep enough and free of debris and rocks.

It was NOT safe. Our boat sidled up next to a karst, and the guys were given rubber slippers that had less traction tha Crocs. In order to climb the “cliff”, you had to scale the face of the rocky karst. It was misty, so the surface was very slippery. Worst of all, the cliff jumpers were expected to dodge the numerous jagged rocks protruding from the water, water that was impossible to tell how deep it was. To his credit, the guide did jump first.

Only one guy from our boat went through with it, narrowly jumping between two rocks sticking up from the water. He missed the rocks, thank GOD, but dislocated his shoulder. Fortunately, there was a doctor on our cruise and everything was fine, but it could’ve been way, way worse. (We had to take two boats and a bus to the middle of the lake to get where we were — I shudder to think how far away the closest hospital was.)

Never swim alone — and be extra vigilant when participating in water sports.

One of the stupidest things I’ve ever done on a trip was go surfing by myself on an empty beach. I got swept out in a rip current — and panicked at first — I wasn’t a strong swimmer, let alone with a surf board in tow. After scrambling and having my life flash before my eyes, I realized the current was pushing me towards a neighboring beach, and I calmly drifted to shore. I was really, insanely lucky. Now, I have a rule: Never, EVER go swimming alone.

While that didn’t happen in Southeast Asia or anytime recently, that experience rattled me and made me realize that while solo travel is liberating because all the decisions are my own, I needed to weigh those decisions with another layer of caution. I wasn’t as strong a swimmer as my pride wanted to believe.

If you’re going to be in deep water for an extended length of time, wear a life preserver, especially for any type of water sport. Your life is worth far more than your pride.

Are the waters calm? Does there appear to be a current? How deep is the water? How much longer will the sun be out?

For example, parts of La Han Bay (next to Halong Bay) open up into the South China Sea, meaning there are strong currents that can carry you out to sea.

Read: Windsurfing in Mui Ne

If you’re going to learn to drive a motorbike, do so in quieter areas first.

This was the biggest injury amongst travelers that I met while in Southeast Asia: Motorbike wrecks. Over a round of beers with a new group of friends, regardless of the country I was in, someone at the table would have massive road rash from a motorbike mishap.

Riding a motorbike is a great way to explore a new country. It’s cheap, and only requires a driver’s license from your home country. It’s also one of the ways backpackers manage to seriously injure themselves:

Some travelers swear by renting a motorbike in Southeast Asia; others choose not to. If you do, make sure you wear a helmet and wear pants (this will help avoid road rash should something happen).

Personally, I avoid the motorbike debacle altogether by renting a bicycle instead. It’s slower, but you still get the same immersive perspective as you would on a motorbike. And it’s a good workout!

Read more: Exploring Pai by Motorbike; Why I am NOT Renting a Scooter in SE Asia

Don’t drink the tap water.

Just like traveling in any lesser developed country, don’t drink the tap water. Bottled water is very affordable and in plentiful supply. (Or, if you do want to drink the tap water to avoid plastic bottle waste, pick up a SteriPEN UV Water Purifier.)

Eat the street food, but be prudent.

Okay, so this isn’t so much a safety tip as it is a it’s delicious and usually safe if you take precautions tip. Street food is some of the tastiest food in THE WORLD, particularly in Southeast Asia. I’ve recently become a fan of street food while traveling because it’s fresher than restaurant cuisine, faster, and cheaper. Contrary to popular opinion, street food is (usually) extremely fresh.

Are there several locals lined up for food because they know it’s good? Is the meat hot? Is someone else handling the money, or is the person preparing the food doing that?

Also Read: How to Eat Street Food Without Getting Sick

GET TRAVELER’S INSURANCE.

While on my Halong Bay cruise, I met a group of 20-year-old British guys. “We’re a man down at the moment,” they told me. “The fourth member is in Hanoi. He’s really sick.”

“What happened?”

“We’re not sure… We think he has malaria.” They were young, a bit naive, and terrified. “We’ve only been traveling together for a week, and he suddenly got really, really sick. I’ve never seen anyone that sick before.”

“Where is he now?”

“At a hospital,” he said. “We actually took him to one hospital, but it was the worst hospital we’ve ever seen. Run down, people everywhere. We couldn’t leave him there, so we drove two hours in the opposite direction for a better hospital.”

“How is he doing?”

The friend shrugged. “Hopefully he’s better… I mean, he’s there, paying who knows how much to get better.”

The kid didn’t have travel insurance. He was also in a country with very limited levels of care.

This is one of the most important tips for backpacking Southeast Asia: GET TRAVEL INSURANCE. If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel.  Rule #2: If you’re in an underdeveloped country and your friend becomes deathly ill, do not leave his side. You need to be there to advocate for them.

I’ve used World Nomads to insure my trips since 2009.  In addition to covering health-related emergencies, it also covers travel delays, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and theft. In short, it’s a must.

Read more: Why are Backpackers So Stupid in SE Asia?

I’m Not Trying to Sound Like Your Parents

My parents were against my solo travels in the beginning, but over time and after sharing carefully planned itineraries, beautiful photographs and equally beautiful stories of amazing people, they relaxed. The world is not as scary of a place as we’re led to believe; quite the opposite.

When we travel, there are elements out of our control: Strong currents, overly lax tour guides, mosquitos, unsafe tap water, etc — none of which are a big deal if you’re aware they exist… which, now you do, of course.

Enjoy your trip!

Also Read: The Ultimate 1-Month Itinerary to Thailand and Vietnam, Packing List for Solo Travel

The post 10 Safety Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia appeared first on .

What we haven’t covered? How to blow your opportunity, or how to not get  hired on a film set.

Refuse to Work for Free

Yes, if you play your cards right, you can get away with barely having to PA. But if you skip the step of being a production assistant, you’d better be offering yourself as an intern working for free for the department of your choice. (In fact, I recommend this approach if you already know you what department you want to work in.)

I’m not talking about months of unpaid labor here unless it’s a school internship where you’re being compensated with school credit. Offer to work for free on 1-2 projects (2-3 days, or maybe longer if it’s an indie movie) to establish yourself and build contacts.

Note: Volunteering your time has always been the fastest way to break in, but in the last five years, companies are shying away from this due to lawsuits. Technically, they’re supposed to pay you or give school credit. To get around this, it may be easier to seek out indie movies or passion projects versus production companies.

Refuse to Work for Cheap (in the beginning)

Similarly, don’t expect to get out of film school and make $400 per day. You need all of the experience you can get. In the beginning, you won’t get very far turning down jobs because they “don’t pay enough”. It takes time to build a reputation that’s worth $400/day.

Read this post for an expectation of how much you could make your first year in the industry as a production assistant.

Act Like a Groupie/Fangirl/Fanboy

If you’re looking to get a job on a show because you’re in love with the actor or musician, then you’d better keep that to yourself. We’re not paid to be fans in this business, and just because you have access doesn’t mean the celebrity needs another friend.

(Showing appreciation for a show your coworker/boss worked on is different.)

Who’s George Strait?

Talk Too Much

Some people will talk too much when they’re nervous about making a good first impression. This is a HUGE no-no in film/television, where your personality is just a big a factor as competency. If you annoy someone in an interview or casual lunch meeting, there’s a very small chance they’re going to hire you to work with them for 12+ hours on a film set. Be chill, competent, and confident.

Don’t Have a Car and/or Driver’s License

Disclaimer: I do know people that make it work without either, but it’s a whole lot harder to break in as a production assistant on non-union shows. On smaller shoots, it can get complicated quickly, and most producers will just go with someone else that has a car.

For smaller shoots without transpo departments, production assistants are often required to go on runs. PAs pick up lunch, return gear, run to the store for a last minute prop, etc. If you’re over 25, you’ll have to drive a 15 pass van, U-Haul, or other rental vehicle.

If we’re talking about union gigs where going on runs won’t be expected of you, it’s still possible. You’ll just have to figure out how to get to set on time, which are often in remote locations. (Most production assistants don’t work 100% on union shows, most do at least a small mix of non-union shows.)

Pictured: Ideal production vehicle. Not pictured: The 1998 Explorer I drove for 15 years that got me most of my gigs as a new PA due to its ability to haul a bunch of crap.

Say the Wrong Things When Given Your Chance

Story time!

I have a friend who used to work at recording studios. She’s pretty quick and adapts to different challenges/situations easily. One day, she mentioned she wanted to switch to working in television. A few months later, the project I was on needed additional help — for several months — so I thought of her.

“Listen,” I advised, “You’re smart with gear and can teach yourself. Tell them about all the stuff you do know how to do. You can read the manuals and learn our gear. You know the theory, the rest you’ll pick up quickly. This is your in. I’ll vouch for you.”

And so, I told my crew about her. I explained that while she was new to our world, she was a hard worker and smart with gear. She could be taught, and she would be great.

When she was called about the job, you know what she said? “Listen, Laryssa told me not to mention I don’t know anything about working in television– but it’s true, I don’t know anything about it. In fact, I know very little about the gear you guys use.”

It was everything I told her not to say. I was beyond embarrassed. I’d stuck my neck out for her and, in return, she made it sound like I was trying to trick my coworkers into hiring her. I was also confused- had she actually wanted to break into television, or not? Had she just been making wishful small talk?

Burn the Connection You Do Have

If you have a friend in the industry that’s willing to share their contacts with you, then preserving that relationship should be at the forefront of your mind. If someone recommends you for a gig, and then you don’t show up or call in sick, don’t bother trying to utilize that contact again. Not only have you made yourself look bad, but you’ve made your friend look bad for recommending you.

Show Up Late to an Interview

This is true in any industry. Don’t be late to the interview! How can anyone trust you with real work if you can’t be on time to an interview?

Note: Okay, so, even if you make one of these mistakes, you can still get a job on a film set! Maybe the post should instead be titled “ways to make it harder on yourself to get a job in the film industry”…

The post How to Not Get a Job on a Film Set appeared first on .

The crux of the scam: The impersonation of a legitimate production company, but with a slightly different domain for their e-mail address.

It’s important to realize Mario Kassar is not at fault here. They’re a perfectly legit production company. They, too, are a victim.

Where The Mario Kassar Scam Exists

A reader submitted this as a potential scam after responding to a seemingly normal job posting ad on Craigslist in the Atlanta region.

About the Mario Kassar Hiring Scam

Like the original film industry hiring scam, this is too good to be true:

Hello,

After carefully reviewing your application and resume, I am pleased to inform you, we would like to offer you the role of (Part-time or Full-time Assistant) depending on which best fits you at Mario Kassar Productions.

About Me. I am David Peter the Divisional Director for Mario Kassar Productions, I am originally from Texas and i was just moved here for the new office we had set up, We are in the construction of a little office branch here in ATL where we will be needing you to work.  You will be working directly with me .

About Mario Kassar Productions

We are a small organization that is passionate about providing the physical basis for work in the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, and video. As a CSR initiative, a sub-division that provides training and equips teens with the skills that they need to excel within the media and creative arts sector has been created.

About The Role

The role you have been short-listed for is that of an Assistant for myself, The Divisional Director of the mentioned sub-division. Seeing as it’s presently in its incipient stages and we are short-staffed, there are several administrative and logistic related tasks that I will need you to assist with. The tasks you will be required to perform on a weekly basis are as follows,

Tasks

-Liaising with clients via telephone both here in ATL and other parts of the world

-Managing emails

-Payment of bills and mailing of parcels (Please note monetary provisions will be made in advance for the payment of all bills and sending of parcels whether through

Fed Ex, UPS or any other means)

-Parcel pick-up/drop-off

Requirements

-You will be required to work 15 hours a week

-You will be required to work on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (maximum of 5 hours or less daily)

You will be paid an hourly fee of $25 and bonuses will also be provided twice a month if you adequately fulfill the aforementioned tasks. Additionally, if your performance is exemplary, you will be offered an opportunity to take on a full-time role with us, where you will be meeting with our top directors and Movie Producers officially, the aim of this is to help you understand and build a proficient career

Upon my arrival at the end of next week, We will have a proper sit down and discuss relative development ideas directed at just how well your intellectual properties might impact our Company as we move forward.

You are required to start work immediately if convenient. Kindly respond to this email with acknowledgement, You will have 2 weeks trial which after that you will be working at 730 Peachtree Street Atlanta as soon as our modifications are completed.

Best regards,

David Peter

Mario Kassar Productions

Divisional Director

E: info.brimtech@aol.com

E: info@kassproductions.com

Visit Our Head Directors Page at : www.mariokassar.com“

How To Tell This is a Scam

Oh man, where to start.

• The tone and jargon and over-explaining of everything is a huge red flag.
• Unless you’re an established pro or have a mutual connection, you will RARELY be hired over email without a face to face interview first.
• The hours are insane. 5 hours a day, 3 days a week? Yeah, right.
• NO ONE TALKS LIKE THIS: “You will be paid an hourly fee of $25 and bonuses will also be provided twice a month if you adequately fulfill the aforementioned tasks.”
• No one new to the industry will make $25/hour. It’s usually a day rate of $125-$200.
• NO ONE offers to introduce a complete newbie to the industry to “top directors and Movie Producers” through e-mail like this….
•  “We will have a proper sit down and discuss relative development ideas directed at just how well your intellectual properties might impact our Company as we move forward.” I don’t even know where to begin with this, this is so off base and ridiculous. Again, NO ONE TALKS LIKE THIS.
• And, lastly, the biggest tell tale sign: The email address is from a different domain than the actual production company’s domain. Anyone who is actually staff for Mario Kassar would have a @mariokassar.com email address, not a weird offshoot like @kassproductions.com. (A freelance producer will sometimes hire per project, and their email address would just be @gmail.com or @me.com or something generic.)

How You’ll Get Scammed

I think they’ll try to pay you in advance (another red flag, this never happens), and they’ll somehow tap into your bank account via fraudulent check. As you can tell, I’m still trying to figure out. Anyone with any additional insight, please get in touch or leave a comment!

Help Others: Report Scams

Are you the target of a potential industry hiring scam? Feel free to reach out so I can share it here for others to find. Join our Facebook group, The Production Meeting, for discussion and mutual support.

The post Alert: Fake Mario Kassar Hiring Scam appeared first on .

You should probably devote half an hour to your day scrolling through the various memes. It’s worth it! For now, I’m sharing some of my favorites from 2016.

The Best Movie Set Memes from 2016

PA Baller

Tip: Use the lid plugs!

“Copy That”

Overly Ambitious

Company moves ALWAYS take longer than you think they will.

Filming in Los Angeles

By the way, the application fee alone is $660.

Don’t Be An Idiot

You’re on your feet all day – make sure you wear something with good arch support! (Merrells or Nike Flyknits are awesome.)

Possessive Electricians

It’s for your own safety.

Not Experience

Remember: Film school can help, but it doesn’t equate to real world experience.

Wasted Sleep

I once worked on a show where I wrapped at 11pm, went home, and didn’t receive the call sheet until 2am…and my call time was 6am.

Every Time

Although to be fair, usually it’s because the Director yells, “CUT!”(…and everyone else then shouts, “TAILSLATE TAILSLATE TAILSLATE”)

#EditorLife

4K may be awesome, but it is a b*#% in post.

8 Hour Days

Not Sure If…

When you’re a producer’s assistant, you might have to get creative about how you source things…

Four Months of 14 Hour Days

Hope There’s An Elevator

“Camera Wrap” and “Taillights” are two different things.

Ghost Walkie

Also, what’s up with these voices in my head?

Room Tone

All Pay Is Not Equal

Slaters Gonna Slate

“Tryin’ to catch me clappin’ dirty…”

Fix It Now!

Yeah, you can fix some things in post, but you can’t fix bad content…

Also Every Time

Yep. ALL the noises.

Classic

Technically older than 2016, but a classic!

What was your favorite Movie Set Meme of 2016?

Meme Sharer Credit:

Amanda D., Brandon C., Eduardo D., Itai F., James L. Jason S. P., Jenny D., Raki B., Sanal R., Rebecca S., David S., Eric V., Jack B. Nathaniel S., Riley T., Will S., Zachary E.

All memes found on the hilarious Facebook group, Movie Set Memes.

The post The Best Movie Set Memes of 2016 appeared first on .

If you’re just starting out, it is VITAL that you pay attention to your surroundings, do your job, and forget about social media. In one of my college courses, my professor told us, “You’re entering into the entertainment industry, which means you’re a professional. Never act like a fan, or you will be fired.” Wise words.

Social Media Etiquette on Film Sets: Posting Photos from Set

It’s true, kids: There once was a day when people took photos and didn’t IMMEDIATELY post them online.

In my PA days, I’d occasionally take wide shots of set from my lockup, just so I’d have something to remember those days with. They weren’t for the masses, and that was okay.

Social media is an extension of life now. I constantly see interns or new PAs pulling out their phones the moment anything cool happens, and then immediately posting it on Instagram or Snapchat. Sometimes, this may be fine– but sometimes, it may get you fired.

It’s important to know how to abide by basic social media etiquette on set, so here are guidelines that I’ve adapted for myself over the years. I’m pretty conservative in how much I share for the sake of remaining employed. Some have gotten away with posting more, but that’s their prerogative.

OK: Posting a photo of you on set or with a fellow crew member.

These are by far the most common “on set” photos that appear in social media. They’re fun, they’re cute (look at the three of us– don’t you want to hire us all?!), and they’re also a great networking tool as other freelancers will learn your name and see your face. Keep in mind that the crew you’re on set with will likely also see those postings. If it’s a particularly hectic day and you’re off posing for photos with some extras instead of doing your job, you may not be asked to come back. Be smart. Wait for a moment of downtime to take your photo.

OK: Posting a photo of cool gear or a crazy gear setup.

This is probably the most acceptable type of photo! It celebrates the craft, it appreciates the methodology, it shows that you realize that this is an extra complicated or special setup.

Sometimes OK: Posting a generic photo of the set.

I know several people who work on scripted television series on major networks. They never post generic photos of set — usually, it’s a shot of a sunrise, or the view from set.

The exceptions? This can vary, depending on your position on the film. You’ll sometimes see DPs and directors sharing photos from their latest gig. If you’re a production assistant, be extra cautious. My self-imposed restrictions as a PA: Low-budget indie films, small music videos, or keep it pretty darn generic. And I didn’t post often!

Note: Large film projects give out “photo passes” to the only people that need to be taking photos on set for work purposes only: (1) Still photographer, (2) wardrobe assistants, (3) props department. If you don’t have one of these passes, don’t take pictures. Simple, right?

Rarely OK: Posting a photo of you with a celebrity.

Taking pictures with celebrities while you’re on the job is frowned upon as unprofessional behavior unless (1) you’re an EP, director or DP; (2) you’re an AD, you ran basecamp, and the actors know and love you well, or (3) it’s at the wrap party, the project is over, the actor is totally cool with snapping a souvenir picture, and you see other crew members doing the same.

For example: Dan Marino showed up at the after-party for a live event I was a junior producer for. He was super cool and took photos with anyone that approached him. Knowing he was one of my childhood heroes, my boss egged me on, and now I’m grateful she did.

Never OK: Posting a photo of your credential. 

Credentials exist to give the worker bees access and to keep the general public out. If you share a photo of your credential, some random and astute person could potentially copy, print, and laminate it, and waltz right on in. A guy got kicked out of the Super Bowl for innocently, yet stupidly doing this. Don’t make the same mistake.

Never OK: Posting photos of a celebrity on set. 

THIS IS A HUGE HAIL NO.

Social Media Etiquette on Film Sets Lesson #2: Name-Dropping

“Just made David Letterman laugh — life made.”

“I don’t usually care about celebrities, but Tom Hanks just gave me a high five…and I might’ve peed my pants.”

This is probably the most common form of bragging amongst my peers.  These posts are light-hearted, they make you smile, they make you love that celebrity more, they make you jealous. This is all OK, because you’re shedding positive light on everything and everyone involved. The celebrity likely instigated it, which is also a huge plus.

When Name-Dropping Is NOT Okay

“Just saw ACTOR-NAME snort coke… thumbs up!”

“Dude, ACTRESS-CHICK is not looking good these days.”

“Man, thank God for editors, because DUMB-SINGER can’t string a sentence together.”

I know, I hear you, this is common sense. If someone is oblivious enough to say anything like this on social media, they shouldn’t be in the business anyway. I share these over-the-top examples to make a point: Anything that would potentially disparage the image of a celebrity is NOT worth sacrificing your career for.

We are hired to do one job: Make people look good on camera. We are not hired to expose the latest in celebrity gossip or reveal what’s behind the curtain. If you do, you will be blacklisted immediately, and you could be looking at a lawsuit. If you had an unbelievably negative experience with a famous actor, director, or DP, wait until long after the project is over and keep them anonymous.

Example: I once posted a story about an altercation I had with an actor. The incident had happened two years earlier when I’d posted it, but just in case, I changed the bozo’s name to protect whatever positive image he still retains along with my career.

Note: If you’re working on a well-known television series, the celebrity’s appearance may be part of an unexpected plot reveal and it’s probably best to not say anything.

Location Scouting: generally a good time for photo ops

Other Guidelines

It depends on the show. Social media protocol can vary from set to set. What may be cool on one shoot could get you into trouble on the next. Overall, I find scripted, big-budget projects to be more policed. Random commercials or PSAs, less so. Different showrunners, executive producers, and producers will have their own rules regarding social media. I once worked with a showrunner who freaked out if she saw anyone on the crew taking a photo — even of a sunset!

Should you stop a location contact from taking photos? What should you do when you’re on site and notice the location contact taking photos of the actors, filming, everything? Some people will tackle them outright. My general go-to: Please don’t post those photos on social media. I then try to connect them with my boss, or a producer, who can explain the photo-taking protocol. They can also work out an arrangement for the location to be able to post approved photos in the future (the day the show airs, etc).

If you share an incident online, do it in broad strokes. If you want to write about your on-set experience and are unsure of the ramifications it could have on your career, don’t do it. But if you do, keep as much of the identifying characteristics as anonymous as possible. This includes specific places, names, and the title of the project.

A few words about blogging. It’s a tricky industry to write about. The entertainment industry is pretty loosey-goosey in some respects (drinks with the boss, anyone?), but it is VERY rigid when it comes to “leaks”– discussing characters and plot points, etc. Evan at the Black and Blue and Michael of the Hollywood Juicer both do a great job retelling stories from the set without spilling the giveaway details. While they drop hints about the types of projects they’re working on, they rarely, if ever, mention the project by name. This adds a layer of protection– both for themselves, the actors, and the crew that they’re working with.

Did you sign a non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement? Before you post that photo of the “LETHAL WEAPON XII” props (or divulge the plot line to two of your best friends), recall the massive amounts of paperwork you signed as part of your deal memo. Was a confidentiality agreement among them? If so, you could be looking at serious lawsuits down the line.

When in doubt, keep your online mouth shut.

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