Keys to the Production Office Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film & Television

Opening a door to the real behind-the-scenes of a film or television show, this book explores the reality of working in the Production Office as an Office Production Assistant. Drawing on over 40 years’ combined experience, authors Jennifer A. Haire and Gilana M. Lobel map out a career path into the industry by providing comprehensive practical information designed specifically for individuals pursuing the entry level role of the Office PA. An invaluable tool for both breaking into the industry and on the job, the book is full of detailed "how to" information that not only provides an overview of the full scope of the industry, but also functions as a user’s manual for Production Office operations. Haire and Lobel outline variations of the job of an Office PA nationwide,for both big- and small-budget feature films andtelevision shows, and how you are a vital component of the Production team which can open the door to your future career. With coverage on how the Office PA supports the process of creating a show, the Production staff and crew, the practical day-to-day of the office, and developing your career, this is an essential resource for anyone wishing to take their first steps into the film andtelevision industry. Featuring charts, graphics, diagrams, sample documents, templates, supplemental materials, and lighthearted cartoons throughout the book, the reader is immersed in real-world scenarios which create a solid foundation for how to be a professional in the workplace. This is an inspiring and practical manual that reveals what is beyond the behind-the-scenes of film andtelevision production. It’s ideal for aspiring film and TV professionals with little to no experience working in Physical Production as well as readers studying film and television production courses and industry training programs.

DEDICATION TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTHOR PREFACE INTRODUCTION SECTION 1: YOU ARE HERE PHASES OF A SHOW WHERE ARE YOU? Production Hubs Production Office vs. On-Set NUANCES OF PRODUCTION HUBS CREW STRUCTURE & MANAGEMENT Keys to Section 1 SECTION 2: WELCOME TO THE PRODUCTION OFFICE THE PRODUCTION STAFF Who’s the Boss? WHAT THE PRODUCTION OFFICE DOES Why the Production Office is Necessary The Production Pyramid Keys to Section 2 SECTION 3: UNLOCKING THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE PA RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE PA How long is the job of an Office PA? THE PRODUCTION OFFICE CYCLES Prep > Film > Wrap > Repeat WORKING HOURS JOB SKILLS & TOOLS THE PRODUCTION CREW "On" and "Off" Production Departments Keys to Section 3 SECTION 4: MAKING IT HAPPEN, BEHIND THE SCENES PRODUCTION OFFICE SET UP & WRAP Initial Production Office Set Up Vendor Services Distribution Office Signage Craft Services Set Up Parking, Public Transportation & Production Vehicles PRODUCTION FILING DIGITAL WORKFLOWS DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION Hard Copy Distribution Electronic Distribution OFFICE OPERATIONS Office Machines Runs Meetings, Greetings & Scouts That’s Lunch Craft Services SCRIPT REVISIONS & SIDES DAILY CHECKLIST BASIC ACCOUNTING Purchase Orders Petty Cash/ Purchasing Cards Check Requests SUPPORTING CAST & CREW TRAVEL Keys to Section 4 SECTION 5: TURNING THE PAGE ON PRODUCTION PAPERWORK FROM THE SCRIPT TO THE FILM SET Morning Paperwork CONTACT LISTS SCHEDULES SCRIPTS REPORTING DOCUMENTS POST PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL NEEDS FINANCIAL OTHER Keys to Section 5 SECTION 6: MASTERING THE ART OF WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE IMPRESSIONS & PERCEPTIONS ASK QUESTIONS, TAKE NOTES LISTENING & COMMUNICATING INITIATIVE & FOLLOW THROUGH BEING ONE STEP AHEAD OFFICE ETIQUETTE PHONE ETIQUETTE How to Give Good Phone Cell Phones & Texting APPROPRIATE VS NOT APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT Keys to Section 6 SECTION 7: REEL LIFE, UNHINGED GETTING PAID PA Pay Rates Start Paperwork UNEMPLOYMENT ON THE JOB Safeguards Day 1/ Your First Day Lessons Learned on the Job CLIMBING THE PYRAMID Inspirational Stories UNIONS & GUILDS Keys to Section 7 SECTION 8: RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION INITIATIVES PRODUCTION SAFETY Production Safety & You Employer Responsibilities Production Office Safety Awareness Guide Pandemic Safety HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION Types of Harassment Discrimination GREEN PRODUCTION INITIATIVES Keys to Section 8 SECTION 9: THE BIG SCREEN VS THE SMALL SCREEN PRODUCTION PATTERNS & SCHEDULES RELEASE PLATFORMS & SCHEDULES PA WORK LIFESPAN ON A SHOW Keys to Section 9 SECTION 10: WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS NETWORKING OTHER JOB SEARCH TIPS YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW Internships Programs Mentors LANDING THE JOB The Resume Your Online Presence The Interview COMPETITION REFERRALS & RECOMMENDATIONS Keys to Section 10 CONCLUSION COORDINATOR CORNER APPENDIX DOCUMENTS 3.4 – Crew List 4.2 – Office Supply List 4.10A – Prod File Org Chart 4.11 – Episode File Labels 4.12 – Prod File Labels 4.21 – Mileage Log 4.25 – Script Title Page 4.26 – Script 6.1 – Phone Activity GLOSSARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX

Jennifer A. Haire is a Line Producer and DGA Production Manager with global feature film and television experience. Proud to be a "Fighting Pickle," she earned her BFA in filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Her commitment to the industry includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Producers Guild of America, IATSE Local 871, and launching international Production crew training and Production safety education workshops. Gilana M. Lobel is a New York based Producer and DGA Production Manager. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking, her experience with the Production Office comes from working on major feature films and television shows in various capacities. She is dedicated to telling diverse stories and creating a more inclusive work environment by collaborating with numerous organizations to encourage upward mobility in the film and television industry.