I’m sitting here at work at 10:30 PM on a Wednesday night, well on my way to working a 15 hour day. Yesterday was a 13 hour day. And let me tell you, that’s NOTHING when you’re working on a movie.
It makes me wonder how people do this on a regular basis. I mean, I don’t have a family to go home to or take care of – how do people who do work this way? What kind of life is this? Sure, when I worked at the agency there were long days, but I still left when I finished my work. Here, I spend most evenings waiting for the last person to leave the office (since I have to be here as long as someone’s around). Am I crazy to think this whole process is illogical? Why does the crew get a 12 hour turn around and I have to work until 11:00 PM (or later) and come in the next morning at 8:00 AM just because I’m a PA?
I know it sounds like I’m venting, but it’s really more than that. I do not think it’s okay to work unreasonable hours for unreasonable pay just because this is Hollywood. There are unions for every imaginable job on a film set except production assistant. Oh, that’s right, we don’t deserve any rights because we’re young and eager and will do anything to work on a movie.
And you know what, that’s true. There’s so many people around me who are thrilled to work those unreasonable hours for that unreasonable pay. It just makes me think that I’m not cut out for this. No, not that I can’t handle it (because I have no doubt that I can). But why would I want to? I’m surrounded by PA’s who want to do this and who have a goal in this industry. If I wanted to do this, wouldn’t I be more excited instead of just praying I get to go home soon?
I guess I just really don’t know what to do with my life….
October 6, 2009 at 5:29 PM |
good vent. i totally agree with you and the unfair treatment of PAs. that is bizarre that there is no union for yous guys. hollyweird is one f-ed up, user town. let’s move someplace tropical and start an artist community!