Getting it Done: The Ultimate Production Assistant Guide

This book is perfect for those brave souls who want to jump head first into the world of the production assistant, which is the lowest rung on the Hollywood production ladder. Joshua Friedman gives the readers an excellent walk through of everything a production assistant will EVER go through on a typical show or movie. I have read different film production how-to books in the past, but Josh does something that those books never properly explained: he shows how every production department is intertwined with one another, which departments interact with the PA the most, and how each of those departments affect the PA's job for the day. Every department is touched upon, from escorting the actors/actresses to hair and make up to asking the Teamsters for a ride to Starbucks for a coffee run, to getting tricked by the Grip department to helping them lift and pull heavy items.Josh goes into so much detail for the entire world of film production in this book, he even has appendixes dedicated to the different production reports you will look at on a daily basis! He gives you sample call sheets, petty cash vouchers, and production reports to study so that way, when you first walk on set, you already know what you're doing. My favorite section of the book was the career section, where he shows you everything you need to know about getting a PA job and keeping it. This section was valuable to me because it showed me the different pay rates, realistic time line to move up the production ladder, and the proper way to create a resume for a PA. This section, along with the various appendixes he has of sample reports, was worth the money alone.This book is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to enter the production world as a PA. Josh will show you proper etiquette on set, how to work a walkie talkie, even how to act around talent! This book has really helped me out in my search for a PA position in Hollywood and I would recommend this book for anyone who is serious about entering this world. My journey into this PA world is about to begin, and I will keep this book by my side as a roadmap through the crazy world of production.

I read this before my first professional TV job for TLC. I was nervous of course because I don't know a lot and didn't know what to expect. This book was extremely helpful with that. It really gives you info you would never get from other production books. For example, I read about walkie-talkie etiquitte in the book, but I didn't think a lot of it until I my first day on set and was given a walkie. Since I bought the kindle version of the book and read that section again during a break. Huge help. I was helping one of the producers figure it out by day two.The only negative is that the search on the kindle is not great. It was hard to find things that I was searching for. If I had time I would probably go back and read the printed version and take tons of notes.If you are starting out in the industry, even if you went to film school, pick up this book. It really helps with the small details people do not usually tell you about, but if you do them they will remember how helpful you were.

I read this book in 1 day. It was so helpful with what to expect and who you will come in contact with on the job. 10 out of 10 would recommend. If you want to know more about what a PA is/does this book will tell you everything.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I have a long history of working in the theatre and have always been hesitant of transitioning to working in film production. I mean, with all those different titles in the credits how could anyone keep it strait? This book outlines everything for you if you're interested in starting a career in the video production world! I'm not an avid reader overall, but I tore through this book. I especially liked how Friedman uses personal experiences and interviews to show how his lessons pertain to real life situations. Once completed, the book has familiarized the reader with all the roles in film and specifically in depth of the multitude of PA positions. It makes you feel as if you have already been working in the industry for a few months and already know the ins and outs. I also found his "How to Find a Job" section particularly helpful with the multitude of online resources he provides. I hope that Josh continues to share his perspectives and knowledge on working in the film industry. I would consider this a MUST READ for anyone interested in the production aspects of Television and Film.

This is rated with 5 stars because I love how Mr. Friedman outlines the inter-workings of the filming business especially from the view of an active P.A. His work to share and outline the work in a form that details the layers of the business from the so called "underside" have detailed for me a lot of the workings hidden in the other books shared. The perspectives of Joshua have also allowed me many layer ideas hidden from other books. It's great because the outline of the work, the business, and the growth prospects and potentials in the industry are often avoided in the work of other authors. The personal experiences shared also provide a lot of useful practical wisdom for me.

As a production assistant, I must say this book is incredible! There is such a wealth of information in this book, and it is chalk full of helpful advice for any current PA, and also anyone wishing to become a PA! I would absolutely recommend it. I read this book and was left with no questions at all! Any question I had was answered in full. The book has a very structured setup, and is very easy to follow and understand, even if you have no prior experience as a Production Assistant. I feel so much more prepared after reading this book, and I absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a PA, for this book gives you a very detailed account of what exactly the job is, and what it takes as well.