This project includes a list of items in my PA toolkit and my action plan for becoming a production assistant. 

 

My PA toolkit would include...

• A tool belt holding emergency items including a multitool, scissors, tape, superglue, stapler, light and simple cleaning supplies such as tissue paper and alcoholic cleaning spray. 
• A portable charger with multiple types of cables (lightning, Type C, USB...) to ensure all technological devices are ready to use at all times.
• My wallet, so that I can run coffee errands or buy last-minute necessities for the crew. 
• A first-aid kit
• A watch to keep time
• A clipboard with the day's schedule and callsheet, as well as a few pieces of empty paper and a pen for notetaking.
• A walky talky
• Water and energy bar to maintain physical stamina
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, umbrella, and a windbreaker -- to ensure I am prepared for changing weather.

My Short Essay on Becoming a PA in the Next 12 Months:

Having recently graduated university with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, my most obvious strength is my proficiency in language and storytelling. I would like to become a screenwriter and director in the future. Additionally, I am organised and have a strong attention-to-detail. I am also highly motivated and quick to pick up new skills. These are strengths which my previous colleagues at the university student newspaper once said I possess.

As mentioned in this course, being a PA can be informative for aspiring screenwriters as it allows one to immerse oneself in the practical film set and write a script that accomodates the logistics of filming. For example, helping out at the locations and art departments would allow me to have a more practical understanding of what environment to put my characters in, and how these environments might be realised in the production phase.

This month, I moved to Vancouver to be closer to the film industry. To gain more PA experience, I will join filmmaking workshops and networking events in the city, hoping to get involved in the filmmaking circle and hear more about PA job openings. At the same time, I will proactively search for PA jobs online, as well as volunteer for related arts festivals like VIFF and Vancouver Writers Fest. 

Through putting myself out there and finding opportunities to showcase my skills and creativity, I hope to have gained experience as a production assistant by this time next year.