Everybody does one gig for free to get started, but it’s usually something small scale, like an independent film, which wouldn’t have the money to pay you anyway. My first PA gig was on such a film for six weeks. All I asked for was three meals a day, and I got it. After establishing myself on the set as a capable young man, shortly thereafter I was hired as a PAID PA and never did a freebie again.
Seriously, if you’re a studio/producer/UPM on MAJOR motion picture and you are not paying a kid at least $100 a day to make coffee, answer phones, get lunch and make copies you are a cheap, miserable motherfucker.
When I saw this article I my first thought was — yeah, the film industry is full of shitty jobs, get over it. You will most probably have a boss at some point who didn’t go to college and is waiting to shit all over you and your fancy degree, and will take special pleasure in watching you clean out garbage cans But at least you’re getting paid.
No one likes a complainer, and when you’re fresh out of school you don’t want to be that person who says “I”m sorry, this is not in my job description.” The line between intern and PA is a thin one — Lunch and coffee, Intern. Anything trash related, PA. Answering the phone, Intern. Rolling calls for 3 hours, Assistant. 8 hour day, intern. 12 hour day, PA. — but at a certain point, there has to be some sort of delineation.
These guys may be complainers, but they make a fair point, no one should be expected to work for free.
