You're on a film set as a production assistant. How can you showcase your leadership potential?

When I was a PA, I learned to keep my eyes and ears open, and my mouth shut. I learned to eavesdrop on my superiors conversations, while on set. I knew exactly who they liked, didn't like, and why. I also knew how many shots we were away from moving on, and what location we were going to next. That way when they said, "let's wrap x, y, and z." I could say, "already done." I also paid attention to what they asked for, and kept it in a backpack that I carried at all times. If they asked for a coke one day, I kept a coke in my bag. Endeared me to a lot of ADs, directors, and producers.

PAs make the world go round when it comes to a smooth flowing film set. If you want to stand out - think on your feet, see a need fill it. Don't allow yourself to be idle. If you don't know what to do ask the department heads how you can help, what do they need and do it. Before production starts find out what will be expected of you and what department, if any you will be assigned too. I place PAs in areas where they have the greatest interest for long term career goals. Then I know they will have the greatest impact but we need them everywhere. This means be willing to do every task- even if it's get coffee - that makes you part of the Team.

Think on your toes! Think outside the box! Wear many hats! Take nothing personal! The show must go on! Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth! Attitude of gratitude!

Being on a film set as a production assistant provides countless opportunities to showcase leadership potential. By taking initiative and proactively solving problems, I ensure the set runs smoothly and efficiently. Whether it's coordinating with different departments, managing schedules, or anticipating the needs of the crew, my focus is on supporting the team and enhancing productivity. Leadership isn't just about giving orders; it's about collaboration, clear communication, and a willingness to step up when challenges arise. These experiences have not only honed my organizational skills but have also prepared me to take on greater responsibilities in the film industry.

Proactiveness is the key in all possible roles, but in a field as creative as filmmaking there is no end to the contribution a proactive person could make. So in the role of a production assistant which links various film departments on a project a proactive contributor is a winner. They can help ensure that decisions by the creative heads are executed to the best of outcomes. Engage other crew members and help fulfil their needs to do their best for the project.

Know what to say to whom, when to say it, and how to say it quickly is like the holy grail of the screen industry. Being able to gain information as a PA while still tending to your duties can be challenging but it's critical. There are so many moving pieces on any set and often the PA is charged with tending to the minutiae. Understanding how that minutiae affects the greater whole and knowing what to do when those effects are adverse, will help you rise to the top. Also as a PA, you'll usually communicate with other PAs more than anyone else. Consider starting a feedback loop, like a group chat, to ensure information is quickly disseminated and everyone is kept in the loop. A rising tide raises all ships. Lead and rise together.

Accurate information falling on the ears of all concerned and in time is the name of the game with communications. On a film set with filled with blooming diversity it is essential. People will need to schedule participation only on the basis of good communication that reaches them. On set interactions too rely heavily on effective communication.

One of the key tenets of improv is: "yes, and..." That should be your tenet as a PA. If someone asks you to do something, you say "yes! and...what else" The best way is to say yes, then figure out what the AND is and take the initiative yourself. Not only are you now showing that you are collaborative, that you have no ego, but that you are also showing leadership skills, because you are being proactive. See if your PA team also needs help after you have completed a task. When you go from just doing the task at hand and instead start to see tasks ahead, that shows preemptive problem solving, which is what department heads look for in someone who can help run a department. Show up, say yes, and take the next step even if not asked.

Managing time resourcefully is an act of the production assistant that will be admired by the leadership team in a film production. The roles are as many that needs a production assistant to contribute to, but the ability to do the tasks successfully is the challenge that person can meet if they are good with time management.

Today the role is of a production assistant with huge exposure to understanding film production. Only by investing in learning from all that you experience across the creative departments will you be able to build a strong and productive career in the industry. To make it into the leadership roles it will call for strong focus with continuous learning of this vast and ever expanding pool of knowledge in films. With your learning diligence you can win the minds of your seniors and keep stepping up the ladder.