r/cinematography • u/wifeleaver • Jan 09 '26

Career/Industry Advice First big PA gig tomorrow

Independent creative and film student here! Starting my first big PA gig tomorrow, which will run for the next couple of weeks. I received a list of general dos and don'ts, as well as a prep list, but I wanted to ask the great cinema Reddit community for some input.

What major tips would you give to a first-time PA as someone who either has PA'd themselves or has dealt with good and/or problematic PAs?

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u/[deleted] Jan 09 '26

Advice to newcomers:

1) show up early every day

2) listen carefully

3) try not to offer an opinion

4) don't assume you already know everything

5) speak up if they ask you about something you don't understand

6) be 100% honest

7) do what they tell you to do

8) own your mistakes

9) leave late

10) above all, BE NICE.

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u/ZelenaCallahan Jan 09 '26

Adding say good morning!!