Freelance PA Title

Following my great four months of interning, I have been able to get a few great new experiences in the television industry. One of the women I worked with is also the stage manager for every awards show you can think of; and she has been able to pull me into some Production Assistant work for some new and exciting projects.

When one tries to make it out here in Hollywood, there are two common tracks to follow. First is becoming an assistant to an executive, as I told you about over the summer. The other is to become a Production Assistant. That role is the lowest man on the totem pole, and it is your job to help out and do some of the lower level grunt work. Because PAs are highly sought after, and this industry is about who you know, once you prove yourself, you are in. One gig has the potential to lead to another and so on. Many people start off being a freelance PA. I never thought this would be my path, but I have been getting some PA gigs, that I guess that has

become my "title" if I were to have any.

My first real, paid PA gig was in February for Cartoon Network's Hall of Game Awards. It was the first time the channel has put on such a production, and since award shows are becoming a cable channel trend, I guess CN wanted to compete with Nickelodeon.

Anyway, the day was great. The show was filmed in an airport hangar, and I was in charge of working with checking in the kids and their parents with tickets. The

job itself was easy and straight forward, but I made some really great connections. Even better, I had already known some of the other stagehands from my internship. It proves that once you are in the circle of the industry you can get consistent work, but that is why it is hard to break in at first.

After the tickets were distributed, I worked in the mosh-pit and helped distribute props to the kids in the audience by the stage. It had to be done during commercial breaks, and since it was taped live, it had to be done quickly.

Overall, I met some really cool people, gained a handful of new industry contacts from executives to fellow PAs, and I got a production title under my belt. Working for the Hall of Game Awards was everything I love about entertainment: live, family programming and behind the scenes action.

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My second great PA gig was in April- the culmination and a life goal of mine to eventually attend- the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards!

This was everything to me. I watch the KCAs every year, and I always thought it would be years before I got the chance to attend, not just work, but attend the event. Well, I got the chance to work it, and I loved it!

This time, I was in charge of working with the kids who filled the mosh-pit. I worked with new people, but some of the old faces from the Games were there as well. I wore all black, and had my own walkie-talkie. I was in charge of keeping the kids calm as they arrived a few hours before the show. Closer to show time, I escorted them to the mosh-pit and had the glamorous duty of walking them to the bathrooms. :D

In all seriousness though, it really was an amazing experience. I had the option of getting slimed, and I wanted too, but it just didn't work out timing wise (long story). Looking back at it though, I was really happy not to get slimed! Those kids were dunked in it, and they had to stay drenched in it until they got back to their houses. I would not have wanted to drive looking like radioactive material! Plus, it smelled too.

The Kids were pretty well behaved for the most part, and I loved being on the floor during the taping. Because it was live, you never really know what is going to happen. Seeing the Black Eyed Peas and Jim Carry in person was not half bad either.

Working the KCAs was a wonderful dream come true, and affirmed why I want to be in this business. Kids, live television, top notch entertainment... what could possibly go wrong? :D I just felt like I was in the right place at the right time, and I wish I could hold onto that feeling.

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The other final Freelance PA work I did was a few weeks ago. It was for a Triscuit promotion held in three cities between NYC, LA, and Tampa. Although this was a way smaller project, my job was still the same- to help out wherever I am needed.

Triscuit was promoting self-farming within America's homes. We were at a university to promote growing personal plants and vegetables to help keep America green. This act was streamed live to a large exhibition in the middle of NYC and Tampa.

It was very interesting, and it paid, but it would not stand out as one of my most intense work experiences. I had to be there at 4am! Never again!! It was a good experience in the end.

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Overall, I have been able to get some really great production experiences as a PA, and that is what I came out here to do. Despite not having a job, I can show what cool experiences have come my way. I only hope to continue to get some freelance PA work in the future. Until then...

Tangled Wrap Party: First Hollywood Event!

written on Sunday 10/17

I do not have much time, as I am planning a Fall Fiesta today and my pies are in the oven, but I wanted to tell you all about last night!

I had my first real Hollywood party! My roommate works for Disney Animation on the Winnie the Pooh film, and she had an extra ticket for the Tangled Wrap party. That means, I was able to attend the party that celebrated the end of making "Tangled" the new Disney animation movie being released in November.

I had no idea what I was in for, but I knew it was going to be a good night. I got all dressed up and curled my whole head, which did not stay, but oh well. At 4pm, my roommate and I went to our neighbor's apt, who worked on Tangled, and there we had some champagne and appetizers. Delicious! I love champagne. The girls looked so gorgeous. I was floored! I asked where they each got their dresses, and it was a reality check for me that I am no longer in high school. Each of their dresses were over 100 dollars, and were designer made. I am so used to hearing cheap names like Charlotte Russe or H&M with prices under 75 dollars. Boy was I wrong. I had to remember: this is adult world!

We all took a taxi to the famous Roosevelt hotel where we arrived at the Pool Bar for some pre-game drinks. That was when people trickled in for what looked like the Oscars. Women were in all sorts of colors, long and short gowns, hair done; it was essentially adult prom. I noticed I was the odd one out, because I was the only one wearing tights, even panty-hose for that matter. I guess that is not the LA thing to do this time of year. All the women were bare-legged, and I wore black tights. Oops. Fashion mistake 15532. haha.

While at the pool, I noticed some rugged guy wearing jeans, and realized that was Colin Ferrel! I don't like him, but it was neat to see some random celebrity at the hang out with us. He had nothing to do with the event, but he was just there. Still a cool sighting.

After the Roosevelt, we walked to the screening. The people who made the film were in one theater, the El Capitain, and those who were Disney Employees or guests, like me, were in the Chinese Theater. We had free popcorn and soda upon arrival. I have never been in the theater, and it was gorgeous! I could only feel like I was walking into history because that theater is legend in its role in Hollywood.

Before we saw the film, John Lasseter (Disney COO) spoke to introduce the film to us. He discussed the vision of the film, the audience response, and what he hopes it would do in theaters. Then Ed Catmull also spoke (Pres. of Animation) about his opinion of the film. Finally, the producer, Roy Conli, and directors, Byron and Nathan, also spoke. Their speech was about 35 minutes long as they said all their Thank Yous for the film. Glad that was not an Oscar speech. After hearing them, we watched the film.

Note to Everyone: GO SEE TANGLED! It is a beautiful film with a great storyline. I was really hesitant about it because of the od marketing campaign, but honestly, this is great. It was funny, quirky, light hearted, and theatrical. Mandy Moore was perfect for the role as was the villain. The colors are outstanding. Make sure you see it at least once. It is truly beautiful.

After the film, we all went upstairs to the top floor club that overlooked Sunset Blvd and partied the night away. They had catered food, amazing desserts, open bar, lots of music, and even an aerial acrobatic performing in hanging fabric like Cirque Du Soleil. What I was most in shock with was the fact I was eating two tables way from John Lasseter! I wanted to approach him so badly and ask, "So how did you go from the theme parks to the Studios? I need advice!" I never did. Next time! I also introduced myself to Ed Catmull, since I now know his daughter. On top of that, Mandy Moore was there, stunning as always, Zac Levi (I didn't see him) as well as Andrew Millstein (EVP of Production).

I could not believe I partied with John Lasseter! hahaha! I was in shock for a while. I was so happy I wanted to get emotional about it, because this was it. This was a culmination of what happens once you complete such a large project for the world to experience. Plus, the making of Tangled was anything but easy, so everyone wanted to party to celebrate its ending.

After dinner, the tables were moved for the dance floor, and we all just had fun. People were wasted of course, but it was great to see all people out of their shell. I loved seeing the security guard dance to Britney Spears. Classic!

It was great feeling a part of something again, even though I did not have any influence in the film. It made me realize that I can have the same thing. I cannot wait to go to one of those and celebrate something I actually influenced. How rewarding. But the most rewarding part was after the movie we all stayed for the credits. It occurred to me I was sitting with the people whose names were on the credits! That was it for them. They all got to see their name in lights on a large screen, and every department was acknowledged including the Cast Member who ran the Caffeination Department (aka the Caffeine Patch at work).

It was just a wonderful night and a job well done. It was my first of many Hollywood Wrap parties to come I hope. I cannot wait to be involved on the project when it happens. So everyone, GO SEE TANGLED!! Until then... that's a wrap!