In the Well of the Curve

Where to find a top DP

2011-06-27T14:00:00.005-04:00

It's always tricky trying to pick a DP for a project. Of course directors always want to work with someone they know. Unfortunately, that DP may not be the best choice for the project. So where do you turn when you need a top DP. Here's a list of DP agents and reps I recently came across . . . In the USA: Innovative Artists (no website) ICM USA (no website) Endeavor Talent Agency (no website)

The Greenlight Coach

2011-06-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

My friend and colleague, DP Jendra Jarnagin recently turned me on to a great new resource - Jessica Sitomer's site, The Greenlight Coach http://thegreenlightcoach.com. The Greenlight Coach is aimed at industry professionals who are struggling by offering coaching, tips, a monthly newsletter, other assorted valuable tools and more where you can learn how to better navigate the "Business Side" of

Build a Brand

2010-12-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

Here's a cool new website for the DIY small business, sole proprietors, creative professionals, freelancers and the like - Check out: buildabrand.com it's a new online branding system that allows entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals to create, manage and apply instant and personalized branding to their business.

Getting Paid - Easy Invoicing for Busy Freelancers

2010-02-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

Greetings Peeps! Why is it that for so many freelancer's invoicing is so painful? You'd think after all the long hours you've worked that getting paid would be a priority. And yet, so many of us put off invoicing after a job. What's worse, we hate the confrontation of calling up clients when payments are late. Who among us can really afford not to invoice in a timely fashion, not to mention

Latestest, Greatest Industry-specific iPhone Apps

2010-02-11T15:38:00.000-05:00

Here are a few great, industry-specific iPhone apps recently recommended to me by my friends and colleagues at ARRI/CSC: Artemis (Director's Viewfinder) Storyboard (Storyboard Composer formerly called "Hitchcock") Action Log Pro (Film & TV Logging Tool) FilmCalc (Film Calculator) Helios (Sun Position Calculator) LightMeter (Exposure Calculator) MatchLens (Focal Length Converter) Pocket LD (

Cheaper RX's and Other Medical Resources

2010-02-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

On behalf of a friend and colleague (film/video/tv biz) who has been hospitalized with kidney stones, high blood pressure and no insurance . . . here's a reminder about options for low cost RX's and more resources for all of you - please, visit one of these websites and print out and fill out a copy of this RX DISCOUNT CARD and put it in your wallet, immediately!!! And yes, that's an order :-)

Giving films a starring role in N.J.’s economy

2009-12-31T13:02:00.000-05:00

Here's an article from NJBIZ by Beth Fitzgerald that New Jersey-ites will find interesting. Hopefully this is an encouraging sign that the Garden State is finally taking the creative economy seriously . . . Legislation aims to increase tax incentives for movie production By Beth Fitzgerald 12/28/2009 (reprinted from NJBiz.com) Movie and television production plays a supporting role right

Freelancers Union - Really!

2009-11-10T15:12:00.003-05:00

If you have been to NYC lately you've likely seen their posters as you ride the subway. The Freelancers Union is a national membership organization that's free to join. They offer products like insurance and retirement to their members and provide political advocacy for all independent workers. If you work in the film/video/television chances are you are a freelancer and either don't have

NYC MCTMT Tax was due Nov 2 - If you freelance in NYC you need to know the scoop

2009-11-10T15:08:00.003-05:00

New Tax WAS Due November 2 If you are self-employed and work in the New York City area, you have likely received notification about the new Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT), which is due on November 2. This tax affects the self-employed and certain employers doing business in New York City’s five boroughs as well as those in the following surrounding counties: Dutchess

Free Tools to Back Up Your Online Accounts

2009-10-12T16:51:00.003-04:00

Some useful information I thought important to share - as we all keep more and more important information on line we should take a moment and think about what would happen if we lost that information. Do you have a back up plan? If not, check out this article from "Lifehacer.com" by Gina Trapani. Click on the title of this post to link to the article or cut and paste the link below:http://

Flu Shots

2009-09-24T11:22:00.004-04:00

Okay Freelancers, it's flu season and in addition to the usual flu risk the 2009 H1N1 flu virus is gearing up to be a butt kicker. During the week of Sept 6 -12 the CDC published a report called FluView that confirms that influenza activity is on the increase in the US. Now I know you think you're healthy and question the reasoning behind the need to get a flu shot. The flu shot isn't just a good

Beginner's Guide to Tricking Out your WordPress Blog/Website

2009-09-24T11:05:00.002-04:00

For those of you who don't use Blogger.com (my personal favorite site for beginner bloggers due to it's easy of use) and use WordPress (I also have a WordPress site as it's more customizable) here is a link to a great online article on how to trick out your WordPress Blog/Website. http://lifehacker.com/5365600/the-beginners-guide-to-tricking-out-your-wordpress-blog?skyline=true&s=x

1099 Plain & Simple

2009-09-15T10:20:00.006-04:00

I came across this posting on the Yahoo Group LA Producer by Los Angeles based production manager/supervisor and thought it worth reposting here on my blog. This issue of "temporary employee" status has been a long standing issue in the film and video production business. For all the IRS websites that have been posted, here it is plain & simple, inEnglish, not legalese, from the CA Franchise Tax

Get a website, already!

2009-08-06T10:34:00.006-04:00

EVERYONE in business today needs a website. It's a must have. Do you have one? And if not, why not? The Internet is being used by millions worldwide with more and more connecting every day. The information you provide on your website is instantly available to anyone that can access it. This makes a website a very effective sales channel and a powerful marketing and promotional tool. Imagine, with

20 Great Tips to Better Networking

2009-08-05T17:31:00.005-04:00

"Oh whoa is me." That's my general internal non-verbalized sentiment when it comes to attending a networking event. Yes, my dear friends I know you think I'm a networking uber goddess but truth be told I am ever locked in my own internal battle to be less dormouse and more diva. At each event I secretly pray that someone will take pity on me and introduce themselves and save me from the anxiety I

Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-05T15:34:00.004-04:00

Just a reminder to all of you production folks that our friends at Media Services offer some excellent free software (Mac & PC). That's right free! Mighty recession friendly of them, isn't it!See if there is anything you can use (or pay it forward and pass onto a friend or colleage) at: http://www.showbizsoftware.com/category_s/46.htmAnd while you are there, check out their other offerings . . .

Need Help With Social Media? Check Out Dell

2009-08-04T16:50:00.003-04:00

Dell has a great group on Facebook (see link below) for you social media newbies and fans. Especially great are their "introductions" to social media must-knows such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Technorati and so on. I know how challenging it is to keep up these days. I hope these tutorials and tidbits will help. Maybe then you too can keep "summer hours" and feel good about your carbon

Cool site comparing best video hosting/embedding options for film-makers

2009-08-01T12:32:00.000-04:00

Cool site comparing best video hosting/embedding options for film-makershttp://kareltests.co.uk/

Transmedia

2009-08-01T12:03:00.000-04:00

Transmedia is the new buzz word for 2010

2009-08-01T11:47:00.001-04:00

Nina Paley's story about her film "Sita Sings the Blues" - amazing! If you are a "filmmaker" or creative media artist and you don't check out her work and what's she's doing you'll be missing out!

DIY DAYS - PHILADELPHIA

2009-08-01T11:05:00.004-04:00

On a steamy, hot Saturday in August I can think of a lot of places I'd rather be . . . floating in cool swimming pool or at the shore. And after spending the last week on the road shooting corporate pharma work in Boston the last place I thought I'd spend this Saturday, August 1st was in the warm, dark Chaplan theater at the University of the Arts attending DIY Days Philadelphia. And yet, here I

No Doubts: Women Are Better Managers • NY Times: July 25, 2009

2009-07-27T12:33:00.001-04:00

This interview with Carol Smith, senior vice president and chief brand officer for the Elle Group, the media company, was conducted and condensed by Adam Bryant.Q. What is the most important lesson you've learned about leadership?A. The importance of winning over employees as opposed to bossing employees. I learned that lesson very, very early — in sixth grade.Q. Tell me about that.A. In sixth

Days We Will Remember

2009-07-21T17:10:00.004-04:00

With increasing frequency, I see Tweets requesting referrals and recommendations for social media coaches and consultants. Daily, I'm asked by colleagues, friends and family about social networking – what is it, how do you do it, what’s the point . . . Until recently, many of my own colleagues were late adopters of any form of social media and while a few have begrudgingly

Friends will let you starve. Strangers will give you work.

2009-07-21T13:49:00.002-04:00

Check out this great blog by director Brian Belefant, DGA - 60 Second Director.One of my favorite blog entries of Brian's is titled "Friends will let you starve. Strangers will give you work." Painfully true and a great read. Don't forget to add him to your Twitter followers.http://60secdirector.blogspot.com/2009/06/friends-will-let-you-starve-strangers.html

Twolia Lauches Women's Online Talent Community

2009-07-21T12:52:00.002-04:00

Check out https://www.twolia.com

Female Directors, Still a Scarce Movie Commodity

2009-07-21T11:06:00.002-04:00

Female Directors, Still a Scarce Movie Commodity (NPR)Hollywood Feminist of the Day: Queen LatifahPosted: 20 Jul 2009 06:06 AM PDTMulti-talented recording artist, producer and actor, Queen Latifah is releasing her ninth album later this summer Persona. She had the courage earlier this summer to talk about her child sexual abuse and she has always been a role model for women who are not skinny

Women and Hollywood

2009-07-21T11:04:00.001-04:00

Good article about Kathryn Bigelow and women directed films.Women & Hollywood - Women Directors Working Outside the Studio System(Re-posted from the Association of Women Directors (AWD) Yahoo Groups newsletter)Kathryn BigelowThis is a story that I have written numerous times but it just seems that nothing changes. I will keep on keeping on until we get more women directors. NPR did an

Fixing the Economy? It's Women's Work

2009-07-16T16:20:00.002-04:00

If you only have time to read one thing today, read this article in the Washington Post by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman. Here's the link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/10/AR2009071002358.htmlTime for the business world and especially the marketing, advertising and filmmaking sectors to wake up and smell the coffee!

Social Media Works! Here's some great feedback . . .

2009-06-22T15:12:00.002-04:00

Palmer,Thank you for posting some of the links and networking updates you've been doing -- as I'm wrapping up my new films I'm carving out time to educate myself on social networking to put it to work for me -- and I've already learned A LOT from what you're doing. Thanks!!!!!Todd GoldmanDirector & Screenwriterwww.westrimpictures.comwww.10toesforward.com

You're NOT a director, you're a girl.

2009-06-18T13:17:00.004-04:00

My friend and colleague, director of photography Jendra Jarnagin posted this open letter from her friend, colleague and director Ela Thier. I have not met Ela (yet) but am inspired by her courage and relentless pursuit of her work. I too share her frustration and experience as a director and a woman in this very difficult industry. I hope you will find her letter inspiring and I hope you'll

Women Directing - What's Luck Got To Do With It?

2009-03-13T19:53:00.007-04:00

Cracking Hollywood's celluloid ceiling - CNN.comCheck this article out on CNN.com about Charlize Theron as a director.What follows, are my thoughts on the article . . .Seems if it weren't for bad luck, as a group, we'd have no luck at all according to Theron who says, "Women have to make their own luck . . . there is no point in complaining about the tough time women have getting work behind the

2009-03-13T19:53:00.000-04:00

Fan Club

2009-03-12T17:00:00.003-04:00

Bonnie Sonder gave me permission to post a link to her awesome comments to me on Facebook about this blog and how useful she's found it. Click on the title "Fan Club" to read her comments.I love knowing that people are reading and actually getting something of value from the blog. Thanks Bonnie for taking the time give feedback!I hope more of you will join, follow and comment. You, after all, are

Twittering at Meetings

2009-03-12T14:43:00.002-04:00

I've been talking about this for a while now to people - how to use Twitter effectively. I recently started suggesting it to my clients - especially my pharma clients who around this time of year hold their national sales meetings. Why not set up a private, event-specific Twitter account and have the attendees Twitter through out the meeting about their experiences, reactions, ideas, etc. Project

Learning is FREE! And it's can't be repossessed once you have it!

2009-03-10T08:24:00.004-04:00

I guess everyone loves free stuff. I know I love getting a gift bag full of goodies, I love swag and I especially love free workshops. I know we are all watching our money these days and many of us just aren't working as much as we'd like and consequently have a little more free time on our hands. I'm of the opinion that even if you aren't working at a paying job that you need to keep a schedule

Tweet! Tweet! How to Twitter - A Must Read

2009-03-09T11:10:00.004-04:00

Everyone is talking about it, doing it and complaining about it - social networking. It used to be all about MySpace and Friendster. Now it's Facebook, Meebo, Bebo, and LinkedIn. Not to mention hi5, Orkut, PerfSpot, Yahoo!, Zorpia, Netlog - the list grows on and on. Just do a search for "social networking" on Wikipedia (you do know what that is, don't you?) and you'll be awestruck by the

Palmer needs a new lid!

2009-03-09T08:29:00.001-04:00

Director Palmer Enfield is known by her hat as well as her head for creative production. Here's her online video plea for a new lid. Help her keep her head warm and the ideas flowing - join the Facebook group "PALMER NEEDS A NEW LID" and support this frivolous but fun pursuit. After all, what is social networking for?

Cheap Rides Outta Town

2009-03-04T12:18:00.003-05:00

Need to expand your networking beyond Philly? Thinking NYC or DC? Now you can go press the flesh with creatives at the Adholes cocktail hour in NYC or to the WIF job fair in DC?Let's look at the options:Yes, you can drive your car. Gas is cheaper than it was but it'll take you at least 2+ hours just to get yourself to the tunnel where you'll sit for another 30 minutes just to land in midtown.

Networking Opportunity Alert

2009-02-24T16:51:00.003-05:00

Film, Stage & Showbiz Expo is coming up on Sunday, March 29th and they have been e-mailing out registration incentives. This year the first 5,000 registrants attend for FREE with a basic badge. After that it's only $8 if you register in advance and $10 at the door. Plus, your experience can be customized as the additional networking events and party can all be added a la carte -- all at

Dental Plans

2009-02-18T15:58:00.004-05:00

How many people who freelance in the film/tv/web content production business carry dental insurance?Yeah, I know - you don't have "benefits" because you don't work for a corporation. Or you have your own plan but it's basically just major medical and it costs you an arm and leg each quarter. That's what I have through Horizon BC BS NJ and believe me, it ain't cheap. In this economy I know that

2008 Rates for NYC Producers, Etc.

2008-12-08T12:06:00.004-05:00

Hi folks, Everyone always wants to know what the other guy or gal is making. Some of us are more willing to share our day rate information than others. I'm a big believer that sharing this information keeps all of us from undercutting each other and weakening the system. So on that note, here is some information that was recently posted on WIFNY. Happy holidays.Producer for Commercials: $1000/day

Going West! LA Bound.

2008-07-10T12:45:00.005-04:00

I'm about to head out to Los Angles to establish myself as bi-coastal. I love working on the east coast. NYC is great and Philadelphia continues to be a well-kept secret . . . though the secret is getting out thanks to the great works of the GPFO (Greater Philadelphia Film Office) . . . while I'll maintain my east coast roots, this awesome, woman director needs a bigger pond to swim in!For years

Things We Never Want to Hear You Say -- REALLY!

2007-11-30T00:29:00.000-05:00

“Nobody told me...”Be proactive, ask, don’t wait to be told.“They’re here to pick up the thing...”Who’s here? What thing? Be specific.“He just left in the passenger van with the keys to the truck in his pocket...”“I didn’t hear my cell phone/pager go off because... a) It wasn’t on.” b) The radio was on too loud in the truck.” c) The battery is dead (or low).” d) I set it on vibrate, but

Craft Services

2007-11-30T00:23:00.002-05:00

What is Craft Service and why would I want to do it?Craft service is different from catering in that it is not a designated meal. Craft service is snacks, finger food and drinks that are easily grabbed by the crew as they work. If there is no breakfast caterer, it is to provide a continental breakfast as well.On big budget feature films, craft services is usually a union position. But on

Safety & Security

2007-11-30T00:20:00.000-05:00

Lock-up (Sound and Crowd Control)You are the front line against passerby (including crew members, agency personnel, etc.) walking into the shot or talking (or making other noises) during filming. After the shot has been set, the First or Second AD will give you instructions about where to stop people from crossing. You want to stop them confidently and politely, usually by raising your hands in

Walkie-Talkies

2007-09-05T13:23:00.000-04:00

They are such a necessity but can cause so many screw-ups that it’s important to know what you are dealing with.When walkies are your responsibility:• Make sure the walkies and any spare batteries have been charged.• Check your gear. Make sure that if it says 12 walkies & 12 spares on the outside of the case, that’s what is inside the case.• Use a walkie signout sheet. You should know who has

SHOOT DAY CHECKLIST

2007-09-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

Immediately upon arrival:• Sign out walkies, turned on and on the correct channel• Help set up Craft Service• Use cones, caution tape and barricades as needed to secure the location.• Unload trucks:• Set up Camera area as directed by AC• Prepare wardrobe area. Make sure this a table in this area. Set up any equipment (i.e. racks, steamer, etc.) Get the electricians to put a work light and an

Film Runs

2007-09-01T10:40:00.001-04:00

When you’re dealing with the film, you are dealing with the single most important item on the whole shoot. You must be extremely careful with the film and you must pay careful attention to what you are doing.Raw Stock• When picking up film (raw stock) at Kodak (or any other film vendor), make sure you get the right film stock and quantity; always double-check. Turn in the receipt immediately to

Runs & Errands

2007-09-01T10:39:00.000-04:00

General guidelines• Have pen and paper ready at all times, and write down what you’re told to get.• Never, ever go on a run without checking in with Production. Don’t assume that the director who is sending you out for the latest copy of “American Cinematographer” is going to remember to tell us.• Never, ever take a vehicle on a run without first confirming that Production doesn’t need it for

Pick-Ups & Returns

2007-08-31T10:32:00.001-04:00

Read your pick- up or return list thoroughly before you start!When you pay for something, get a receipt, regardless of how you paid. You keep receipts for things that were paid with your petty cash and reconcile them at the end of the job. Receipts for things paid with checks or credit cards or on account must be turned in immediately to Production. Do not wait till the end of the job to turn

Vehicles

2007-08-31T10:28:00.000-04:00

Your car:The very nature of the Philadelphia market makes it necessary for all crew members to have a car. As a PA, it is very possible that you will be using your own car as a production vehicle for the job.• If you use your car specifically as a production vehicle (for runs, picking up talent at the train, etc.) your mileage for this will be reimbursed by the production company. Always make a

Call Times

2007-08-30T21:59:00.001-04:00

• Be on time. On shoot days, timing is everything, and here’s where we really depend on you. If you are late, the people or things that you’re bringing will be late and that will throw a very carefully orchestrated plan into chaos. You must be on time on both shoot days and prep/wrap days.• Call Production immediately, if you realize you are going to be late. Don’t wait until your call time

Communications

2007-08-30T21:54:00.000-04:00

How do I communicate?• Read what you’re given, cover to cover. • Write down what you are told. Have pen and paper ready at all times.• Be specific. Avoid using vague words like “there, he , she, thing, this, that.” Always use proper, complete name as in “the camera truck, the key grip, the spring clip on the fourth table from the west.” Effective communication is absolutely essential to

On The Set

2007-08-30T10:24:00.001-04:00

As you become more experienced, you will be kept on the set to work instead of being the designated errand-runner.What are the most important things to remember on set?• At least one PA on set (where you can be seen by the First AD) at all times. Also, if you are assigned to be on set and you have to leave, get an OK from the Key PA, Second AD or First AD and make sure you replace yourself.• Be

Holds & Bookings

2007-08-30T10:23:00.001-04:00

Holds and bookingsWhen we call to check your availability to work with us, we will want to either put you on hold (because we’re not sure of the dates or we’re not sure yet how many PA’s we will need) or guidebook you.If you give us a first hold, you are saying that you are available for the date(s) specified and that you will not accept work from another source without checking with us first.

Who Do I Work For?

2007-08-30T10:21:00.000-04:00

Who do I work for?The answer is...everybody. You are here to support every crew member in every department. You need to do the easy (or gross or boring) stuff for them so they are free to do the technical or artistic stuff they were hired to do.Probably the most confusing thing about being a PA is when you already have something to do and someone else tells you to do something else. You don’t

The Makings of a Great PA

2007-08-30T10:14:00.000-04:00

The makings of a great PA:• flexibility - you roll with the punches.• adaptability - you shift gears quickly and anticipate the next move. You don’t repeat mistakes.• communication - you listen attentively and speak clearly and specifically.• attention – to details• willingness - to get the job done• courtesy - you are polite to everyone at all times.• hyper-vigilance - you see and hear

What is a PA?

2007-08-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

What is a PA?A PA is different things to different people: “Every location or stage looks, to me, like an empty field. Our job in production is to put every necessary body and thing on that field at the right time to efficiently create whatever the director (and the advertising agency) has in mind. “Production assistants are the essential ingredient for moving all this material and all these

Production Assistant Guidebook: Table of Contents

2007-08-30T10:11:00.001-04:00

Here's an overview of what we hope to cover in this guidebook. Again, your feedback is valuable to us. Let us know what is helpful and what isn't. And most importantly, let us know if there is something we didn't cover that you think we should have.Please email your thoughts to palmerx1964@gmail.comThanksPalmerTABLE OF CONTENTSABOUT THIS GUIDEBOOK 1TABLE OF CONTENTS 2THE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Production Assistant Guidebook

2007-08-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Greetings to the Production Community! In conjunction with my good friend Sharon Stein, we will be self publishing a guidebook for production assistants. Prior to publishing a paper version we have decided to run several chapters here online and hope to later do a series of podcasts. We know you'll find this information helpful and hope you'll send us feedback so we can finalize any last minute