One thing that I think should be a no brainer when working on a set is to offer to help.  Apparently though while working on set this past week, I found that most PA’s that this particular company has hired have never offered to help out and had to be told to do so.

To me this is a huge rookie mistake that most green PA’s will tend to make.  When you are hired as a production assistant you have to do what your title says and assist the production.  This means helping with things like unloading the equipment van, taking out the garbage, and helping with lunch orders.

So instead of sitting around waiting for orders from your coordinator or production manager, get up and see who needs help.  This is will make you a great PA rather than just a PA.