It’s “back to school” season and the film and television industry is at a standstill with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA on strike, but that’s no excuse not to move forward. Right now is the perfect time to build your skills and grow. Stay connected with peers, explore how to improve your performance in the workplace, and exercise your mind and body. The industry has always been and will once again be desperate for the passion, spirit, dedication, and skill you bring to working in the production office! We can only hope that with the end of the strike, positive change will come, and being
prepared when you get back to work will support that change.
We may not be heading “back to school” per se, but here are some suggestions from Keys to the Production Office to fill your backpack for when it’s time to head back to work.
Reading the industry trades can help keep you informed on what’s happening around
you and why. It also gives you a broad scope of how the industry works (and doesn’t)
and who is involved.
LISTEN: Deadline StrikeTalk with Billy Ray and Todd Garner.
This podcast by two knowledgeable Hollywood writer/producers can provide insight
into what’s happening now with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
LEARN: About Digital File Sharing.
Grow your skill set by gaining knowledge about new production software.
EXPLORE: Film Industry Organizations.
Become a member and take advantage of the interviews, panels, and workshops they
offer. Consider some of our PARTNERS.
FEED YOUR MIND: Talk to your community!
Reach out and check in, ask your old co-workers how they are holding up in these
uncertain times. What are they reading and learning?
FEED YOUR BODY: Pumpkin Spice is back in!
Sip your favorite latte with a film friend and reconnect!
FEED YOUR SOUL: Take a walk in nature!
When we’re in production we don’t necessarily get to take the time to find peace and
quiet within ourselves. It sucks to not be working but it’s also a great time to take a walk,
a dive in the ocean, a paddle down a river… find a way to replenish because as soon as
the strikes are over it’s back to work full steam ahead!
Many in the film and television industry are struggling right now but we’ll be back to work soon. Be at the ready, stay informed and know you can keep moving forward even if it’s taking these small steps. Celebrate “back to school” season and enjoy the fun parts of being a student again, before you know it, it will be time to get back to work!
We obviously also recommend that you read Keys to the Production Office but no pressure! This book does have everything you need to know to do the job of an Office PA, but also any physical production department assistant can learn from this – it can help you get that next job!