So, it's Not Rocket Science, but...

It's tough work.

The other day I was talking to a friend and he said to me. "So, how do you become a P.A. I want to do it." And before I could really respond, he continued. "Because it seems real easy to get and an easy job to do." Right then I stopped my original of advice and consideration on getting him a job with me and laughed a little inside.

Obviously, in the 6 or so months that I have been around him, and the years he has been in LA, he didn't get it.

Yes, I work as a PA. It's not rocket science. You don't even need to go to school to do it, although almost every PA I know is currently enrolled in school or has graduated from college or an intensive film program. It's not rocket science. You spend your days standing on set blocking people from walking on the set (or 'locking it down"). You dump trash. You make photocopies. You spend days at Kinkos or office supply stores. Even to the extent where the employees at said store start to say hello because they know you. It's not rocket science. you just have common sense, be friendly, be quick to respond, and able to take instruction.

But it's hard to do. You still spend a minimum of 12 hours on set, do the most menial of tasks, get paid the lowest of anyone on set, and usually get the least amount respect (depending who you work for). And it's hard to get. PAs are dime a dozen. Since it's not rocket science, anyone really can do it. Productions can hire anyone to do it, and if they don't work out, they'll hire someone else. But because the PAs are a dime a dozen, that also means there are a lot taking the jobs, almost before they are posted. It's a who knows who business and only the strong survive. Only those willing to pay their dues to get to the next step.

Should I get him a job? Offer him the chance to work at least 60 hours a week, with little respect. Just curious.