10 Safety Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia
Jan17

10 Safety Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is worth the hype. It’s one of the most spectacular, bizarre, and beautiful places I’ve ever been. As comfortable as this laid back atmosphere is, lax laws means fewer safety standards than here in the Western world. Traveling to Southeast Asia will be one of the highlights of your life — it just requires a bit of heightened personal responsibility. This is the land where they’ll sell you cheap beer for hours on end and think nothing of sending you into a kayak in deep, murky waters at nightfall without a life preserver. No one means to cause you any harm– safety just isn’t high on the list of priorities. Not all will tell you there are mosquitos carrying malaria or dengue in a particular area– they’ll just laugh and say “there are no mosquitos.” It’s a cultural thing to have a bright outlook on everything rather than take precautions. If you or someone you love is about to jettison off to this corner of the world, particularly if it’s their first overseas adventure, here are some backpacking safety tips for Southeast Asia. Watch out for scams. This is true of every major city everywhere in the world. 99.1% of the people in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, are fantastic people and will drop everything to help you. But there are still the occasional scams on unwitting tourists — particularly in the tourist areas of cities. Different regions will have different scams, so read up before you arrive. A few of the common ones in Bangkok: Taxi drivers not turning on the meter; telling you an attraction like the Grand Temple is “closed” and taking you somewhere else for a “private tour” with their friend where you’ll have to spend an exorbitant amount. Hanoi has its own set of scams, including one where “shoe cleaners” will throw gum on your shoe and try to clean it off for you in exchange for a fee. (Just keep going.) Bonus Tip: In Bangkok, take the MRT from the airport (BKK) instead of a taxi — the rush hour gridlock is fierce. Ask: Where is the Closest Decent Hospital? It is 2017, but that doesn’t mean a world-class hospital exists in every heavily tourist locale. Thailand has some of the best health care in southeast Asia, whereas hospitals in Laos and Vietnam are dicey. Within Thailand, Koh Tao is one of the hottest destinations for backpackers, but there isn’t a full-fledged hospital there. There are clinics, yes; but for anything serious, you’ll need to be transported to Koh Samui, which is an 1.5 hour journey by ferry. I always take a kit with over the counter medicine with me to save myself the hassle of finding it abroad....

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How to Not Get a Job on a Film Set
Jan06

How to Not Get a Job on a Film Set

We’ve covered how to get a job as a production assistant, whether you need a film degree to work in the film industry, how much money you’ll make as a production assistant, how to be a great runner PA, and perhaps most importantly, whether or not freelance film production is even right for you. What we haven’t covered? How to blow your opportunity, or how to not get  hired on a film set. Refuse to Work for Free Yes, if you play your cards right, you can get away with barely having to PA. But if you skip the step of being a production assistant, you’d better be offering yourself as an intern working for free for the department of your choice. (In fact, I recommend this approach if you already know you what department you want to work in.) I’m not talking about months of unpaid labor here unless it’s a school internship where you’re being compensated with school credit. Offer to work for free on 1-2 projects (2-3 days, or maybe longer if it’s an indie movie) to establish yourself and build contacts. Note: Volunteering your time has always been the fastest way to break in, but in the last five years, companies are shying away from this due to lawsuits. Technically, they’re supposed to pay you or give school credit. To get around this, it may be easier to seek out indie movies or passion projects versus production companies. Refuse to Work for Cheap (in the beginning) Similarly, don’t expect to get out of film school and make $400 per day. You need all of the experience you can get. In the beginning, you won’t get very far turning down jobs because they “don’t pay enough”. It takes time to build a reputation that’s worth $400/day. Read this post for an expectation of how much you could make your first year in the industry as a production assistant. Act Like a Groupie/Fangirl/Fanboy If you’re looking to get a job on a show because you’re in love with the actor or musician, then you’d better keep that to yourself. We’re not paid to be fans in this business, and just because you have access doesn’t mean the celebrity needs another friend. (Showing appreciation for a show your coworker/boss worked on is different.)   Talk Too Much Some people will talk too much when they’re nervous about making a good first impression. This is a HUGE no-no in film/television, where your personality is just a big a factor as competency. If you annoy someone in an interview or casual lunch meeting, there’s a very small chance they’re going to hire you to work with them for 12+ hours on...

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Alert: Fake Mario Kassar Hiring Scam
Jan02

Alert: Fake Mario Kassar Hiring Scam

There’s been a film industry hiring scam going around for about two years. Evidently, the scammers are tweaking their craft as they’re being exposed. The crux of the scam: The impersonation of a legitimate production company, but with a slightly different domain for their e-mail address. It’s important to realize Mario Kassar is not at fault here. They’re a perfectly legit production company. They, too, are a victim. Where The Mario Kassar Scam Exists A reader submitted this as a potential scam after responding to a seemingly normal job posting ad on Craigslist in the Atlanta region. About the Mario Kassar Hiring Scam Like the original film industry hiring scam, this is too good to be true: Hello, After carefully reviewing your application and resume, I am pleased to inform you, we would like to offer you the role of (Part-time or Full-time Assistant) depending on which best fits you at Mario Kassar Productions. About Me. I am David Peter the Divisional Director for Mario Kassar Productions, I am originally from Texas and i was just moved here for the new office we had set up, We are in the construction of a little office branch here in ATL where we will be needing you to work.  You will be working directly with me . About Mario Kassar Productions We are a small organization that is passionate about providing the physical basis for work in the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, and video. As a CSR initiative, a sub-division that provides training and equips teens with the skills that they need to excel within the media and creative arts sector has been created. About The Role The role you have been short-listed for is that of an Assistant for myself, The Divisional Director of the mentioned sub-division. Seeing as it’s presently in its incipient stages and we are short-staffed, there are several administrative and logistic related tasks that I will need you to assist with. The tasks you will be required to perform on a weekly basis are as follows, Tasks -Liaising with clients via telephone both here in ATL and other parts of the world -Managing emails -Payment of bills and mailing of parcels (Please note monetary provisions will be made in advance for the payment of all bills and sending of parcels whether through Fed Ex, UPS or any other means) -Parcel pick-up/drop-off Requirements -You will be required to work 15 hours a week -You will be required to work on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (maximum of 5 hours or less daily) You will be paid an hourly fee of $25 and bonuses will also be provided twice...

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The Best Movie Set Memes of 2016
Dec15

The Best Movie Set Memes of 2016

Are you a member of Movie Set Memes? If not, you NEED to be. It’s a Facebook group devoted to inside jokes in the industry, using the internet’s most common memes. If you’re new to the business, it’s also a great way to learn on set lingo. You should probably devote half an hour to your day scrolling through the various memes. It’s worth it! For now, I’m sharing some of my favorites from 2016. The Best Movie Set Memes from 2016 PA Baller Tip: Use the lid plugs!   “Copy That”   Overly Ambitious Company moves ALWAYS take longer than you think they will.   Filming in Los Angeles By the way, the application fee alone is $660.   Don’t Be An Idiot You’re on your feet all day – make sure you wear something with good arch support! (Merrells or Nike Flyknits are awesome.)   Possessive Electricians It’s for your own safety.   Not Experience Remember: Film school can help, but it doesn’t equate to real world experience.   Wasted Sleep I once worked on a show where I wrapped at 11pm, went home, and didn’t receive the call sheet until 2am…and my call time was 6am. Every Time Although to be fair, usually it’s because the Director yells, “CUT!”(…and everyone else then shouts, “TAILSLATE TAILSLATE TAILSLATE”) #EditorLife 4K may be awesome, but it is a b*#% in post. 8 Hour Days Not Sure If… When you’re a producer’s assistant, you might have to get creative about how you source things…   Four Months of 14 Hour Days   Hope There’s An Elevator “Camera Wrap” and “Taillights” are two different things.   Ghost Walkie Also, what’s up with these voices in my head? Room Tone   All Pay Is Not Equal Slaters Gonna Slate “Tryin’ to catch me clappin’ dirty…” Fix It Now! Yeah, you can fix some things in post, but you can’t fix bad content… Also Every Time Yep. ALL the noises. Classic Technically older than 2016, but a classic!   What was your favorite Movie Set Meme of 2016?   Meme Sharer Credit: Amanda D., Brandon C., Eduardo D., Itai F., James L. Jason S. P., Jenny D., Raki B., Sanal R., Rebecca S., David S., Eric V., Jack B. Nathaniel S., Riley T., Will S., Zachary E. All memes found on the hilarious Facebook group, Movie Set Memes....

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Social Media Etiquette on Film Sets
Dec08

Social Media Etiquette on Film Sets

Everyone knows amazing or awesome photos/events gain the most traction on social media. When your job happens on a film set, these brag-worthy moments happen frequently. But what are the do’s and don’ts? If you’re just starting out, it is VITAL that you pay attention to your surroundings, do your job, and forget about social media. In one of my college courses, my professor told us, “You’re entering into the entertainment industry, which means you’re a professional. Never act like a fan, or you will be fired.” Wise words. Social Media Etiquette on Film Sets: Posting Photos from Set It’s true, kids: There once was a day when people took photos and didn’t IMMEDIATELY post them online. In my PA days, I’d occasionally take wide shots of set from my lockup, just so I’d have something to remember those days with. They weren’t for the masses, and that was okay. Social media is an extension of life now. I constantly see interns or new PAs pulling out their phones the moment anything cool happens, and then immediately posting it on Instagram or Snapchat. Sometimes, this may be fine– but sometimes, it may get you fired. It’s important to know how to abide by basic social media etiquette on set, so here are guidelines that I’ve adapted for myself over the years. I’m pretty conservative in how much I share for the sake of remaining employed. Some have gotten away with posting more, but that’s their prerogative. OK: Posting a photo of you on set or with a fellow crew member. These are by far the most common “on set” photos that appear in social media. They’re fun, they’re cute (look at the three of us– don’t you want to hire us all?!), and they’re also a great networking tool as other freelancers will learn your name and see your face. Keep in mind that the crew you’re on set with will likely also see those postings. If it’s a particularly hectic day and you’re off posing for photos with some extras instead of doing your job, you may not be asked to come back. Be smart. Wait for a moment of downtime to take your photo. OK: Posting a photo of cool gear or a crazy gear setup. This is probably the most acceptable type of photo! It celebrates the craft, it appreciates the methodology, it shows that you realize that this is an extra complicated or special setup. Sometimes OK: Posting a generic photo of the set. I know several people who work on scripted television series on major networks. They never post generic photos of set — usually, it’s a shot of a sunrise, or the view from set. The...

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