A Week Alone in Mexico: What to Expect and What it Costs
I’ve traveled alone to some far-flung places, but for whatever reason, Mexico freaked me out. I wasn’t even going to the border, I was going to the Yucatan Peninsula – the tourism hub! Maybe it’s because years ago, my parents requested that I never travel to Mexico? (Seriously. Fortunately, I think they forgot.) In hindsight, it was ridiculous to have any fear. I blame the overly cautious and paranoid American news media. So, what is it like traveling alone in Mexico for one week? First of all, here’s a goofy video to illustrate. I was never actually alone. That’s usually the case when you travel by yourself! I met great people because I was alone. I’m especially grateful I joined my hostel buddies for a tour of Chichen Itza. I was very underwhelmed by the whole thing (if you’ve been anywhere with ancient ruins, they’re probably better. Tulum’s ruins are more easily accessible and just as interesting, in my opinion). Our camaraderie and propensity to goof off made it memorable. I would’ve been miserable alone — even our tour guide was so bored, he yawned the entire time! People travel Mexico alone… a lot! Mexico isn’t any different from the rest of the world. People travel Mexico alone ALL THE TIME, and from all over: Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands were just a handful of countries represented at the places I stayed. The majority were solo travelers, too. My trip was far shorter than most due to work obligations. Most solo travelers spend two weeks to several months in Mexico, and cover a lot more ground. I’d love to return and spend more time explore more of the Yucatan– such as Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres. And then there’s Mexico City, the ruins of Teotihuacan, Puerto Escondido, Guanajuato, Sayulita… I’ll be making return trips for years to come. Where I Stayed Playa del Carmen I had an interesting time in PDC: Despite being a popular tourist spot, Playa del Carmen was without running water for two of the three nights I was there. If you were on the main street of the city that caters to tourists, you weren’t affected, but I stayed in a hostel on the edge of the local neighborhood, and it WAS a problem. We couldn’t take showers. The staff managed to fill the toilet with rain water so that we (all six of us in the dorm) could flush twice per day. I’ve peed in some dodgy places — a hole in the ground in Vietnam that I had to pay to use — but this was disgusting. And the humidity and lack of ventilation in the bathroom didn’t help. Yuck. ...
What’s Going On Around Here in 2017
I must apologize for the extremely sporadic posting schedule around here. You may have noticed if I’m busy with work, I won’t post for… months. Not a great way to maintain a following, but it speaks to the demands of a job in the entertainment industry! Let’s do a hard reset. Here’s what’s up. Work 2016 was a solidly good year for work — it was the most diverse and fruitful year I’ve had. I worked in a variety of capacities: field producer, segment producer, script supervisor, truck reels producer, and even camera op! This year’s off to a sluggish start, but that isn’t unusual for the dead of winter. So far, I’ve worked on one small project from home that had a lot of prep but only two shoot days. It’s been a welcome break from 2016, which was a bit chaotic for several reasons. Coming up: There’s a few potential projects flying around. I loved the diversification of last year and would love to work on several short-term projects for multiple companies again. I’d also like to figure out more ways to diversify myself — the entertainment landscape is changing, and I’d like to earn a living that isn’t solely dependent on the survival of cable networks. Travel 2016 was the first year I made it out of the country twice in the same calendar year! I finally took a last-minute trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. I had zero expectations, but guys, Mexico is AMAZING. There’s so much to explore around the Yucatan — I hit up Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Akumal — but I can’t WAIT to get back there, specifically to visit Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres. And then, in August, I got sent back to the exact same spot in Mexico for work. It was extremely convenient that I’d inadvertently pre-scouted for the shoot eight months earlier. (I would write that first trip off as a “scouting trip”, but when you only spend $200 in airfare, $15/night in hostels, and eat 5 cent tacos– all for “work”– the IRS looks at you funny.) So, of course, the first time I traveled overseas twice in the same year was to the same place, but I did knock out a huge bucket list item: Travel abroad for work. I’d love to combine both these loves (and skill sets!) more frequently… are you listening, future employers? I’ve traveled independently to fifteen countries, and I have six years of producing experience! Coming up very, very soon: CUBA! With no acceptance of American credit/debit cards, limited Wifi, and no cell phone data, it is going to...
Guide to Production Assistant Responsibilities and Duties
Production assistants are the life blood of production. But what do they supposed to do all day, exactly? Are they really fetching coffee? Yes, sometimes, but there’s so much more! Production assistant responsibilities can change whether you’re working on a union or non-union set. In addition to those duties, set PAs are also assigned certain roles. I’ll dive into ALL of that. Production Assistant Responsibilities on Union Sets For union shows, the “set production assistant” falls under the department of Assistant Directors. Your main task is to assist your bosses, and yes, that is the assistant directors (there are office production assistants as well– that’s a separate post). Some PAs will be assigned different roles, which I’ll cover in a bit. There are some general duties that all PAs are responsible for. Lockups This is the main duty of all production assistants. It may be the most boring task, but it is also one of the most important. Imagine you’re watching one of the dozen reboots of Spiderman or King Kong and some lady pushing a stroller in the background stops. She stares at the lens in confusion, pulls out her iPhone, and takes a picture. It completely takes you out of the movie, right? A “lockup” keeps those curious people from wandering into the shot. If you have a camera and you’re shooting anywhere not on a sound stage, the public will want to know what’s going on. (True story: Someone asked me the name of the movie we were filming. I told him. He replied, “Oh, I haven’t seen that one yet.”) Production assistants will be posted up outside of frame, or just outside the studio door, to prevent anyone not in the scene from walking into the shot. This includes random looky-loos or even members of the crew. Lunch Duty: Fire Watch On union shoots it’s often the production assistant’s responsibility to make sure all of the crew has departed set to head to lunch — whether via transpo van or on foot. One production assistant, usually a locations production assistant (but sometimes a regular set PA), will hang back on set to “fire watch” — make sure the gear doesn’t walk away or catch fire. Lunch Duty: Counting the Line Another production assistant will leapfrog to the catering tent for the purpose of “counting the line”, which means that PA is responsible for two tasks: 1) Counting the number of people that go through the catering line, and (2) set the parameters for the official half-hour. Counting the line ensures production has been budgeting for the right number of people per day, and also to check the caterer’s count. The...
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....
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...
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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I'm Laryssa, and when I'm not working in film or television, I'm attempting to travel -- or I'm here, providing resources for working in film or travel. Read more Elsewhere on the internets
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