What would convince you to get me on a film set beyond all the other applicants

[Zachadoodle]

I'm not exactly the type of person you'd see living up a conversation nor am I comfortable being around with. I actually most of the time appear withdrawn from most people. My question for all of you is, considering I struggle with social skills, what would immediately make you put me on a film set to get a job as a PA as some stranger?

 

[briandrys1]

I would try addressing your social difficultly. One useful method might be taking acting classes, some actors are quite shy people, but overcome that when in a role. It's also handy when it comes to directing actors.

Another could be getting a part-time job where you have to interface with people, but could be useful in seeing how another aspect of the entertainment industry works. For example, stewarding at live events or theatre, it's rather like being a 3rd AD.

 

[NorBro]

I'm not exactly the type of person you'd see living up a conversation nor am I comfortable being around with. I actually most of the time appear withdrawn from most people. My question for all of you is, considering I struggle with social skills, what would immediately make you put me on a film set to get a job as a PA as some stranger?

You don't have to be the funniest guy in the room but you have to make some changes or change the industry you're interested in working in (you can only be a certain way when you're already at the top).

Although many people are extroverts, or naturally do well with others even though they don't necessarily enjoy it, people also have sociopath-like qualities (the good kind that are necessary to survive in today's world) and are able to turn on a switch and immediately adapt to everything.

So you're going to have to do something...you need to be somewhat of a people's person in this business because even offering to work for free might not help if people don't vibe with you (anyone).

 

[paulears]

Social interaction is a key skill for PAs. I can only base my comments on my own experiences of working with people having different strengths and weaknesses. I had a guy with very severe autism and Asbergers, who had no social skills at all. Other people were the life and soul of every party and every one of them had a 'home' with one role, but often others were totally out of their reach.
What I just don't get is why you'd put yourself through the torture of a job role that requires close physical contact with people who quite frankly are the opposite of normal. PAs, need to be able to process huge amounts of data, and vitally, interpret people who say yes, when they mean no and vice versa. People who when asked if they want something, may sarcastically say of course not. My guy was great doing the fine details roles, working on his own, steadily and diligently, but in a panic situation could not function. He appeared to lack initiative, but simply needed direction. I've seen PAs sink when they get called out by people who should know better, and I've seen Directors yell at them because they gave poor, or conflicting instructions, expecting the poor PA to realise that what they demanded was NOT what they wanted.

Social skills matter little if you are a specialist - technical or artistic