When you show up on the set, you really aren’t expected to bring anything with you at all, unless of course, you’re asked to bring something specific to the set.  However this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be prepared.  This post will give you some examples of what to bring with you each time you’re on a job so that you can always be prepared – for anything!

Your PA backpack

It would be a great idea to invest in a backpack if you don’t already have one.  I know that money may be tight, but I’m sure that you can find something usefull lying around.  Consider this backpack your trusty freelance arsenal.  It will contain some of the most valuable items you can have with you for any situation.  There are four very important categories of stuff contained within this backback:

1. Clothing
2. Medical/Emergency
3. Job Specific Gear
4. Food and Drink

Let’s explore each one of these categories with a little more detail.

Clothing

Depending on where you live, you will need some extra clothing for the amount of work that you will no doubt be doing.  I live in Florida, so a second shirt is often necessary when you perspire through the first one.  If you are up north, you may want to toss in some gloves . . . and a scarf . . . and an extra hat . . . and a sweater . . . you get the idea.  It is always important to be prepared for any situation that you might encounter. This includes weather but it can also apply to over-dressing or under-dressing.

Most of the time the production coordinator or the producer will tell you what kind of production you will be working on.  On the off chance that they don’t mention it to you, it would be very bad to show up wearing shorts when you will be spending your day as a PA at a black-tie gala.  I know, I know . . . probably a stretch, but not by much.  Personally, I have a permanent pair of black pants and a black shirt in my bag, just in case someone forgets to tell me that I need to be in “show blacks” for the day.  “Show blacks” refers to the wardrobe of crew members that might possibly end up on camera.  For example, if I’m running camera for a television show, the producer would want me in all black – black shirt, black pants and black shoes – so that I wouldn’t be distracting if I was caught on camera for a scene.  Wearing a Hawaiian shirt, would be bad in this example. Keeping these clothes in my bag has saved me DOZENS of times.  Also, keeping a pair of shorts in my bag has saved me when the shoot was “supposed” to be inside in June, but ends up being outside and on the beach.  This happens a lot, trust me.  The best thing that you can do is be prepared and think as far ahead as you can when it comes to the weather.

Medical/Emergency

I keep a first aid kit in my bag.  Usually, I don’t have to worry about this because there is someone nearby on set with emergency equipment.  There are occasions that this isn’t the case – usually when I’m a one-man-band.  It’s just a good idea to be prepared.  In addition to a first aid kit, I also keep aspirin, pain-reliever, Pepto-bismol, Immodium and Tums in there as well.  Let’s just say that when you’re traveling, these items are VERY important.  I won’t get into the graphic details, but I think you get my drift.  Sunscreen is also on this list.  Again, I live in Florida so this is very important to me.  I also keep some Chap-Stick on hand as well – it comes in handy for those days at the beach or when I’m on a golf course . . . working.

Job Specific Gear

This is really wide open.  I know that I keep headphones, a small kit of audio and video adapters, gaffer’s tape, an extra BNC cable and an extra audio XLR cable on hand.  I have been burned MANY times by not having one of the above items.  I try to never let it happen twice, which is why the list keeps growing.  It would also be a good idea to invest in a multi-tool like a Leatherman or a Gerber utility tool.  You can often find these at sporting goods stores or department stores.  If you think that the brand names are too expensive for you then try one of the knock-offs.  They are less durable, but they still work very well.  They are a great investment, too.  I bought my Leatherman in 1999 and it’s still in perfect shape.  Here is a list of all the items that I have in my pack:

• Headphones
• Extra AA batteries and 9 Volt batteries
• Small kit of audio and video adapters
• One small BNC cable
• One small XLR cable
• Gaffer’s tape
• C-47’s (clothespins)
• Small gel pack (CTO and CTB)
• Blackwrap
• Carabiners

Depending on the job, I add more stuff that might be specific to the project.  I’d be curious to know what everyone out there thinks is important to keep in your backpack.  Comment below and I’ll add it to my list for the future.

Food and Drink

You might think that you will be given food and drink on most of your shoots.  Your naivety is adorable.  In fact, I have had to almost pass out before I was offered water on some shoots . . . and forget about food!  You’ll eat when your done!  Actually, its not all that bad.  It all depends on the producer.  For the most part, you will be fed and they will keep you well-hydrated.  There are some rare occasions where the producer doesn’t really care . . . and for those I created this category in my production backpack.  I like to take my own water with me on every shoot.  I’m usually hoping that there will be water on set, but it’s not always the case.  I also like to take some type of food with me, usually a Powerbar or something similar.  They can withstand the heat and they can also withstand several days of sitting in the backpack without eventually killing me.  Apples, bananas and oranges are also a good idea . . . just remember you put them there and remove them at the end of the day if you don’t eat them.  Trust me . . . that’s another bad scene!  I also like to keep a pack of gum in my bag.  It can help you break the ice with other crew members after lunch – remember what I said about networking? By the way, it also helps cover up your horrible coffee breath – yeah its noticeable.

So what did we learn?

It’s a good idea to always be prepared.  You never know what those crazy producers will put you through during a production day so ALWAYS be prepared.  Think ahead for each and every shoot and remember to double-check that backpack before you leave the house.  It will be your best friend each and every day.  Now all you have to do is just remember to take it with you.