possess the ability to remember the details of an environment, and have
strong people skills.
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
"I think anybody who wants to get into the film industry at any level
should begin by working as a production assistant," says Ivey. "Unless
you're working on getting your days for DGA [Directors Guild
Association membership], I suggest they don't PA on features. On a
feature you learn how to tell people not to cross through the frame, how
to get coffee, and how to hand out call sheets. Instead, get on a commer-
cial or smaller film, where
you'll learn more about what
every department does. You
can't learn about film from any
book or any film school; the
reality is you learn by fire. You
learn by making mistakes--
and in the film industry you're
not allowed many mistakes."
Professional Profile:
Jason A. Ivey, Prop Assistant,
Prop Master, Set Dresser,
Art Director
Jason Ivey was living in
Charlottesville, Virginia, focus-
ing on a career in the music
industry, when a friend referred
him for a production assistant
(PA) job working on a Herb
Ritz and Bill Haden commercial
for Bank One. At the time, his
only qualifications were that he
knew the area and was a warm body. The job changed his life. "It was the
best time I ever had. It seemed like we could do the impossible."
Quickly addicted to the idea of working in film and television, Ivey
made contacts on that first gig that led to additional PA work. "You
just need one person on your team: a good production manager,
production coordinator, or second AD--someone who will hire you."
With growing experience and contacts, he relocated to Washington,
D.C., and continued to PA, but set his sights on working in the art
department.
What do you like
least about your job?
"What I like the least
about props is that there
is a lot of pressure. There
are so many details to
get correct. When you
look at a scene and the glass is half full, and
then it becomes a quarter full, and no one
has been drinking out of it, that's your
snafu."--Jason Ivey
What do you love most
about your job?
"I love the diversity of people and experi-
ences making movies. You pinch yourself
sometimes and say, `I can't believe I'm
getting paid to do this.' I also like the
fact that my day is never the same--ever."
--Jason Ivey
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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