The Dead Files

Finally doing a shoot in CT after 2 months!!!

I got this job from another PA I worked with on the History of Cars. It’s crazy to think that since I did that shoot, I worked on two more shoots of Catfish, and the Pride Parade, all from recommendations. I guess it goes without saying “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.”

This one was a different pace than the last two because it was a lot of sitting around. My only real jobs were to make sure the crew was fed and hydrated and drive to and from base camp and set. There were no complaints on my end for the fact that it was a cool show about ghost haunting, cast and crew were easy to please, all of the PAs had previously worked on the Emmy winning series, The Cobblestone Corridor, and lunch and 2^nd meal were always delicious,

The highlights for me: I got to drive around New London in a BMW and a Chrysler 300 while the crew filmed me with a drone. I felt like I was living out my fantasies of being a race-car driver and a multi-millionaire. 
#KardashiansWho?

Production Date: June 23rd to June 28th, 2017

Production Company: Painless Television

Taken By Me 

Rhode Island Pride Parade

I had just spent a month in RI so I wasn’t thrilled to drive back up any time soon. But I got a call from a producer saying she had a shoot in Providence and got my contact info from a girl I worked with on An Impossible Place. I said yes because why turn down money? Strange enough I didn’t ask how much or even what the shoot was.
I showed up the following week for what I thought would be some basic shoot where I would be doing general PA work like lock-ups or runs, but to my surprise I found out that we were shooting the Rhode Island Pride Parade for Google. (My jaw dropped to the floor) You mean you are paying us to party? Their reply: basically yes.

We had to go around to the different floats, get interviews, take pictures, and get releases. When the actual parade started, we had to photograph it. And you exactly do you photograph a parade to get the whole experience? You have to walk it yourself!
Needless to say this was the most enjoyable shoot. Met a lot of cool people and got to hear their stories about coming out and why Pride Parades were important to them. Also I got to dance in the street, hi-five people in the side lines, and see some of my own friends from Hartford.

When we were done, we had to do paper work and fill out our day rate. (BTW, this was only about a 6 hour day) I expected $120 or $150 but we got paid $200 plus $15 for our meal.

Lesson of the day: be flexible and open to all opportunities that come your way.

 Production Date: June 14th, 2017 

Production Company: Google

Pictures Taken By Me

The Cars that Made America

Every set/production I have worked on has been special to me. (Clearly, since I post about each and every one of them) I always learn something new whether it’s how to correctly paint walls or driving a cube truck. I meet some of the world’s coolest people, both cast and crew. And I get to do amazing things that leave me feeling like anything is possible like driving alone across the country or finding a cop car to rent when I was only tasked to find the top bar lights.  

The Cars that Made America is the one I am definitely the proudest of because it was fun but also extremely challenging. There were days when I wanted to quit and I believed I wasn’t cut out for this life. First of all, the fact that it was for one month made it the longest gig for me. I’m also no stranger to 16 hour days but the commute to and from RI made it harder. I also had to drive a 15 passenger van, which was only nerve racking when you have the execs in your vehicle and the RI streets are very narrow.

But then I would show up and see that I would get to work in some of the coolest/creepiest buildings. I got to see cars that I never thought I would see in person let alone get to touch like Ford’s Model T and the Delorean and all of my frustrations would disappear because I knew this was a once in a lifetime experience. I developed real friendships with both the cast and crew. Plus, I am a history buff and learning about this subject was equally intriguing.

After seeing the finished product on the History Channel and my name in the credits, I can say it was all worth it and I’m more than ready to do this full time. No doubt.

  

Production Dates: May 8th to June 2nd, 2017

Production Company: Magilla TV
Pictures Taken By Me

MTV's Catfish

In the last two years, I have barely applied for jobs because production coordinators have sought me out based on my professionalism, passion, and dedication to this field. And just when I thought my lucky streak was running out MTV's Catfish contacted me to help vet a potential cast member.
(Didn't film an actual episode)

A producer found me on StaffMeUp.com (best website to find Production work) and emailed me Sunday April 23rd regarding a PA position he needed to fill for the 24th. Monday through Saturday I work at a Dentist office as a receptionist for steady income and I normally have to turn down jobs because they conflict with my schedule. 

It just seem like I was meant to take this job because I was already getting out of work by 1pm and they only needed me from 2:30pm to 6. Plus I've always wanted to put MTV on my resume and the stars aligned to make that dream come true.

This is my first MTV job and hopefully it wont be my last. I am more than thankful for the opportunity and can't wait to see what comes my way next. 

Production Date: April 24th, 2017

Production Company: Critical Content

An Impossible Place

  Every once in a while I will do projects that are unpaid or pays lower than I expect to get paid in order to keep my resume fresh and up to date. This shoot was an unpaid short film (Jackpot!) The funny thing about these shoots is I always go in kicking and screaming because I have to be there 10-12 hours for little to no pay and I have to stay upbeat and positive around stressed out crew members who, in my mind, won't remember my name even though I have to say it five times so they understand how to pronounce it. 
(It's Ja'shell, like Michelle or seashell but with the Jay sound)
However, the reality is I always have the best time on these shoots because they want to keep me happy so that I stay motivated and continue to help. I also get paid in left over lunch and crafty which is always a bonus. And if I'm really lucky I get to work with people who I instantly click with or teach me how to do basic lighting and grip work. 

Dates Shot: January 19th, 2017 
Shot By: Stoic Films  
Pictures Taken By Me