A Day in the Life of Avalon Glenn: From Bay Area Beginnings to LA Film Sets by Robin Kincade
Meet Avalon Glenn
Let’s be real: if you’re teaching film in a California high school, you’ve likely been asked more than once, "How do I get a job in the film industry?" Enter Avalon Glenn—Production Assistant extraordinaire, Bay Area native, and living proof that the dream is real, but the grind is even realer.
Avalon’s journey began in Northern California, where she built her resume with indie film projects and local productions before making the leap to Los Angeles in 2021. Since then, she's worked steadily as a PA, navigating the fast-paced world of professional film production. And she’s taken the time to share exactly what it’s like. Spoiler: there’s coffee. There’s chaos. And there’s a lot of walkie-talkie drama.
Rise and Shine (5:00 AM - Arrival at Set)
While most of the city is still asleep, Avalon is already on her way to set. “I aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early,” she says—mainly to grab breakfast and prep gear. Especially on days when multiple units are shooting (double or even triple unit days), Avalon is responsible for prepping several walkie packages.
After a quick bite (never skip breakfast!), she dives into setting up: grabbing battery chargers, loading up the infamous "brick bucket" (charged and dead batteries), and distributing the day's call sheets and sides. She lugs around the set kit too, which includes everything from medical forms to sunscreen. Think of her as a mobile Swiss Army knife with a headset.
Safety First (6:00 AM - Crew Call)
When the 1st AD calls for the safety meeting, Avalon’s on the walkie, letting everyone know. Then comes the crew briefing, a crucial rundown of what’s happening that day—where, when, and how. This is where the day truly kicks into gear.
All Eyes and Ears (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
As a walkie PA, Avalon’s job is part communication hub, part detective. She keeps tabs on everyone—from the director to the actors—because someone is always looking for someone.
"People wander—usually to crafty for snacks,” she laughs. Her goal is to always know who’s where, even if it’s just a quick bathroom break (yes, she even keeps track of those). Meanwhile, she’s recharging batteries, updating spreadsheets, and answering the age-old question: “Where did our brick bucket go?”
Her pro tip? Take photos of your setup when things get busy—future-you will thank past-you.
Lunch-ish (12:00 PM)
Lunch usually hits around the sixth hour, and Avalon is often the one shouting, “That’s lunch!” She also monitors catering lines, helps confused crew members find food, and makes sure everyone knows when to be back. (She answers the question, "When are we back?" at least five times every meal.)
Pro tip from Avalon: eat your breakfast. There are meal penalties, delays, and some days where lunch comes way later than scheduled.
Afternoon Hustle (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Post-lunch, the vibe is more or less the same—but maybe a bit sweatier. Avalon continues charging batteries, ensuring the set stays quiet during takes, and covering for other PAs who need a break.
During scene changes, she scopes the shot and clears any random junk (NOT gear—touching the wrong cable can land you in hot water). Diplomacy is key: "Hey, you probably already know this, but…" is her go-to phrase.
Wrap? Not Quite (5:00 PM)
As the day winds down, Avalon doesn’t. She collects all extra walkies—yes, even the ones someone swore they left in their car—and starts prepping for the next day. That means relabeling walkies, updating spreadsheets, and documenting any broken or replaced equipment.
Her mantra? Keep a list of EVERYTHING. Producers love lists.
Tail Lights (6:00 PM)
Finally, once she’s released by the Key PA and ADs, Avalon drives home, hopefully in time for a proper dinner and some well-earned rest. Then? She gets up and does it all again tomorrow.
Why Her Story Matters
Avalon’s story is more than just a day-in-the-life—it’s a roadmap for aspiring film students. She didn’t start with Hollywood connections. She didn’t skip over the grunt work. She built her skills, showed up early, paid attention, and earned her place on set.
For high school teachers, Avalon’s journey is a shining example of what a student can achieve with grit, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Her job might not come with red carpets, but it’s full of opportunity, excitement, and stepping stones to a future in film production.
How You Can Use Avalon’s Story in the Classroom
Showcase real careers: Avalon’s IMDB page (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12251488/) can help students connect the dots between school and the professional world.
Break down industry roles: PAs often wear many hats. Use Avalon’s schedule to explain different production departments and workflows.
Highlight transferable skills: Organization, communication, adaptability—these aren’t just film skills, they’re life skills.
Talk internships & entry-level jobs: Avalon’s job is proof that internships and assistant roles matter.
Final Thoughts
Whether your students dream of directing Oscar-winning features or just want to work on cool projects, Avalon Glenn’s story is a reminder that there is a path forward. It starts with showing up, staying humble, and keeping your walkie charged.
Keep sharing stories like Avalon’s in your classroom—because sometimes, the best way to teach film is to introduce the people actually living it.
Avalon Glenn starts her day early, arriving on set by 5:00 AM to prepare equipment and distribute call sheets. Throughout the day, she acts as a communication hub, ensuring everyone is accounted for and managing tasks like battery charging and equipment organization. During lunch, she coordinates meal times and assists crew members with catering. At the end of the day, she collects equipment, updates spreadsheets, and prepares for the next shoot, emphasizing the importance of organization and efficiency in film production.
This summary captures the essence of Avalon's role and highlights her key responsibilities and skills. Would you like any further adjustments or details? 😊
Avalon Glenn's Key Skills
Early Preparation: Avalon starts her day early, showcasing her dedication and ability to manage time effectively.
Communication: She acts as a communication hub, ensuring everyone on set is accounted for and managing various tasks efficiently.
Organization: Avalon is responsible for setting up equipment, distributing call sheets, and organizing tasks like battery charging and equipment management.
Coordination: During lunch, she coordinates meal times and assists crew members with catering, emphasizing her ability to manage logistics.
Efficiency: At the end of the day, Avalon collects equipment, updates spreadsheets, and prepares for the next shoot, highlighting her organizational skills and attention to detail.
These skills are essential for success in the film industry and demonstrate Avalon's competence and reliability in her role. 😊
