the rules of the road for how to naviage Getting paid
Companies hire crew based on clear agreements—how you’ll be paid and the rules of the job. In freelance, non-union work, a typical deal is a 10-hour day with a 30-minute lunch, with mileage and tolls often included. Producers will ask for your day rate, and depending on the scope or budget, there may be some negotiation. Most jobs are paid through payroll, so expect to provide standard onboarding documents before you start.
Debbie Brubaker’s Guide for PAs
Breaking into production isn’t all cool sets and coffee runs. It’s paperwork, long days, and staying calm when everything goes sideways.
If you’ve worked in the Bay Area film world anytime in the last few decades, chances are you’ve either worked with Debbie Brubaker — or you’ve worked with someone who’s worked with her. She’s a legend. A walking encyclopedia of set life. The queen of independent features. And she’s still out there, making movies, mentoring crews, and calling it like she sees it.
So when Debbie talks about what it takes to stay in this industry — not just break in — you listen.
1. Paperwork Is Your First Test
If you can handle start paperwork, timecards, and NDAs without melting down, you’re already ahead.
“You have to know your start paperwork — union or nonunion. Bring your Social Security card, driver’s license, and all your info. Know your day rate, break it down into hours, and ask questions. Don’t be shy about money.”
Common mistakes:
Missing I-9 signatures
Incomplete W-9s
Not reviewing paperwork before submitting
Professionalism starts before call time.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t get copies, take photos. Always keep a record.
2. Know Your Time. Know Your Pay.
If you don’t understand your timecard, you don’t understand your paycheck.
Basic breakdown Union Jobs:
8-hour day + 30-minute lunch = 8.5 hours elapsed
Over 8.5 = time and a half to 12 hours
Over 12 hours is double time and possible meal penalties
Long days happen. Getting paid correctly is your responsibility.
Pro tip:
“Know your numbers. Ask. Understand what your day looks like. Lunch counts, breaks count, and so does your patience.”
3. Live Events: Trial by Fire. Want to grow fast? Work live events.
“Live events are stressful because there are no do-overs. A plane flies overhead, a car honks, or a mic fails — you roll with it. If you can survive live, you can survive anything.”
Why they’re gold for PAs:
Large crews = more hiring opportunities
Short-term gigs = rapid experience
Built-in networking
