the rules of the road for how to naviage Getting paid. Companies hire crew based on clear agreements
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.
The Union Question: Know Where You Belong
In the world of freelance, work is available for non-union and union depending on the job.
Debbie’s advice starts with unions. “It protects me. It makes sure I get paid correctly and on time. But not everything is union. A lot of independent work isn’t. And that’s okay — as long as you know what you’re walking into.”
Know if the gig is union or non-union
Have a written deal memo
Understand your pay rate and hours
Ask questions — protect yourself
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 asking about rate, hours, expenses paid.”
Pro Tip: If you don’t get copies, take photos. Always keep a record.
Common mistakes:
Missing I-9 signatures
Incomplete W-9s
Not reviewing paperwork before submitting
Professionalism starts before call time.
Know Your Time. Know Your Pay.
Pro Tip: “If you don’t understand your timecard, you don’t understand your paycheck.”
Don’t hesitate to check your timecard—ever. Get a copy for yourself. If you’re responsible for filling them out for others, ask for a sample so you don’t miss anything. A clean, accurate timecard isn’t paperwork—it’s how you get paid. Treat it like an ally.
Basic breakdown for 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
Basic breakdown for Non-Union Jobs:
Each job will be different depending upon the agreement you make with the Producer or booking agent who hires.
A typical non-union 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.
Check your state laws for any questions about your rights.
When you’re first starting out you will say yes to almost any gig to just get your foot in the door but as your career starts to take off you will discover which clients you’re willing to make deals with and which ones you’d pass on due to rate or hours.
Logistics Are Part of the Job
Parking. Shuttles. Traffic. Waiting. That’s the job as much as the camera work. You learn to stay patient, read the room, and adjust your energy on the fly—because adaptability isn’t optional, it’s survival.
“Usually you’re the first to arrive and the last to leave. Be ready to wait, be flexible, and roll with it. That’s part of the job.”
Production isn’t glamorous at 5:00 AM in a dark lot. The people who last adapt without complaining.
What is a NDA? (Non- Disclosure Agreement)
An NDA is an agreement between two (or more) parties that says:
“I’m about to share sensitive information with you, and you agree not to share it with anyone else or use it for your own advantage.”
What counts as “sensitive information”?
Business ideas or strategies
Scripts, treatments, or unreleased content
Client lists
Financial info
Trade secrets
Where you’ll see it (especially in your world)
In film/media, NDAs show up all the time:
Before reading a script or pitch deck
Working on a project that hasn’t been announced
On set with high-profile talent or products
Corporate gigs
The key parts (the stuff that actually matters)
What’s confidential – what you’re not allowed to share
Time period – how long you have to keep quiet (could be months or years)
Who you can tell – sometimes you can share with specific people (like a lawyer or accountant)
Consequences – what happens if you break it (usually money… sometimes a lot of it)
Two common types
One-way NDA – only one side is sharing secrets
Mutual NDA – both sides are sharing and both have to stay quiet
Most NDAs are standard and harmless. But don’t just auto-sign like it’s a parking ticket:
Make sure it’s not overly broad (like “everything you ever think about belongs to us”)
Check the time frame isn’t ridiculous
Know what you’re actually agreeing to protect
