My first day player Production Assistant job was on “Chicago Fire” Season 3.
While in Film School and working as a Starbucks Barista one of my regular customers was the Producer of Chicago Fire.
During my last shift working as a Barista I asked him for a meeting to pick his brain about the industry. After the meeting he offered me a day as a day player PA on set.
I remember that one work day so fondly.
I had just bought my first car knowing that I was going to move to LA. I drove myself into the city crazy early in the morning. It was a freezing cold day in Chicago in December. One of the regular actors from Chicago PD had their morning cigarette next to me, talking to his buddy about how he was freezing and missed his home in Malibu.
That days scenes were in the Fire House set filmed on a soundstage.
I got to listen to the walkie talkie conversations. I remember the Producer telling the crew over walkie the network ratings for the episode that aired the night before, and that it was higher than the Victoria Secret Fashion Show.
I got to watch rehearsals on set before rolling cameras.
I remember being nervous to go over to the crafty table and take food. The season PAs taught me how to operate the bells and lights and when to turn on and off. That was my job for the day.
Towards the end of the day Lady Gaga walked in to watch her actor boyfriend finish his work day. Which was the cherry on top of an amazing day. My mind was set, I knew this was meant to be my career.