Thrive on Set: Your Ultimate Production Assistant Survival Kit
“The 1st AD yells ‘ROLLING!’—but your walkie dies. The director needs a script update—your pen explodes. A storm hits—your call sheets are now papier-mâché. Welcome to filmmaking without the right gear.”
On a film set, chaos is inevitable. But for Production Assistants, being unprepared isn’t an option. Forget one tool, and you’re the bottleneck holding up 50+ crew members.
This definitive PA toolkit—curated from my 20+ years as a PA, set decorator, and location manager—covers 25+ essentials to keep you sharp, from hot bricks (yes, that’s a thing) to sanity-saving headlamps.
What’s Inside:
The Core 10: Non-negotiable gear (like the multitool that’ll save you 10 trips to the grip truck).
Tech Power-Ups: Apps and gadgets to replace paper piles.
Set Survival: Weatherproofing, first aid, and why extra socks matter more than you think.
Career Boosters: How gaffer tape and a good attitude land you your next job.
“I’ve survived indie shoots with duct-taped walkies and blockbusters with tech tents. Trust me—these tools are your lifelines.” — Trent Peek
Your #1 tool isn’t in your bag—it’s preparedness. Because on set, MacGyver beats Marvel every time.
Bookmark this guide. Stuff it in your production bag. And when the AD glares at you for a working sharpie? You’ll smile.
(P.S. Coffee mug in hand? Good. Now let’s gear up.)
The Core 10: Must-Have Gear for Every Film PA
Forget these tools, and you’ll be borrowing all day (and annoying the crew).
1. Why Are Walkie-Talkies & Hot Bricks a PA’s Lifeline?
Problem: Dead walkie = missed AD calls = career limbo.
Solution:
Motorola CP200d: Industry standard for durability. ($250 used)
Earpiece: Hands-free operation during chaotic moves.
Hot Bricks: 2+ charged batteries (swap before lunch).
Pro Tip: “Channel 1 is usually production. Never say ‘repeat’—use ‘say again.’”
2. How Does a Multitool Make You the Set’s MacGyver?
Fix in 10 Seconds:
Cut gaff tape (scissors)
Tighten loose tripod screws (Phillips head)
- Pry open stuck cases (flathead)
Top Pick: Leatherman Wave+ ($100) – spring-loaded pliers save time.
Pro Tip: “Dull blades cause accidents. Oil the joints monthly.”
3. Clipboards: Why Go Aluminum Over Plastic?
Must-Hold:
Call sheets (updated hourly)
Sides (daily script pages)
Location releases
Saunders Aluminum Clipboard ($35): Survives rain, doubles as a fan.
4. Footwear: Can Wrong Shoes End Your PA Career?
12-Hour Test:
Timberland Pro Boondocks: Slip-resistant, steel toe optional.
Keen Utility: Wide toe box for swollen feet.
Pro Tip: “Two pairs of merino wool socks prevent blisters.”
5. Tapes: Gaffer vs. Electrical vs. Camera – Which When?
The Holy Trinity:
Gaffer Tape ($15/roll): Matches set floors, leaves no residue.
Electrical Tape ($5): Color-coding cables, quick wire fixes.
Spike Tape ($10): Bright marks for actors/dolly tracks.
Pro Tip: “Wrap 3ft of each around a lanyard for instant access.”
6. Why Do PAs Hoard Sharpies Like Gold?
Uses:
Labeling gear (NAME + DEPT)
Marking actor positions (X marks the spot)
Emergency mustache for last-minute BG changes
Sharpie Pro Pack: Fine + ultra-fine + metallic. ($20)
7. Mini First Aid Kit: What’s Inside?
Essentials:
Blister bandaids (you’ll thank us)
Antiseptic wipes (set dirt is next-level)
Ibuprofen (for you or the grumpy DP)
Pro Tip: “Add a $1 aluminum splinter probe.”
8. Work Gloves: How to Avoid “Grip Thumb”
Mechanix FastFit ($25):
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
Grippy palms for cable pulls
9. Water Bottle: Why Insulated = More Shoots?
Hydro Flask ($40):
Keeps water cold for 24hr (desert shoots)
Fits in most cup holders (essential for runs)
Pro Tip: “Add electrolyte tabs to avoid heat exhaustion.”
10. Headlamp: How to Light Your Way Without Hands
Black Diamond Spot 350 ($40):
Red light mode (protects night vision)
Tilt function for reading call sheets
Pro Tip: “Duct tape over the ‘high’ button so you don’t blind the DP.”
Digital & Tech Power-Ups for Modern PAs
Ditch the paper cuts and upgrade your efficiency with these essential tech tools.
1. iPads or Tablets: Why Go Paperless on Set?
The Problem: Lost call sheets, coffee-stained scripts, and outdated sides slow down production.
The Solution:
iPad Pro 12.9″ (Best for scripts/floor plans)
iPad Mini (Fits in cargo pockets for run-and-gun shoots)
Must-Have Apps:
Shot Lister ($24.99): Track shot progress in real time
MovieSlate ($39.99): Digital clapper + metadata logging
StudioBinder (Free): Cloud-based call sheets
Pro Tip: “Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ – a buzzing iPad ruins takes.”
2. Apple Pencil & Stylus: How to Annotate Like a Pro?
Why It Matters:
Circle problematic lines in scripts
Sketch quick location diagrams
Sign releases digitally
Accessory Hacks:
Magnetic Sleeve ($15): Never lose the Pencil
Textured Screen Protector ($10): Feels like paper
Pro Tip: “Set double-tap shortcut to ‘Erase’ for faster fixes.”
3. Screenwriting Software: Which One Saves the Most Time?
For Quick Edits:
WriterDuet (Free tier): Real-time collab, great for last-minute changes
Celtx ($20/month): Simple interface for script distribution
For Studio Work:
Final Draft ($250): Industry standard for professional scripts
Pro Tip: “Always export scripts as PDFs – not everyone has the software.”
Bonus: The PA’s Digital Survival Kit
Portable SSD (Samsung T7): Backup all media/documents
PDF Expert ($79): Merge/annotate contracts on the fly
AirTag: Track lost tablets (because sets eat gear)
Staying Prepared: Weather & Safety Essentials for Film PAs
Because no shoot ever got canceled for “a little rain” (until your iPad dies).
1. Rugged iPad Cases: How to Keep Your Digital Brain Alive?
The Nightmare: Sudden downpour + unprotected tablet = lost call sheets + angry AD.
The Fix:
OtterBox Defender ($60): Survives 6ft drops and monsoons.
Catalyst Waterproof Case ($80): Full touchscreen use in rain.
Pro Tip: “Test waterproof seals monthly—dust kills them faster than drops.”
2. All-Weather Gear: What’s in a PA’s Climate Survival Kit?
Sun Wars
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer 70+ SPF ($12): Sweat-proof for 12-hour desert shoots.
Columbia PFG Hoodie ($45): UPF 50 fabric (looks less dorky than a parasol).
Rain Apocalypse
Frogg Toggs Poncho ($10): Fits over gear bags, weighs 3oz.
SealLine Dry Sack ($25): Keeps spare socks/scripts bone-dry.
Temperature Swings
Uniqlo Heattech Layers ($15): Invisible under crew shirts.
Zippo Hand Warmers ($10): Toss in gloves during night shoots.
Pro Tip: “Store rain gear at the BOTTOM of your bag—you’ll need it most when rushing.”
The PA’s Emergency Add-Ons
Mini Umbrella ($8): For talent escorts (not you—priorities!).
Electrolyte Packets ($0.50 each): Prevent heat exhaustion silently.
Want more filmmaking content? Then check out our guides to the best skills needed to excel in the film industry, tips to become a better director, or smartphone filmmaking 101.
The Experienced PA’s Advanced Toolkit
When you’ve moved past “Where’s crafty?” and into “How do we save this shoot?” territory.
1. Laptops & Production Software: The PA’s Mobile Command Center
The Upgrade Moment: When paper call sheets can’t keep up with last-minute location changes or script revisions.
Must-Have Laptop Specs
MacBook Air M1 ($999): Lightweight, all-day battery for run-and-gun shoots.
ASUS ZenBook ($850): Budget-friendly Windows alternative with HDMI port.
Software That Saves Your Sanity
Movie Magic Scheduling ($199): Build shooting schedules that don’t make 1st ADs scream.
StudioBinder (Free tier): Cloud-based call sheets that update in real time.
Shot Lister ($39.99): Track shot progress live during chaotic scenes.
Pro Tip: “Always have a backup laptop charger in the production office—yours will vanish.”
2. Power Strips & Extension Cords: The Unsung Heroes of Every Set
The Crisis: 3% battery on the script supervisor’s iPad during the climactic take.
Gear That Won’t Fail You
Anker 6-Port USB Charger ($35): Charge phones, tablets, and walkies simultaneously.
Iron Forge 50ft Extension Cord ($42): Heavy-duty, all-weather for location shoots.
Pro Tip: “Gaff tape cords flat to the ground—tripping hazards get you fired faster than a dead walkie.”
3. Charging Stations: How to Be the Crew’s Favorite PA
The Hack: Turn video village into a power oasis.
The Setup
Powered USB Hub (Satechi 10-Port, $60): For phones, wireless mics, and monitors.
Labeled Charging Bins ($15 each): “Walkies Only” vs. “Crew Phones” to prevent mix-ups.
Pro Tip: “Put a timer plug on the station—overnight charging kills batteries.”
Related Article: Nomatic Travel Bag 40L Review – The Perfect Travel Backpack
Organization Master: Tools to Keep Production Flowing
Because “I swear I left it here!” isn’t an acceptable answer when the DP needs their memory card.
1. SD Card Holder Case: Why Is This Your Digital Lifesaver?
The Horror Story: That time a $5,000 shoot day almost got lost in the crafty trash.
The Fix:
Pelican 0915 Memory Card Case ($25): Waterproof, crushproof, and holds 12+ cards.
Pro Tip: “Color-code cards by day/camera—red for Monday, blue for Tuesday.”
2. Label Makers vs. Colored Tape: Which Saves More Time?
For Permanent Labels
Brother P-touch PTD210 ($50): Prints weatherproof gear tags.
Phrases That Prevent Chaos:
“CAM A – DO NOT ERASE”
“RETURN TO VIDEO VILLAGE”
For Quick Solutions
Spike Tape ($8/roll): Color-code by department:
Yellow = Camera
Blue = Sound
Red = ELECTRICAL (so no one dies)
Pro Tip: “Wrap labeled gaff tape around cables—peel to reveal info when needed.”
3. The Tape Lanyard: How to Become a Set Superhero
The Magic Trick: Producing gaff tape before the AD finishes yelling.
The Setup
Nite Ize Gear Tie ($5): Holds 3 rolls (gaffer, camera, electrical).
Carabiner Clip ($3): Attach to belt loop for instant access.
Pro Tip: *”Pre-tear 6-inch strips during setup—saves seconds that add up to hours.”*
Bonus: The PA’s Organization Hacks
Ziploc Bags ($0.10 each): For wet/muddy gear tags.
Dry-Erase Board ($15): Track equipment checkouts at video village.
Green Set: Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gear for Conscious PAs
How to keep productions green when you’re constantly told to “hurry up”?
1. Portable Cutlery Sets: Why Ditch Disposable Plastic?
The Problem: Crafty meals generate enough plastic waste to shame a supermarket.
The Sustainable Swap:
Bamboo Travel Set ($15): Lightweight, compostable, and hipster-approved.
Stainless Steel Spork ($8): Doubles as a makeshift slate marker in emergencies.
Pro Tip: “Clip it to your gear bag with a carabiner—lost forks are the new lost pens.”
2. Solar-Powered Chargers: How to Juice Up Off-Grid?
The Crisis: A remote location with no outlets and a dying walkie battery.
The Gear That Saves Shoots:
Goal Zero Nomad 10 ($100): Charges a phone in 3 hours of sunlight.
Anker 21W Solar Charger ($70): Folds into your backpack like a map.
Pro Tip: “Angle panels toward the sun during lunch—free power while you eat!”
Bonus: Easy Green Swaps Every PA Can Make
Hydro Flask Instead of Plastic Bottles (Already in your Core 10!)
Biodegradable Gaffer Tape ($18/roll): For eco-conscious art departments.
LED Flashlights : 75% less battery waste than incandescent.
PA Gear on a Budget: Smart Savings for New Production Assistants
How to look pro when your bank account says “student film”
1. Affordable Gear That Doesn’t Scream “Rookie”
The Budget Multitool Hack
Stanley 10-in-1 ($25 on Amazon):
Cuts gaff tape almost as well as a Leatherman
Loses points for no spring-loaded pliers, gains points for not ruining your rent budget
Tablets That Won’t Break the Bank
Amazon Fire HD 10 ($150 on sale):
Load it with StudioBinder and Shot Lister
Pro tip: Side-load Google Play for full app access
Refurbished iPad 9th Gen ($250):
Apple Pencil compatible for script notes
Look for “Apple Certified Refurbished”
Walkie-Talkie Apps for When You’re Broke
Zello (Free): Turns phones into walkies
Works if you’re PAing on a microbudget
Warning: Will drain your battery by lunch
The Thrift Store Production Bag
Military Surplus Messenger Bag ($20):
More pockets than a cargo pants convention
Spray with waterproofing for $5
2. Borrowing Like a Pro (Without Becoming “That PA”)
Walkie-Talkie Protocol
Check Out: Sign the gear logbook (yes, it exists)
Use: Don’t change channels unless instructed
Return: With battery at 50%+ or you’ll be hunting outlets
Clipboard Etiquette
Ask: “Can I borrow this for the company move?”
Return: With fresh copies already loaded
Never: Let it leave the set
Charging Station Rules
Your Devices Last: Crew phones get priority
Label Clearly: “Trent’s Charger – RETURN TO VIDEO VILLAGE”
Golden Rule: Return gear cleaner than you found it (wiped down, charged)
Budget Pro Tip Roundup
Dollar Store Finds: Mini notepads, pens, and bandaids
Free Apps: Google Drive for scripts, Slack for comms
Swap Meets: Used gear from retiring PAs
Beyond the Gear: Networking & Set Etiquette for Film PAs
Your multitool won’t save you from calling the DP “dude” at the wrong moment.
1. Set Etiquette: How to Not Get Fired by Lunch
Who’s Who in the Zoo
Director: The creative god (never interrupt mid-take)
1st AD: The drill sergeant (always say “Copy that”)
DP: Don’t touch their monitor (ever)
Sound Mixer: Freeze when they raise their hand
Key PA: Your direct boss (memorize their coffee order)
Department-Specific Rules
Camera: Never say “It’s rolling” unless you’re 1st AC
G&E: Don’t coil cables without asking
Wardrobe: Never let actors walk off with snacks (stains cost thousands)
Pro Tip: “If you don’t know who someone is, call them ‘sir/ma’am’ until you learn their title.”
2. Networking: How to Turn PA Grunt Work Into Career Gold
The Art of the Smart Question
Bad: “What does a gaffer do?”
Good: “How did you decide between 18K and 12K for this scene?” (asked during setup)
Department Hopping 101
Camera: Learn how to build a basic slate
Sound: Practice boom shadow avoidance
Art Dept: Master the “paperwork shuffle”
The Follow-Up That Actually Works
LinkedIn: “Loved watching you light the night scene!” + specific detail
Email: Send within 48 hours with a call-back (“Still thinking about your lens choice…”)
Golden Rule: Treat the craft service person like they’re the producer—because tomorrow they might be.
The PA’s Invisible Toolkit
Attitude: Smile through 16-hour days
Anticipation: Have sharpies before anyone asks
Discretion: What happens on set stays on set
PA Wellbeing: Surviving (and Thriving) Through 16-Hour Days
Because no crafty table can fix chronic dehydration and burnout.
1. Hydration & Nutrition: The PA’s Energy Equation
Liquid Survival
3-Liter Rule: Finish one water bottle before lunch, two by wrap
Electrolyte Hacks: LMNT packets ($1 each) beat energy drinks
Coffee Trap: Limit to 2 cups—crash at hour 14 hurts
Crafty Table Warfare
Grab First: Hard-boiled eggs, nuts, jerky (gone in 5 minutes)
Avoid: Donut piles (sugar crash by 10AM)
Secret Stash: Protein bars in your cargo pockets
Pro Tip: “Pee clear or disappear—dehydrated PAs make mistakes.”
[Image: PA hydration kit – alt text: “Film set water bottle and healthy snacks”]
2. Mental & Physical Health: How to Outlast the Shoot
The 20-Minute Power Nap
Where: Crew van > dusty corner
How: Earplugs + neck pillow = 20 mins = 2 extra hours
On-Set Yoga (Without Looking Weird)
Wrist Circles: From walkie grip
Calf Stretches: Against apple boxes
Neck Rolls: During “waiting for talent” moments
The Buddy System
Code Word: “We good?” = real check-in
Watch For: Shaky hands (low blood sugar)
Intervene: Swap with zonked coworkers
The Off-Clock Reset
Post-Wrap Ritual: 5 mins of fresh air before car
Sleep Hack: Blackout curtains + white noise app
Non-Film Day: Touch grass (literally)
Gear Up, Show Up, Succeed: Your Path as a Film PA
The Ultimate PA Toolkit Recap
From your Core 10 (walkies, multitools, gaff tape) to digital power-ups (tablets, scheduling apps) and set survival skills (networking, self-care), you’re now armed with everything to conquer the chaos of film production.
Your Action Plan
Start Small: Grab the absolute essentials first (walkie, multitool, comfy shoes).
Upgrade Smart: Add tech and advanced tools as you take on more responsibility.
Master the Mindset: Gear won’t save you—preparation and professionalism will.
Final Thought
A great PA is equal parts MacGyver, ninja, and therapist—solving problems before they happen, moving unseen until needed, and keeping tempers cool when the shoot runs late.
Your Turn!
🔹 What’s your #1 PA lifesaver? (Comment below!)
🔹 Need more? Dive deeper:
🔹 Bookmark this guide—your future self will thank you during that midnight location scout.
🔹 Share the love: Tag a fellow PA who needs this!
Now get out there and own that set. 🎬
(P.S. Lost your Sharpie already? We warned you.)
Peekatthis.com is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means we get a small commission when you click our links and buy stuff. It’s like our way of saying “Thanks for supporting us!” We also team up with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and a few other cool folks.
If you found this post helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with your friends on social media! Got something to add? Drop a comment below; we love hearing from you!
📌 Don’t forget to bookmark this blog for later and pin those images in the article! You never know when you might need them.
About the Author:
Trent Peek is a filmmaker specializing in directing, producing, and acting. He works with high-end cinema cameras from RED and ARRI and also values the versatility of cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema.
His recent short film “Going Home” was selected for the 2024 Soho International Film Festival, highlighting his skill in crafting compelling narratives. Learn more about his work on [IMDB], [YouTube], [Vimeo], and [Stage 32].
In his downtime, he likes to travel (sometimes he even manages to pack the right shoes), curl up with a book (and usually fall asleep after two pages), and brainstorm film ideas (most of which will never see the light of day). It’s a good way to keep himself occupied, even if he’s a bit of a mess at it all.
P.S. It’s really weird to talk in the third person
Tune In: He recently appeared on the Pushin Podcast, sharing insights into the director’s role in independent productions.
For more behind-the-scenes content and project updates, visit his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@trentalor.
For business inquiries, please get in touch with him at trentalor@peekatthis.com. You can also find Trent on Instagram @trentalor and Facebook @peekatthis.
