Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television

Daniel Scarpati

Oct 2020 · Passing Planes Productions LLC

About this ebook

Winner: 2021 IndieReader Discover Awards - Entertainment Nonfiction

Finalist: 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Career Nonfiction

Honorable Mention: 2021 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards - Nonfiction/Reference

Ever hear of an entry-level job where the office moves daily, co-workers change constantly and responsibilities could range from unclogging a backed-up dressing room toilet to cueing the controlled explosion of a spaceship in the middle of a busy city park? Well it's a real job, the title of which is production assistant (PA for short, a.k.a. "gofer").

This is the first position that many people have in the film and television production industry. After working hundreds of overtime hours as a PA, Daniel Scarpati learned that success in showbiz is all about who you don't know! Come behind the scenes of countless sets to hear about the plentiful, sometimes painful tasks PAs are asked to do so the show can go on.

"Gofers" places the entry-level role and hectic lifestyle of a PA in the spotlight. It explains, step-by-step, how Daniel went from making home movies in his backyard and having zero connections to working on dozens of primetime network series, major studio movies and big-budget commercials. Through stories from time spent with renowned cast and crew, Daniel explains how to forge your own path in the industry.

This isn't just another textbook. The street smarts, people skills and practical life lessons can translate to any industry.

"I so wish I had this book when I was first trying to be a writer/producer in L.A. I started as a PA, but this would've saved me the two years it took to learn the protocol of Hollywood."

- Russ Woody, producer/writer of Parenthood, The Middle, Becker, Mad About You and The Drew Carey Show

"'Gofers' is a must read for anyone interested in breaking into the motion picture industry. Full of how to, on-set knowledge, and peppered with anecdotes told through the eyes of veteran PA Dan Scarpati, it is informative, fun, and tells it like it is."

- Tom Reilly, member: the Directors Guild of America, author of "The Hollywood MBA: A Crash Course in Management From a Life in The Film Business"

"Former PA Daniel Scarpati has written a book, and don’t worry, he doesn’t burn anybody. 'Gofers' is a fun, scrappy, very readable memoir/guide to being a PA... If you know anyone thinking of trying to break into movies, they will likely appreciate this book. It would also be good for directors and department heads to read it, if only to remember: Everyone on set might write a book someday, so be nice."

- Tim Molloy, Editor-in-Chief, MovieMaker Magazine

Ratings and reviews

I've worked with Daniel on film sets for years. Now he's taken his invaluable experience and written a step-by-step "how to" book about the demands of being a Production Assistant. Any reader will get incredible insight into the stressful and hectic world of a PA. However, Daniel also reveals the personal side of being a "Gofer" and the toll it brings both physically and emotionally. Film production isn't easy but "Gofers" can help guide you through the pit falls - - and SURVIVE!

This book is not just for those in film or aspiring to be in film. It’s for anyone who wants to read about what it’s REALLY like behind the scenes! The author includes everything you need to know about being a PA, including a typical “life in the day of,” and useful tips on everything you can imagine. He includes enough humor and true tales to keep the reader engaged throughout. A+ book!!!

Daniel was one of my favorite students from the Brooklyn College, CUNY Macaulay Honors College who has written an entertaining inside look at the trials and tribulations of young people who decide to make a life out of the media world. Perhaps it is more than you want to know about a world few of us will ever enter, but it is well worth the easy read, especially of the fads and foibles of Film and Television sets on location or in studios. I had a great deal of fun reading it, even when it was tough going for him. I look forward to its incarnation as a screenplay!

About the author

Daniel Scarpati is the owner of Passing Planes Productions LLC and currently lives in New York City, where he works as a freelance videographer, producer and director.

He has a B.A. in Film Production and TV/Radio from CUNY Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College, is developing his first feature film and (when not on set) is a metal detectorist in search of lost treasure. Keep up-to-date with him online at www.passingplanes.com!