BCPAX & the CrewCall App

Our App is now live.

More info from Creative BC for opening. https://www.creativebc.com//news/industry-news/post/705.php

We have now made our group Visible to those searching. You can now request to join the closed group. Crew Call by BCPAX

Hello Folks, The long-awaited BRITISH COLUMBIA Motion Picture Industry COVID-19 Safety Guidelines have just been released along with this statement from Marnie Orr the BC Film Commissioner + Director of Production Services: DOCUMENT ATTACHED BELOW. ... "Dear Colleagues, We’re tremendously pleased to announce that the Premier of the Province of British Columbia has just officially announced publicly that we are in Phase 3. As such, the Province welcomes all production activity to restart or beginwe are open for business and all motion picture activity is encouraged across B.C. With this email, I want to share the final Safety Guidelines with you, and a news item contextualizing them with this announcement. The news item has just been published in the last few minutes and we wanted you to receive it first. We will send out a distribution this afternoon to those 400 companies and organizations that have signed up to receive them. Thank you to all of you for your time, your commitment, and your collaboration in creating this important document--it will serve BC’s Motion Picture Industry well and it will contribute to supporting the health and safety of the workforce and of the public. We recognize some of you are giving your time to many jurisdictions, all with the same intent and requirement of your expertise. Each and every one of you has made a significant contribution to arrive at this moment, and we greatly appreciate you taking part in building the Safety Guidelines as part of BC’s safe return to operations. I’m deeply proud of our work and I look forward to our continued collaboration as we move forward! Sincere thanks, Marnie" https://www.creativebc.com//news/industry-news/post/705.php

FB has changed how we the Admins can let people into the Secret group. Like this page and we can get you in the group. It's that simple.

OPEN LETTER TO PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS June 18, 2020 First off this letter is written by the Admins of BC PAX and the Admins of DGC Associate Members and Logbook Holders, this letter is by no means an official document from the DGC.... We hope that everyone is doing ok. We understand that the last few months have been hard in various ways for us, some more than others. Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of talk about the BC film industry reopening and what to expect as we get back to work. This is a time of uncertainty and there are a lot of questions about returning to work in this new covid environment. With uncertainty comes misinformation, and we’re working on getting good answers to share here. We recommend being respectful, civil, and kind towards everyone you encounter online. Hostility and the spread of misinformation can cause harm to the members of our community during an already stressful time. We are stronger together than apart. This is a very uncertain and unprecedented time for our industry and not everyone will be comfortable with what is happening. We do have good leadership in the DGC and the other unions in the Film Industry here in BC. They have been working together over the last few months on the return to work plan and that picture is getting clearer everyday. *** As per WorkSafeBC if you feel your work is unsafe for any reason, you have the right to refuse unsafe work. *** For PAs, this means that the Directors Guild of Canada is actively monitoring and talking with all industry stakeholders to ensure that our safety as crew is maintained. Part of this was the recent letter sent out to all DGC BC Members, logbook holders, and productions. It has also been posted on this page about what rights and responsibilities a PA has onset during COVID-19. The DGC is there for all Employees on sets under their Collective Agreement; Union PAs or Non-Union PAs alike. If anyone has concerns about the eventual reopening of the industry then please feel free to contact your PA and Trainee Executive Board Rep. Iain Carson-Huggins or by contacting the DGC directly. Feel free to share below or message these things to any of the people below. We will attempt to address and answer them. With the questions that do not have answers, we will attempt to find or push those concerns forward. SIGNED Admins BCPAX Admins DGC Associate Members and Logbook Holders

We get a lot of people asking for Jobs or for us to connect you with Jobs. Please Post jobs in the group. For those looking for Job posts please read below how to join the group. Once inside the group, you are connected to the 10k+ members of the film industry.

Now that the rain is here to stay. If anyone wants a Waterproof Headset please order one at BCPAX.com Or Text 604.833.2265 text only please as we are on set and phone calls might not be returned efficiently.

BCPAX now carries Waterproof headsets. Keep your headset working in the toughest weather that Vancouver can throw at you.

For more tips about how to maintain your mental health check out Walk My Talk Therapy.

BCPAX is glad to introduce you to a someone who can help with Mental Health and Counselling needs. Since Paula holds both RCC and CCC designations, counselling with her is likely to be covered by your extended medical plan :) What if I told you that this imperfect moment is the entryway into everything you may want? Counselling with Paula is an invitation to deepen your meaningful engagement with the life you have, since that is the best way to have the life you want. I have ...insights into the struggles that people (and families with loved ones) working in the film industry face, so it would be my privilege to walk alongside you on a journey of greater fulfillment. Empowering people to claim their mind-body health is my life's work in health psychology. You are welcome to call me at 604.229.4043 https://www.facebook.com/Walk-my-talk-Therapy-224601824932923/ https://www.psychologytoday.com//paula-bude-surrey-/398471

As we gear up for shows to start picking up, we want to let you know how you can get into the group. To Join, friend the FaceBook profile Erin Dixon (Bcpax Official). When we get the chance we will add you to the group. Once in the group, look for the availability thread to post your availability, leave the feed open for people to post jobs.

Let's make this better.

A Canadian Arctic Tank

Starting the year off right is about the basics of working on set. https://paxgear.myshopify.com//start-the-year-with-the-bas

All the sales we are having aren't only to provide equipment that you need on set, but also pays for this app that has been in development for over 3 years. Thanks for helping us out!

How we pack in the Props Dept

I've heard of all of these Weaslton Exlcusives, but not "Giraffe"

Meredith on set dressing blood for its big moment

Vancouver is one giant film set office. This is English Bay

Stay high #boomstick

#Rooster Wrangler needed on set

The #jlfisherdolly #filmmaking

The real Village People #director chair

#Blood and #Snow

#Grip View #film #setlife

#Camera Department

#1ST Day back on set for 2017 #movies #set #film #vancouver

It's too #cold I bought an electric jacket $133 OFF https://paxgear.myshopify.com//bcpax-exclusive-pre-order-r

One of BCPAX's owners, Meredith Garstin, Propsmastered "I Love You So Much it's Killing Them", which will be screened at the Whistler Film Fest this SATURDAY Dec .3 https://www.facebook.com/events/336844660027549/ Come join Meredith this weekend morning to check out some of the fun stuff Canadian Film is working on!

'Fathers and Son' the Whistler Film Fest candidate needs the MOST likes for this to be a winner - BCPAX's owner has helped out on the Director's films before, they are fun to work on, and the results are award winning after. Check out, and 'like' "Fathers and Son! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PseYKXfJQDQ&t=7s

Deliveries can now be made by calling 1-888-904-CREW (2739)

Our headsets can be customized in colour and size!

BCPAX has gotten a new van to deliver, a toll free line to find us, and new swag for sale. CrewCall is nearly here!

24/7 Delivery @ 888.904.CREW or 888-904-2739

Deliveries will be available on Friday. Please text to 604.833.2265 or 778.240.8135 to arrange for us to come to your set.

The BCPAX Van will be available to come to your set Wednesday and Friday. Need a headset and want us to swing by please Text 604.833.2265 or 778.240.8135 BCPAX.com check out what we have

Please use the FB group to publish availability or job posts. Posts for availability or jobs posted on this FB page will be deleted. To find out how to connect with the secret group please message us.

Only a couple of weeks before we can start testing the App. Get in on testing it by contributing to igg.me/at/crewcall also, extend your phones battery on set with an external battery charger.

Some people like to post for jobs on this page... Though that's wonderful we would like to encourage everyone to do so in our secret group. We have way more contacts with employers and employees there. Pls friend our FB profile to gain entry to the group.

Thanks to all those who have contributed to our Crowdfunding Campaign. igg.me/at/crewcall. We are 26% of our goal and climbing. Here is one more perk that we can't advertise on Indiegogo. For every $10 contribution (not covering a perk contribution) you will receive 1 BCPAX investment stock. As BCPAX grows and does well we look to share our success with those that have helped us get there. BCPAX investment stocks can also be found on our website.

https://www.indiegogo.com//the-film-ind/contributions/new We are offering an instant perk to fund the App, Crew Call, get a headset for work and help get BC's young film workers hired!

One week in to our crowdfunding campaign to finish off our mobile app. We've added a new perk. are you finding that your phone battery doesn't last the whole 15 hours on set. For a $25 contribution, we now have an external power charger. igg.me/at/crewcall

Been working on this project, and excited to share with all my friends. Please check us out, share and contribute to our goal.

BCPAX to date has helped over 4000 people get and maintain employment. This is just one of our many supporting goals. Our App is on its way to being complete. With this we look to support the film industry even more. We are now looking at the final push to finish the app. Please Check out our Crowdfunding campaign. Support us by sharing this and contributing. igg.me/at/crewcall

Hey all, thanks so much for liking our page and getting involved in the greater film community. We haven't posted in a while as we are working really hard on our App. Please stay connected as we are getting close to completing it. In the meantime check out www.bcpax.com and see how we are building to better serve the film community.

Shows are starting up, and we've noticed so has the cold and flu season. BCPAX would like to bring you some tips on how to keep yourself healthy and fit so you don't have to miss a days work. http://paxgear.myshopify.com/blogs/news

Set Yourself Up For Success this new year #setlife #BCFILM #BCPAX http://paxgear.myshopify.com//72463877-set-yourself-up-for

Things in Vancouver are looking bright today. http://goo.gl/Te0BYz Check us out at BCPAX.com

How to get to EI. Go to our Blog section and read the article. #setlife #BCPAX http://paxgear.myshopify.com/blogs/news

We are beginning our push to finish off our App. We would like to invite you to check out www.BCPAX.com And sign up for lifetime membership for only $5.00 and you will receive 20% discount on items, and have access to discounts on future services. Grab our Promo Membership and headset combo and instantly save on the headset. We have a variety of products already on our website, and more will be added shortly. From Brand name Rain Jackets (we can't officially advertise which brand, so ask us), headsets and soon to come PA set kits, we want to prepare you for the film business.

Hello! Our group is crowdfunding this year to complete the hiring board and ride share program for BCPAX Members. http://paxgear.myshopify.com//bcpax-headset-promo-15-membe To raise funds, we are selling a membership card with a lifetime discount for film gear specifically for PAs.Once our goal is reached, we can ship Meredith off to Lighthouse labs to code a personal hiring board which will connect this facebook group with the site. This hiring board will be given to your ...employers who don't use facebook. This equals more jobs! We also need to raise money for buying cars to share as a co-op with BCPAX Members. To support the crowdfunding campaign, and better prepare yourself on set, please buy one of our membership cards here, which includes a headset at the already discounted member price! This is the link to purchase. http://paxgear.myshopify.com//bcpax-headset-promo-15-membe Thank you! Erin and Meredith

BCPAX has launched Part One of our online expansion. We are proud to offer you the chance to look at our Website. BCPAX.com

www.bcpax.com and 1-888-904-CREW

Vancouver is a different kind of animal when it comes to the way films are run. First of all, PAs are under locations. Locations takes on a more important role here than in say Ontario. In the BC film industry Locations is in the unique position of supporting the Assistant Directing team, and by extension the production. Here are a few ways that PAs help the production. ... You are the extra eyes and ears of the AD team. Those pesky actors can sometimes wander around, visit crafty or find a nice quiet corner somewhere. Without PAs to help keep track of sometimes 12-20 actors, production would grind to a halt. When the AD calls for the director, or lead actor, calling out on the radio "#1 is at crafty" can save the ADs from running around, and save the production time. When a shuttle comes up and drops off, wardrobe, paperwork or anything, a PA is a huge help by connecting those items with the TAD. Remember, all things should go through the ADs. This could be something that they are waiting for on set. So by relaying that something has arrived can help ease tension and keep the day flowing. PAs are the front face of Production. If you enjoy your job, even if it's out in the rain getting wet and dirty (because lets face it, sitting in an office all day just doesn't feel right) you immediately can effect the mood of the set. You can either drum up interest in the project to crowds of people who then watch the show and could be the difference in ratings that take it to a second season, or you create a positive film experience for the neighbourhoods that allow other teams to film their as well. PAs are in early to help get everything ready for the crews. By being on top of the tents and plywood, you make an inviting set to be on, by being there for the crews, they will in turn listen and appreciate locations a whole lot more. The same when a crew enters onto a nice clean stage. Cleaning the stages fights boredom and is highly noticed, every chance you get make those stages so clean you could have a grip eat off of it. Spend the 10-15 minutes at the end of the day (if you kept up cleaning all day then this should be no problem) to walk through and clean off the stage flats, work as a team, don't just go home because you think you are entitled to it. Then in the morning, you can spend more time eating your breakfast burrito. Keeping a tight ship is not just a sailor thing, by keeping a clean stage, to a clean location makes you look super professional. Now there are many things that are not a PAs responsibility per se, but you are hired by production to help production. And though something may seem small, or that it doesn't impact the show, from years of experience, a well oiled Locations team, and knowledgable PAs that are on top of things goes a long way from a production being a horrible experience to a great experience,

Many people believe that Toronto is the centre for film and TV, but here in BC we know that we do more business. Toronto did about 1.3billon last year and BC did 2 billion. Toronto is home to more domestic and TV production. BC caters to the US studios. This might be why Toronto feels that they are the centre of the Canadian Film Industry, they do more Canadian Content. At BCPAX we are looking for ways that we can help to increase Canadian Film Production in BC. One way i...s supporting all those entering into the film industry here in BC, and soon, in Canada. We want to help take you from Crew Park to sitting at Video Village, so to speak. Our industry is very dependant on the level of the Canadian dollar. for every 1 Cent in difference is equal to 1% in savings. If and when the Canadian dollar returns to parity, our industry will slow down like it did several years ago and jobs will decrease. To change this, we need to support our incoming content producers. Either you're coming out of film school, you had a friend tell you about this magical industry and it has enchanted you or you have a project you want to get made. Trying to create that short film or web-series then you need a crew. We can help you connect so you can build a team, or find a crew. You can ask in the BCPAX group for crew on set. Ask for advice, Equipment, vehicles or get leads on places. If you can help or have skills in certain areas, let members know that you are available and we can be sure to use them. When first getting into the industry we all want to be paid. This is a given, but we get our skills and experience through helping in these short films. It is alright to volunteer your time. Especially when looking to build your experience and skills, or show them off. However, if you are producing you need to understand the value of your crews time. Don't film for a month solid and expect people to take time off work to do these things for free. Know your limitations. Industry standard is 12hr shooting days, in indy land, maybe you can do 9hr days. When you create content, and become a source for people to watch then pay it back to those that worked for you. This could be offering a job in the future, or helping out on their projects, share resources or tips. Maybe you will be the champion producer that brings all your projects here to BC. If there is something you need, ask away and let us help you build your career. That is something we at BCPAX support and are willing to help you achieve.

Becoming a PA doesn't seem like a goal that most make when entering film school. Nor is it the dream that we imagine when we are first told about an opportunity to work in this thing called the film industry. How does working as a PA benefit us later? Why would we put ourselves through what seems like a thankless job? First of all, PA's are one of the most abundant film jobs on set. From a low of 3 in studio to heights of 35-80 depending on the project. PA'ing provides p...lenty of opportunity to be on set and to stay employed. Being a PA is a stepping stone. The common path for PA's is to enter the Directors Guild of Canada and become either an Assistant Director or a location manager (there is a huge need for these right now). These jobs eventually lead to Production Managers, Coordinators and possibly producing. AD's can lead to directing, though this is probably more common on MOWs and TV series. For those that are not interested in Management or learning the budgeting of films and television, PA'ing can get you close to other departments. In any job search professionals will tell you to do your research and find out all you can about that career. You can see what they are asked to do and if it interests you start working your way towards that career. PAs can also be right on set, learning from the directors and DOPs. Stand beside video village, you can see what works, ask the technical questions (depending on who you ask and if they interact with you, don't just walk up to the director and ask him a bunch of questions), write notes on what you saw them use the crane for, maybe think of how you would have done that differently, see how everything comes together or watch what doesn't work and learn from someone else's mistakes. Then watch the show and try and figure out was was used and what wasn't. So if you think that PA'ing isn't that amazing job, look around you and take in some of those things that can help you in your career. Or you could just wait for the behind the scenes footage to become available.

Times are good here in Vancouver! The low dollar is our best friend. There are so many productions it's hard to stay up to date on the trends. Movies of the week are steady, features have come back to this city that makes us hunger for more, and TV season is starting with many Vancouver made productions coming back for a second season. We can see production levels maintaining at roughly our current production levels. As we are entering into the last little bits of summ...er, we shouldn't be fooled by how awesome and rain free it was. Now will be the time to invest that well earned money into some equipment to see you through the winter months. Did you have that cheesy yellow rain jacket that didn't work so well last year? Needed to use a garbage bag with holes cut out? Upgrade to something stronger. Gor-Tex is a good material to get when looking at rain jackets. It's stong, water proof and breathable. Many of us buy Arc'tyrex for its quality and the water proof zippers, though other brands like The North Face, Mountain Hardware, and Helly Hansen provide similar jackets and can be less expensive. When choosing pants, don't go for the expensive Arc'tyrex. Find a cheep pair from MEC, or some other store. The reason is that your pants will be the first to get ruined. A sharp object. Standing close to a heater, jumping on and off the locations truck, or just a branch in the woods can make replacing them an expensive proposition. Go cheap.... Next you want to consider a warm under-layer. Fleece pants and jackets/shirts make a nice touch in the winter months. Not really fashionable, but they are warm and when combined with a waterproof shell these can make 15 hours in the rain very comfortable. To complete the outfit, grab some socks and water proof shoes or boots. Rain boots are good, but shoes can be lighter and easier to pack in the car. If you are constantly out in the woods, look at Marks for some durable boots that are high on the ankles so water doesn't get in when you step in a puddle. Surprisingly Walmart has cheap rain boots with some having steal toes. Stuff all of these into a waterproof bag from MEC with an extra pair of clothes for those days you get soaked and you can safely stand on the road for hours. At the end of the day, being warm, dry and comfortable should be the goal and make the job way more enjoyable. None of the products or stores listed above are being advertised for. They happen to be dominant and well known in the industry. If you know of a store or find a product at a good price that everyone can benefit from, feel free to share it with the BCPAX community, either on our secret group or on the page here.

As PA's getting into the industry we may get all those Facebook posts about how when someone was starting out, that if they didn't grab gear and help out on set they wouldn't be back. Or A PA shouldn't just be standing around while gear is moving. If you have read these and find yourself on set, you might just be wanting to show everyone you are a strong team player.... But wait. Don't just start grabbing gear. Most of this advice that old timers give might work for Comme...rcials or low budget Indy movies. But on regular shows, you may want to slow down your enthusiasm to pitch in. If it's a Union show, then it's a Union Job. This means that the technicians (grips, Electric ect) are getting paid to move all that gear around. Many of these departments don't want anyone doing their job. When you help out, you are seen as taking away the potential job of another grip or electric. If I help them they will move faster - True. But that isn't the point. If the producers want the setups to move faster, then they will pay for it. Or they can pay for the time it costs to move at a slower pace. There is nothing wrong with asking to help a department along. Say you are climbing to the top of a large hill, some departments could use a hand. Or you are Prepping and Wrapping, Set Dec could use a hand taking stuff to their truck. Plenty of opportunities to help out. The key is to ask. They only department that you can just grab stuff from is props.... No not the knife, guns, keys, bags or flashlights that the cast use on set, but the cast chairs that are normally following video village around. Helping props with all this can be a big help.... then again establish this on day 1. Some props departments don't like PAs stepping into their territory. So tread this water carefully. Camera is the one department that you should not be helping. Other than carrying a stand or battery pack for them up a hill. The reason for this is the gear is expensive. Unless you are in their department, leave their gear to them. Last thing you want a broken piece to the camera and all fingers pointing at you... It's bad enough when that happens when in the camera department. The best thing that a PA can do is be informed as to what the next shot is. Pass that message on to the departments with hopefully enough time that they can move their own equipment. In our industry there is a lot for PAs to move, street signs, barricades, cones, tents, water-coolers, AC units, Heaters, plywood, Cast chairs to name a few. You want to make sure all the PAs jobs are done first before helping other departments. Sure the grips got their stuff moved, but that one cone will drive the 1st AD mental, for some reason it just does.

What should you expect when showing up on your first day as a PA? There is so much to being a good PA, we are going to start breaking down the basics. Continuing from the last post: You finally get the call, possibly at 10 or 11pm at night (this is common) as ALMs finally know how there next day is going to look like and what times everyone is needed. First, thing you do is open up your computer or cell phone. If you don't have internet then get into the habit of looking a...Continue reading