Some thoughts on #PayUpHollywood: Yes, showrunners need to advocate for higher pay for assistants but very often the studios will just give you a flat no. Here are a few other ways to make a difference that may be not have been mentioned yet.
I buy my assistant lunch and coffee every day. It saves them hundreds per month.
I read my assistants’s scripts and give detailed feedback. Believe me, I’m tough but supportive.
I have hired my last two assistants to staff.
When my assistants go to work for other showrunners, I am sure to check in. I often take the opportunity to remind them how fantastic I am and how their other showrunners pale in comparison. 😈
I talk through everything with my assistants, explaining why I’m doing this or that. This is true not only for every scene I write, but what projects I develop, how I handle running a show, etc. Every decision.
So working for me is a very detailed course on both writing & navigating the entertainment industry.
I ask my assistants for feedback on my own material. I’ve seen showrunners yell at their assistants who are they to have an opinion. That’s mean.
I advise my assistants on how to land and work with reps.
I let my assistants see every phase of the filmmaking process. Not just writing but pre-production, production, and post.
I brought my assistant overseas so she could see all aspects of shooting a pilot. Casting, costumes, production design, make up, hair, rehearsals, stunts, everything.
My assistant has sat in the edit bay with me. I’ve brought her to sound mixes, color timing, etc. She has seen it all, more than many staff writers.
When I was on staff, before I was a showrunner, if an assistant helped me out on a personal project, I paid them on top of their salary. I’ve seen staff writers expect assts to provide research or proof scripts for development projects w/o paying them. That’s taking advantage.
I’m throwing these tips out there to show that yes, we need to advocate for higher pay but whether or not the studios comply, there are many other ways we can support our hard-working assistants.
I’ve had many great assistants over the years and I honestly wouldn’t be anywhere without them. #PayUpHollywood
