Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television

Winner: 2021 IndieReader Discover Awards - Entertainment NonfictionFinalist: 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Career NonfictionEver 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 its 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 dont 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 isnt 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 wouldve 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 ShowGofers 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 BusinessFormer PA Daniel Scarpati has written a book and dont worry he doesnt 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