Jennifer Barklage-Dietrich
Production Assistant/Release Coordinator
Can you briefly define your job to me?
Currently I work as a Production Assistant in Cincinnati on the MTV set of “Taking the Stage”. A PAs’ tasks are often very miscellaneous, but require a lot of hard work. On a daily basis, I could do anything from picking up garbage on the set to getting coffee and lunch orders for my managers. I also help with the shows release by getting release forms signed. On the set, the whole crew uses “walkies”, which is especially very important in my role as a PA. We do a lot of communicating with our managers on them. Throughout the day we get many requests over the “walkies” and it might be from someone we’ve never met, but as PAs we do whatever we’re asked! Recently, I was also named a story assistant on the set and with that title I help write the story line of the episodes.
How did you get started in the business?
I am actually a teacher, but while I was in school I decided I wanted some part time work to make some extra money. My father works as a Director of Photography in the business and convinced me to get involved in production. He helped put my name out there and get in contact with other professionals in the field. The production industry is flexible enough that I am able to accept or deny projects and I am able to choose my own hours according to my schedule. I’ve been working in the industry for a little over a year and I absolutely love it despite the very long hours!
How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?
Like I said before, as a PA you do whatever it takes to get your work finished. Our managers tell us, “Do whatever it takes to get it done, even if that means doing something ‘illegal’, just don’t tell us!” So, usually I follow that order and complete all of my assigned work! The only tasks I’ve had issues completing are having release forms signed by anyone who appears on the show. In that case, I first call other production assistants to see if they are able to help out and get it signed. On a very rare occasion if I still can’t get the release form signed then I will notify my production manager and ask what I should do next time or if there’s a better way I can accomplish the task.
Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
I would tell anyone to get him or herself out there. Everything helps and nothing can hurt. Have your name and information posted to websites or passed along through people in the field. Be over-eager too. The lazy people who stand around are the ones that get let go and don’t make it in the business. Be willing to help out with anything and put yourself out there to do more than your asked. Do whatever it takes and don’t give up!
Barklage-Dietrich, Jennifer
Production Assistant/Release Coordinator
7977 Bearcreek Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45249
(513) 675-2792
jenniferldietrich@gmail.com
Credits: MTV "Taking the Stage" Season 1 January 2009-May 2009 Story Assistant MTV "Taking the Stage" Pilot 2 October 2008-December 2008
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