Rookie PA Kicked Off Set After Offering Unsolicited Advice To Director, Predicts Commercial's Downfall Without Their 'Expert' Guidance

Behind the scenes, where one PA's voice echoed louder than the Director's.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• October 3, 2023

In the professional world, distinct roles and responsibilities are assigned to individuals. This design ensures that every project is approached systematically, with each person contributing their specific expertise.

However, there are instances when someone, driven by a genuine concern or personal conviction, oversteps their professional boundaries. Indeed, it's a common spectacle to see individuals deviate from their designated roles, often imparting unsolicited advice to experts in areas they may not have mastery over.

Such scenarios become especially pronounced in creative domains, where everyone seems to be passionate and have a vision of how the final project is supposed to look.

A recent Reddit story captures this scenario, where the enthusiasm of our narrator (OP) might have just cost them their job.

OP explained that they have been working as a PA to a video producer (Director) for a while now. Apparently, this director is currently shooting a commercial (Indy film) about a Tick Tocker who is starting a band.

The problem is OP feels that as a man in his 60s, the director won't be able to come up with good ideas that will appeal to the target audience, who are in their late teens/early 20s. Thus, OP has resolved to offer advice to the director on what to do and what not to do.

This definitely hasn't been well received by the director, who feels that a PA is in no position to offer him advice on how to shoot his movie. Worst of all, OP went as far as repositioning cameras and even offering advice to the actor on how to play their script better.

All this culminated in OP getting kicked off the set until he was ready to apologize. But OP doesn't feel that they did anything wrong—as a matter of fact, they feel that the director should be the one apologizing for swearing at them.

Scroll down to see how the story unfolds.

The story in detail

A little background

OP fell out with their boss after criticizing his ideas for the ad

OP’s mom wants them to apologize

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“Your job is answering emails and organizing his calendar, not weighing in on his creative decisions.”

“YTA. I'm in the industry and people like you are truly insufferable.”

“YTA. PA doesn’t mean tell the director or the actor what they need to do differently.”

“Of course YTA. Stay in your lane.“

“You’re a presumptuous employee who just tantrumed your way out of a job.”

“You are literally the least important person on the set and your opinion carries no weight.“

“Omfg you’re a PA and repositioned a camera!? Clearly you’re an inexperienced or completely shit PA.”

“Old does not mean out of touch, and young does not mean clued in. YTA.”

“You're a Production Assistant. Your job is to fetch coffee, send emails, bring talent to locations etc.”

OP is really getting the heat from the Reddit community. Indeed, there’s only one a**hole in this story, and it’s definitely not the director.

Commenters have reiterated that OP went out of line, especially since their job description doesn’t involve giving advice or setting up cameras. It’s even surprising that OP still has the option to apologize and keep their job—but whether they take it remains to be seen.

We’d love to get your thoughts on this story. Join the conversation in the comments.

Jesse