Via
KeyPA.net:
Whether it’s the iphone, Droid, Palm Pre or Blackberry, smart phones have changed the game for PA’s and all entry level entertainment folk alike. You definitely do not need one to make it in Hollywood, but like my girlfriend’s father says: “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!”
Family Plan Side Bar: Staying on your family plan can be a smart money saver. An iPhone for example will only add on an extra $30 to the family plan (total cost of $40 to you if you’re nice and are paying your parents back) a far cry from the $100+ you’d have to pay on your own.
But be careful, after two years of being out here AT&T figured out I wasn’t living in NY anymore and forced me off my parents family plan. I’ve only heard that happen to two other people I know, but keep in mind it can happen and you could be stuck with a huge bill.
10) Flashlight
Yup, that’s right this super simple app made this list. It doesn’t come with your phone and it may be one of the most useful things you can have on it. Most of the time you’ll find yourself standing around while someone else is trying to fix a problem. If they need some light, you’ve got it no need to go searching around for the real thing.
9) Bump
I thought that everyone had this app by now, but apparently that’s not the case. Bump can transfer you name, e-mail and photo and all with the correct spelling! It currently only works with the iPhone and the Droid, but none the less it’s the best way to instantly share info and a great fun way to share you contact info and network.
8) Kayak
In my opinion one of the best online travel resources out there…and now in your phone. I love the way this app is put together, I’d use it over heading to my computer. It’s got all the functionality of the site and it’s super fast. Flights, hotels and rental cars all instantly at your fingertips for free.
7) Sunrise & Sunset Lite
I know it sounds stupid, but it’s on every call sheet and the number one question that comes up at the end of the day is always how much sun do we have left. No one has their call sheet at that point, so with the click of a button you can say confidently when the sun is going down. It can be helpful in the office too if you ever get asked to help put together the call sheets.
6) Units
There are a number of free unit conversion apps out there, I like Units. Get one, it’s amazing how often you need to convert information back and forth. Its also a great help when comparison shopping.
5) Variety & You’re Other Favorite Entertainment News Sources
Whichever source you like they’ve probably got a free app. There is generally lots of downtime on the job, now I’m not saying you should do it in front of your boss, but if you’re alone, waiting on something you’re picking up or just plain bored, pop open one of these and stay updated on what’s going on in this town. One of the best things you can do is stay informed. Not only does it make for good small talk, but it shows that you’re passionate about where you are and what you’re doing.
4) Parkometer
Silly name, great free app. This one will save you $$ and prevent you from getting tickets or worse towed. I’ve heard countless stories of PA’s and assistant’s cars getting towed or ticketed simply because they lost track of time. This guy also lets you take a photo and leave notes to help you remember where you parked in some of those underground labyrinths. I remember my first time picking up permits at LA Center Studios, it took me forever to find my car again.
3) Evernote
This app may seem completely unrelated, but it is in my opinion the best application for storing notes. You setup an account and boom, anything you need to remember you can access anywhere. Say you leave your phone at home or heaven forbid it gets broken. That extra long list of things you needed to do for you boss is easily accessible online. It’ll also store photos and let you record voice memos. Brilliant!
2) IMDb
Yup, there’s a free app for that. If you’re an assistant this is a must have. You literally have the industry at your fingertips and being able to pull up info anywhere on just about anyone in the industry is priceless. Move this guy to the front of the bus.
1) Yelp
No matter what role you play in the industry, if you’re at the bottom on the food chain you’re getting the grub. With two clicks of your phone you have a list of all the top rated nearby restaurants. You can filter by price, distance, if they’re open and even specific neighborhood. Not only is Yelp great with food, it’s a resource for reviews on just about anything. Odds are you probably already have this app on your phone. If you don’t, get it and if you do move it to the front page. I use it almost daily.
Michael DeHart is one of the founders of KeyPA.net. He has been out in Hollywood for 3 years now. Getting his start at Current TV as a part time PA, Mike climbed up the ranks securing a full time position following promotion to KeyPA, then Stage Swing and finally Production Coordinator. He continued to work in the freelance world in every facet from PA to Producer. Now you'll find Mike spending his days working on KeyPA.net, on set coordinating or producing. He grew up in the rural town of Cincinnatus, NY and was instilled with the idea that you can do anything with the resources around you as long as you get a little creative. He also loves cycling so if you're looking for someone to ride with definitely drop an e-mail - dehart@keypa.net
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