The Producer may ask you to go somewhere you've never been to and you'll have to find it in a hurry. With a good map, you'll be prepared. You may also need a map to help you find locations and draw mini-maps to these locations.

It's always good to have a pocket calculator. You may have to add up some figures fro the Producer or Production manager at a moments notice. For example, if the Producer needs to know how much to pay an actor's agent and the agent receives 12.5% of the actor's salary, you may have to figure out how much the agent will receive. You never know what you'll be adding up or figuring out, but it's certain that your calculator will come in handy.

It's a good idea to get a mobile phone or a pager if you're going do do PA work. In fact it is a MUST. With the pager/mobile, the Producer or crew member can get in touch with you when you're out running errands. If you show up to an interview with a pager/mobile, you will appear much more professional. Also, put your mobile/pager number on your business card and write the word "mobile" next to your other contact numbers.

Let's talk about vehicles for a moment. For most jobs, you'll need some form of transport unless the production company provides a vehicle for you which happens on occasion. If you own a pickup truck, you'll get hired pretty fast (this applies more in the US). Producers love PA's that own pickup trucks. With a pickup truck, you can pick up props or back drops and the Producer won't have to pay extra to have them delivered. If you own a station wagon, that's good too. And if you own a normal car, you should still be fine at obtaining work.

Always have pen and paper handy. You'll be writing yourself notes all day long. The last thing you want to do is forget something the Producer or Production Manager told you to do. The Producer may tell you ten things at once. You won't be able to keep track of all those orders. WRITE THEM DOWN! Write down everything just to be safe. A good PA is always jotting notes to himself/herself.

Carry a backpack or briefcase if you have one. It will come in handy when you need to carry your maps, production resource book, contact sheets, calculator, ruler, pens, paper, etc. If you have everything you need with you, you'll be more prepared when something unexpected comes up. Make a habit of carrying your stuff with you at all times. Carry an extra pen for the Producer or Production manager. They'll probably ask you for one from time to time.

You should have a good day-planner/personal organizer or calender with you too. Scheduling things is a big part of a PA's job. Knowing when events are going to occur is half the battle. Check your calender frequently to see how things are progressing and to see you haven't overlooked doing something. It's certain that the Producer will ask you when some event is going to happen. You'll be glad you have your calender ready to tell him/her.

If you're prepared with the items above, you'll be considered a top PA even before you start your first job. Unfortunately, a few PA's don't take their jobs seriously. This usually means their first job is their last. You don't want that to happen to you. By taking your PA job seriously, and being fully prepared, you'll shine in the Producer's eyes and be sure to be offered an even better position in the future. Some jobs will give you certain tools you'll need, such as a production chart. It's good to ask what they'll provide and what you'll need to bring during the job interview. Now you know what tools you need, it's time to explain certain definitions of things that are used in film production. They will be covered in the next section, called TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW