Respectful workplaces. Where was this concept when I was a production assistant?

It seems like the entry level position of production assistant was designed more as a long-term hazing exercise than an opportunity to learn the industry. People just tossing trash or garbage on the ground in front of you and saying, “the PA will clean it up.” Respect. Or how about the countless times that we were pulled out of the lunch line at catering and told that “the crew gets their food first.” Eh? So, I’m here a couple of hours before everyone else, must clean up after everyone else, need to stay until everyone else is gone, and I’m not considered a crew member? Respect. Or how about the time that the production planned this lavish Christmas party for the crew, complete with fancy invites and gifts, and we, as a group of production assistants, were told by the production manager that we weren’t invited and if we showed up, we wouldn’t be welcome on the production after the holiday break. All this happened to me, and on the same production! Respect? Yeah, whatever.

This article was written for 2021 Summer Safety Scene Magazine.