Avi Eshed is a line producer for a production company called Pilgrims Films and Television. They are known as the largest reality television production company in Los Angeles, CA. I had the opportunity to ask him some questions about being a line producer.
Brittney Cadott: How did the company get started?
Avi Eshed: - If you go to this website it will tell you the entire history of
Pilgrim Films and Television. http://pilgrimfilms.tv/about-us/
Brittney Cadott: What are some of the experiences that led to your position?
Avi Eshed: - like 90% of everyone that is in this industry, I started at the
bottom as a PA (Production Assistant) in 2002. I was a PA on "The Man
Show". I quickly showed the company that I could do more than just
sweep the stage and run errands. By the next season they had promoted
me to Associate Producer on "The Man Show". After that I moved to
another company and got a job as a production Coordinator. Gradually,
over the course of four years, I worked my way to Production Manager
and, eventually, Line Producer. I've been a line producer since 2006.
Brittney Cadott: What do you like or dislike most about your job?
Avi Eshed: - The job is exciting and no two projects are the same. On past shows
I got paid to travel around the world with the crew. The worst part
about the job is having to fire people and settle disputes between
cast members or crew members.
Brittney Cadott: How do you feel new technologies will impact the media industry in the
future?
Avi Eshed: - I think 3D and interactivity will create a whole new world of
television programming.
Brittney Cadott: What recommendations do you have for students?
Avi Eshed: - If you want to get into film or Television you have to go where the
work is. Los Angeles or New York would yield the best results.
You'll have to start at the bottom as a PA. From PA you can go to
just about any area in TV production. My advice would be to let
people know what your goals are. There are a lot of PAs that just
show up, do their job, and go home. If you don't want to be a PA
forever you have to take some time to learn the field in which you are
interested and talk to the department heads in those areas. They will
remember you when they go to their next job. Networking is what keeps
people employed.
Brittney Cadott: Where and how can students get started?
Avi Eshed: - Start with people you know. If you don't know anyone it's a bit
tougher to get in the door. I'd recommend, if you are a student,
trying to enroll in a summer internship program. NBC and MTV both
have internship programs. Or, you can apply for any open PA positions
by going on websites like realitystaff.com
Brittney Cadott: How important is experience and what is the best place to get
experience?
Avi Eshed: - Everyone has to start at the bottom. PA is an entry-level position
so the hardest part about getting the first PA position is finding
it. The best place to get experience is an established production
company (not an indie film or student project). TV is a hands-on type
of learning environment. No college or trade school will ever train
anyone well enough to get them straight into a camera or upper-level
position right out of school. You start as a PA and work your way up.
Brittney Cadott: What qualities/characteristics are important for someone getting
started in the industry?
Avi Eshed: - Upbeat and motivated. The people that complain or are incompetent
don't last very long. If you are very sociable and aren't afraid to
ask lots of questions you'll have no problem building a network of
friends and coworkers. PA is one of the hardest jobs in the industry
for a reason. The tough ones that can work 16 hours doing dirty work
get promoted. The ones that can't hack it do not.
Brittney Cadott: Is there an Industry Journal/Trade Publication you would recommend reading?
Avi Eshed: - Hollywood reporter will help you get a grasp of the industry as a
whole. I'd also recommend Entertainment magazine. For jobs, your
best starting point would be realitystaff.com
Brittney Cadott: What is it like working with the show of Ghost Hunters?
Avi Eshed: - as the line producer, I run the show from the corporate office. I
rarely go out into the field unless there is a problem that needs to
be resolved in person. This, however, is not the norm for Television
shows. I also worked on America's Next Top Model and the line
producer would travel to all the locations with the cast/crew.
Reality Shows are the new and upcoming trend for television programming right now. These types of shows are low in budget. That is a big plus in this recession and it is of human interest. The majority of programming now a days is reality. Ghost Hunters and America's Next Top Model, for example, generate high ratings from large viewing audiences.
Video Clip from Season 4 Episode 7 of SyFy's Ghost Hunters
Pilgrim Films and Television
SyFy's Ghost Hunters
America's Next Top Model
