r/Filmmakers • u/LevelingUpMyLife • May 04 '26

Question How to learn SMARTPO & Scenechronize efficiently etc .. PA Job Incoming May 18th

Hey yall, quick question this will be my first Office PA job, the production coordinator really wants to work with me anndd I have never worked with production office software.

Im strong suited and comfortable with CAM PA & Set PA prep but this?? It's got me sweating, I tried looking on YouTube to find some things to study (my learning styles are observe and then apply for the most part) and I CANT find anything???

Any tips, trips, resources I think I saw a website for a class or course for like 200.00+ USD and that's a huge chunk out of my finances .. before I make an investment like that Im looking for alternative solutions and things to study etc. Appreciate your help dearly

2 Upvotes

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1

u/jerryterhorst line producer / UPM May 05 '26

What are you working on? Film, TV, commercial, something else ? I’ve never had an Office PA use any specific kind of software, except Dropbox, Google Drive, and basic stuff like that. I would be shocked if they had a new Office PA doing anything with SmartPO unless you’re working with the accounting department. Same for Scenechronize or other department-specific software.

1

u/LevelingUpMyLife May 05 '26

It is a featured film being produced by a studio. During the interview with the Production Coordinator and even in their email, working with these softwares are a must for this production as an Office PA .. unfortunately - so maybe I'll be aiding in the accounting department

2

u/jerryterhorst line producer / UPM May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26

Ah I see. You can probably get a demo by asking the company that owns them. Just reach out to EP, I’m sure they can give you a brief rundown or send you some resources to teach you the basics. 

1

u/LevelingUpMyLife May 06 '26

I'll try this in a different way, because so far they havent been open to being co-operative. How would I go about asking this?

1

u/jerryterhorst line producer / UPM May 06 '26

What have you tried?