James Wright here. I had the opportunity to work as a production assistant/runner on the set of As the World Turns when they taped here on campus a few months ago. It was my first time doing anything like it and I had a really good time and learned a lot.

I arrived on the set at 7:30AM, and was put to work at once collecting information sheets from the various extras who would be appearing in the different scenes. After which, there was a good bit of standing around while the crew (cameramen, grips, gaffers, etc.) were setting up. I looked on as they started to shoot the first scene, and they ran through it a few times before getting it just the way they wanted it. If I remember correctly, the plot involved 3 teenagers who had run away and were hiding out by blending in on college campuses. The main scene for the morning was a type of garden party that was being held on the front lawn of the Frick Arts Building. The extras were dressed either as attendees, or as waitrons, and some of the members of the glee club stood singing the school song on the steps leading up to the building.

I realized pretty quickly that the job of the P.A. is to do whatever is needed, and to be wherever you're needed. When I wasn't standing around (there was actually a lot of this), I was mostly helping out Joe, the prop master. We (the other runners and I) did a lot of carrying trays (which were used in the scene) on and off the set as needed, as well as refilling the extras' drinks with soda (or pop, if you prefer) and ice.

In addition to this, I had to run and grab chairs for the A.D., make copies of a grip's passport and permit, and grab umbrellas from the prop truck when it looked like it was going to rain. When possible I spent a good deal of time talking to Joe about his job (he'd done prop work on programs like "The Cosby Show"), and he asked me what I was studying. I told him that I was interested in writing, and when the shoot wrapped, he gave me a copy of the complete script for that day's shoot.

After the outdoor segments, which took up most of the time, we all moved inside for a second key scene in the Frick Arts Atrium. The extras had all gone home since they were no longer needed. There wasn't nearly as much work required for the indoor segments (mostly making sure people passing in the halls remained quiet and didn't trip over any stray wires), so I sat with the Wardrobe Assistants and watched the filming of the scene.

When this wrapped, at about 1:00PM, everyone (cast and crew) lined up at the caterers table and had lunch. After thanking the producer and Joe for the opportunity, I headed to class.

I hope this helps!