The Set PA Kit: What You Actually Need (and What You Don’t)

If you’re stepping onto set as a Set Production Assistant, there’s always that moment of panic before day one: What do I bring? how do I preparee this day?! You’ll find a lot of lists online telling you to pack your entire life into a backpack. Multiple notebooks, highlighters, post-its, basically the whole office… it gets excessive fast.

But I want to keep it simple, so you take only what’s needed. Being a great Set PA isn’t about having the most stationary, it’s about being prepared, present, and useful.

Here’s the real Set PA kit. The one that actually works on set.

Sharpie

This is non-negotiable. Your Sharpie will get used all day, every day. Labeling walkies, marking paperwork, tagging props, writing on tape — it’s one of the most borrowed items on set. If you have one, you’re already useful.

Call Sheet (Hard Copy)

Yes, you’ll have it on your phone. Print it anyway. or make sure you get one once you arrive on set.

Your phone can/will die, you’ll be in a no-service area, or someone will ask you a question and you need the answer immediately. Having a physical call sheet makes you faster and more reliable. It also helps you learn the names, departments, and flow of the day without constantly having to look at your phone.

Pen

Simple, but essential. You’ll be writing things down constantly. Loaning it out is part of the job too, so don’t bring just one if you can help it.

Hot Brick (Walkie Battery)

If you’re on a walkie, you should have a hot brick on you or know exactly where to get one. Dead walkie = you’re out of the loop. And on set, being out of the loop is how mistakes happen.

External Phone Battery

Your phone is a tool on set. You’ll use it for communication, notes, reference, and sometimes coordination. If your phone dies halfway through the day, you become harder to reach and less effective. An external battery keeps you in the game.

Sides (Extra Copies)

These are the script pages for the day. And no, they’re not really for you.

They’re for the actor who lost theirs. The director who needs another copy. The background PA who’s trying to track continuity. Having extra sides on you makes you incredibly valuable because you’re solving problems before they grow.

Personal Items for a Full Day

This is where people underestimate the job. Set days are long. Sometimes very long.

Bring what you need to stay functional: snacks, water, any medication, hygiene essentials. If you’re not taking care of yourself, your work will slip. Simple as that. For me personally it’s chapstick, hand lotion, and gum.

Let’s Talk About Notebooks (Because This Might Surprise You)

A lot of advice out there will tell you to carry a small notebook or a stack of Post-its.

You don’t need it.

That might sound controversial, but here’s why: you already have better tools in your hands.

You can use the back of your sides to write down notes, track background, or jot quick reminders. That’s what I used to do all the time — especially for charting background. It keeps everything tied to the scene you’re working on, which is actually more useful than flipping through a separate notebook. But I will say if it works for you than ok – I can’t argue with that.

But you can, use your phone. A quick note app works perfectly for orders, reminders, or anything you need to reference later.

Adding extra items just creates more to manage. On set, simplicity wins.

Honorable Mentions: Be Ready for the Elements

Your kit isn’t just what’s in your hands, it’s what you wear and how you prepare.

Check the weather before you step on set.

If it’s going to rain, bring rain gear.
If it’s cold, layer up.
If it’s summer, think sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Nothing slows you down faster than being physically uncomfortable for 12+ hours. When you’re prepared for the environment, you stay focused and useful.

Final Thought

The best Set PAs aren’t the ones with the biggest kits. They’re the ones who are ready, aware, and adaptable.

Everything on this list has one purpose: to help you solve problems quickly and stay present on set.

That’s the job.

And if you can do that consistently, you won’t stay a PA for long.