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GOFERS

On the Front Lines of Film and Television

Gofers Book Cover

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Daniel's first book is all about his hundreds of hours working as a film and television production assistant (PA for short, a.k.a. "gofer"). Come behind the scenes of countless sets to hear about the plentiful, sometimes painful tasks PAs are asked to do so the show can go on.

 

The book contains dozens of valuable lessons: how to start out with zero connections, what a freelance lifestyle entails and why success is all about who you don't know!

IndieReader Discovery Awards Winner

WINNER:

2021 IndieReader Discovery Awards - Entertainment Nonfiction

FINALIST:

2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Career Nonfiction

HONORABLE MENTION:

2021 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards - Nonfiction/Reference

Next Gen Indie Book Awards Finalist
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"Gofers" puts the entry-level role and work of a PA in the spotlight. It explains, step-by-step, how Daniel Scarpati went from making home movies in his backyard and having zero connections to working on dozens of primetime network series, major motion pictures and big-budget commercials. Through stories from time spent with renowned cast and crew, Daniel explains how to forge your own path in the industry. This isn’t just another textbook. The street smarts, people skills and practical life lessons translate to any industry.

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"Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television"

By Daniel Scarpati

Publication Date: October 25, 2020

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-578-76260-9

ebook ISBN: 978-0-578-76261-6

6” x 9”; 236 Pages

Daniel Scarpati Working on Set as a PA

A candid photo of Daniel working on set, taken by

talented IATSE Local 52 dolly grip, John Moustakas.

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"I so wish I had this book when I was first trying to be a writer/producer in L.A. I started as a PA, but this would've saved me the two years it took to learn the protocol of Hollywood."

  • Russ Woody, producer/writer of Parenthood, The Middle, Becker, Mad About You and The Drew Carey Show

“'Gofers' is a must read for anyone interested in breaking into the motion picture industry. Full of how to, on-set knowledge, and peppered with anecdotes told through the eyes of veteran PA Daniel Scarpati, it is informative, fun, and tells it like it is.”

  • Tom Reilly, member: the Directors Guild of America, author of "The Hollywood MBA: A Crash Course in Management From a Life in The Film Business"

"Former PA Daniel Scarpati has written a book, and don’t worry, he doesn’t burn anybody. 'Gofers' is a fun, scrappy, very readable memoir/guide to being a PA... If you know anyone thinking of trying to break into movies, they will likely appreciate this book. It would also be good for directors and department heads to read it, if only to remember: Everyone on set might write a book someday, so be nice."

  • Tim Molloy, Editor-in-Chief, MovieMaker Magazine

Candice Bergen - World's Best PA Highlig

“Dan... is the world's best production assistant.”

  • Candice Bergen, iconic star of CBS' Murphy Brown, five-time Emmy winner and two-time Golden Globe winner

TAKE IT FROM INDUSTRY PROS:

IN THE NEWS:

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FilmLocal Review, April 25, 2021

Macaulay Author Series, February 22, 2021

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Script Magazine, February 10, 2021

Beyond Film School Livestream, January 23, 2022

"Lopes On Movies" Podcast, April 21, 2021

"9 Minutes of Creative Wisdom" Podcast, February 18, 2021

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MovieMaker Magazine, February 4, 2021

"Just Shoot It" Podcast, Episode #253

Queens Chamber of Commerce, December 1, 2020

Daniel Scarpati's new book, "Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television" as featured in the Queens Chronicle (QChron) newspaper.

Queens Chronicle, November 5, 2020

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"'Gofers' is a thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves film and television, but is especially valuable as a guide to those thinking of entering this exciting world."

  • Jim B., Amazon

"Film and television viewers will find it an eye-opening back-scene description about how the 'magic' audiences view is actually created."

  • Lee Q., Barnes & Noble

"Working in the film business is a crazy way of life and Daniel has caught the magic, insanity and creative life of what it's like to work on a set."

  • Robin K., Walmart Kobo

"Honestly, I don't think I can ever watch a TV show in quite the same way again."

  • One of the editors!

"Half is funny film set anecdotes & half is a great and thorough guidebook with terminology... This creative, warm and funny book has HEART!"

  • Margaret M., Amazon

“What makes the book great is the storytelling. These stories make the book relatable... it's not just cramming advice down a reader's throat."

  • Judge, 29th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

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© 2022 by Daniel Scarpati. Queens, NY.

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