Behind the Set of Hawaii 5-0

Interview and photos by Maria Kanai

maria kanai / KA LAMAKUA

Priscilla Stafford is an Academy for Creative Media grad 

making her way into the local film industry. 

Meet Priscilla Stafford, a 22 year old graduate of UH Manoa and full-time production assistant (PA) on the set of Hawaii 5-0. The remake of Leonard Freeman's vastly popular show premiered September 20, 2010 and has since won the People's Choice Award by becoming one of the CBS's highest rated new shows of the year.

Priscilla was born in Yokohama, Japan and moved to Hawaii for college in 2005. She graduated with a double major in ACM and History at UH Manoa in Spring 2009 and has since successfully been pursuing her dreams to work in the film industry. We asked her how she got in and how she got her start.

MK: How did you get involved in Hawaii 5-0?

PS: Someone referred me to work on the pilot and so I came in to work two to three days, but I was able to make an impression and was hired full-time.

MK: What do you do as a PA?

PS: I'm specifically a set production assistant. We're in charge of the set, the walkies, we give information to actors, as well as the crew, be in communication with the production office, we manage the background/extras. Basically we're the first ones there and last ones out.

MK: What do you think about the show?

PS: I think it's a fun show! It's kind of silly sometimes, but the dialogue is fun, the characters are fun. I don't think it's a serious, dramatic TV, you know what I mean? I like how they show Hawaii, it's someplace I know, and it's fun for both people who live here and for people who don't.

MK: What is the most exciting thing about working on set?

PS: The fact that every day is new is always exciting. The work is never the same; it feels same sometimes, 'cos you work with same people, same actors, but we have guest stars, and new directors, sets, storylines, and stunts. Every single day is new and fresh, and that's what keeps it exciting as an art form. It's not a 9-5 job where you kinda do the same thing every day.

maria kanai / KA LAMAKUA

Production assistants hold a meeting on the
set of Hawaii 5-0.

MK: What is the hardest thing about working on set?

PS: The long hours, just trying to make time to rest and have your own time.

MK: How many hours a week do you work?

PS: Average between seventy to seventy-five hours a week.

MK: What are Alex and Scott like? How is it working with them?

PS: They are both really nice guys! Alex is very good with people and very personable. He gets along well with everybody. He's easy to talk to; he's very clear what he needs and what he wants on set. He's not afraid to speak his mind on matters like that. Both Alex and Scott know all the crew members by name, from the drivers to us PAs. Scott is really funny, fun-loving, he likes to joke around with people, he brings his dog to set (laughs).

MK: What is the most valuable thing you've learned from ACM at UH Manoa?

PS: Working as a team in projects, being able to think ahead, plan production. Most people think filming is just film, on that day, but you don't realize how much planning goes into just one little scene. ACM really gears perspective on how much time and effort you put into everything, from pre-production production, and post-production.

MK: What is one thing school did not prepare you for?

PS: The sheer size and just how much hard work it [working on set] would be…You're not taught to be able to network or meet, work with professionals. There are internships, but it's very hard once you're full-time.

MK: Do you have any advice for aspiring ACM-ers who want to enter the entertainment industry?

PS: I highly recommend working as a PA for a little while. I think it's a great opportunity to know what it means to be in production. It's always good to see what it's like from the lowest rung, and then go for what you want to do. Don't wait and be willing to PA for a little bit, just for the experience. Don't get side tracked.

MK: What's your ultimate dream?

PS: My ultimate dream is to direct. My half-way point dream is be an AD. But along the way, I would like to do my own projects, work on my photography, and always remember that my profession is an art form, not just a business. I want to constantly remind myself of that, even in the little ways.

Hawaii 5-0 will keep shooting until April, and may be picked up for a second season later this year. Keep a lookout for the next new episode coming up on Monday at 9 on CBS!