502 Film: PA Training

Before you show up to set, we want to get you prepared for what you should expect and how to ensure you will get a call for the next production and the one after, launching your successful career in production.

Our city and state are attracting a record number of film and TV productions because of our generous tax incentive, known as the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) Program, that relaunched January 2022.

Productions are able to receive 30-35% in refundable tax credits for bringing or keeping their projects to Kentucky. As productions increase, so does the need for trained crew. One very common way for individuals to enter the industry is by being hired as a production assistant (PA). This position can work in the production office, in a variety of capacities on set, or assigned to a specific department or crewmember.

Join us on March 1st from 10a-2p for our PA Training where industry professionals will walk you through what to expect when you work on a set. This free class is designed for individuals 18+ who want to enter the film industry and for age 16-18 considering their future career options and interests. As a special add-on to this PA Training, you will be given the opportunity to also register for FREE departmental training and a hands-on commercial production experience thanks to our friends at Simmons College.

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED DURING PA TRAINING:

What to Expect on Set

What does a PA do?

What to bring, what to wear

Different types of productions

Production departments

Set Etiquette, Lingo and Safety

Using a walkie talkie

Speaking with the public, crew and talent

Understanding the Paperwork

Call sheets

Contracts

Time cards, exempt/non-exempt

Creating Your Film Career

Rates

Choosing the right productions

Ethics & protecting yourself

FAQs:

What do I need to bring?

Dress comfortably. Bring a notebook, your interest and enthusiasm. And also maybe drink some caffeine beforehand. We have a lot of information to share!

What age is this for?

This training is geared for individuals 18 and over looking to enter into the film industry and build their career one project at a time. We will discuss details about choosing the projects to create your career, what to look out for in the hiring process and the different ways you can move up the crew ladder. We welcome 16 & 17 year olds who have interest in learning more about working in production. We also welcome filmmakers who have worked on smaller projects to join us, as this will prepare you for larger productions and their protocol.

Is this workshop only for people who want to be PAs?

All great journeys start somewhere! Our training will prep you for set life (as best we can compared to the real thing) and the many opportunities you may have to move up within the departments. If you know you want to work in the business, whether in camera and G&E to wardrobe and craft services, these are the basics everyone knows. Our training will give you an idea of how bigger sets run and a taste of what it’s like behind the scenes. All the same protocol, terminology, and hiring practices exist no matter where you start your career.

Will I get a job when I’m done?

Attendees who actively pursue jobs should find work when productions pick back up in early 2023. Many of those who took the trainings in the past have already been employed. We have multiple productions interested in filming in the area in the next few months and they all need PAs. When you finish our training, you will be welcome to enter your name into the 502 Film database which is shared with the many productions requesting PAs.

Will there be refreshments?

There will be a food truck on site at 2p with food for purchase. You are also welcome to bring a snack, lunch, drink or reusable water bottle with you.

Is the venue ADA compliant?

Yes.

More questions? Hit us up! [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Simmons College of Kentucky, 1000 South 4th Street, Louisville, United States