Film & TV Production Assistant Certificate
Ready to break into large-scale film & TV production?
This course will prepare individuals to support the successful execution of film and television production projects. Learners will be equipped with entry-level knowledge as they immerse themselves in the work behind premium entertainment production. Hands-on experiences in various aspects of the production process will enable learners to work closely with production teams, while maintaining a positive and collaborative atmosphere on set.
The Film & TV Production Assistant Certificate Program is a collaboration between Shadowbox Backlot Academy and Emory Continuing Education
Shadowbox Studios is a global industry-leading state-of-the-art independent studio with an 850,000 square foot facility located in DeKalb County, Georgia. This facility has been home to such blockbuster features as ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’, ‘Jungle Cruise’ and ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’.
Shadowbox Backlot Academy is Shadowbox Studios’ in-house workforce development platform that provides industry-led certifications and “last mile” training programs for individuals that seek an entry-level pathway to production work in the film industry. The skills-based program is designed to prepare On-Set Production Assistants with a full overview of the mechanics and workings of a large-scale production. Shadowbox will actively seek to place successful completers in positions on productions at Shadowbox Studios.
Film & TV Production Assistant Program Badge
Feature your skills through an official digital badge from Emory. These are issued at program completion and can be displayed in your online channels like Linkedin.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, students will be sufficiently prepared to:
- Operate walkies with technical proficiency while using widely accepted on-set lingo. This includes management of the check-in, check-out process for on-set walkie distribution.
- Coordinate and execute different On-Set Lockups, including those required for visual accuracy of a shot, sound, and safety.
- Extract essential information from production documents such as callsheets, sides, scripts, storyboards and crew lists.
- Provide invaluable assistance during shoots, including setting up and maintaining equipment, assisting with lighting and sound setups, and ensuring a tidy and safe set environment.
- Guide actors through the prep process including Hair, Makeup and other departments as needed for principal photography, while communicating status out to the team.
- Offer problem-solving support and task-level logistical support to other production personnel as needed, fostering a positive, professional and productive work atmosphere.
- Handle administrative tasks in support of the production of necessary paperwork, schedules, and the generation of organized production records.
- Assist as directed in certain pre-production tasks, including location scouting, gathering props, organizing equipment, and other necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless production process.
- Assist with crowd management and coordination during shoots that involve public locked off locations.
- Collaborate with the post-production team as needed, helping with tasks like media organization, logging footage, and assisting with editing processes.
CAREER OUTLOOK
These are examples of roles graduates could fill:
- First Team Production Assistant
- Background Production Assistant
- Key Set Production Assistant
- Basecamp Production Assistant
- Walkie and Distro Production Assistant
Certificate Highlights
Duration
3 months
Cost
$8,995
Time Commitment
151 hours
Location
Online via Zoom and Shadowbox Studios
Next Program Start
March 28, 2024
REQUIREMENTS
To receive the certificate, students must:
- Adhere to the published Attendance Policy. Trainees may not miss more than two class sessions. All absences must be approved in advance of class session.
- Demonstrate knowledge proficiency on written and field assessments.
- Achieve a minimum score of 80 on the Shadowbox assessment algorithm that includes a weighted blended score for Weekly Attendance, Punctuality, Participation, Quizzes, Field Assessments and Mentor Endorsements.
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
Interested in this program, but unsure of the costs? If so, this scholarship opportunity may be for you. Scholarship support requires each applicant to provide proof of need. This requirement will center around providing your reasoning of interest in Film and TV Production and an explanation detailing your financial situation and how this scholarship will be beneficial for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The career path of a PA can go in many different directions. It is a launching point that can set you toward many different career goals in the entertainment industry. Technically, the On-Set PA operates in the Production Department under the Assistant Director (AD), but the position offers exposure to many different departments at work on a production, allowing for opportunities to move laterally.
Program Modules
- Modules 1-4: Set Essentials (Orientation & Departments, Interdepartmental Communication, Safety & Set Readiness, PA Bootcamp)
- Modules 5-9: Craft Overviews (Office & Accounting, Key Scenic & Paint, Props & Set Dressing, Grip Electric, Locations & Tech Scouting)
- Modules 10-16: Craft Skills (Production Deep Dive, AD Team, Set/Office PA, Kit Building, Radio Drills, Background PA)
- Modules 17-18: Soft Skills (Communication & Collaboration, Career Essentials, Interview Prep
- Module 19: Production Scenarios/Field Assessments
Audience
The following types of people will benefit from this program:
- Enrolled in or have graduated from any media related training program. (Not Required)
- Willing to work hard and learn about a fast-growing industry.
- Possess a transferrable skill or specific experience including, but not limited to:
- logistics
- event planning
- carpentry
- painting
- cosmetology
- office administration
- accounting