The Production Assistant Lifestyle Workshop:
Breaking In, Networking & Moving Up
Virtual
The Production Assistant (PA) Lifestyle Workshop – Breaking In, Networking & Moving Up
Working in film/TV means committing to a lifestyle. That’s especially evident during the current industry strikes in the US — our jobs typically last only as long as productions do. But even as work has slowed, there are still plenty of ways to get started as a production assistant (PA for short, a.k.a. “gofer”). This position has long been considered the entry point for many professional careers in the entertainment production industry — from Kathleen Kennedy and Mister Rogers to Bill Hader and Aubrey Plaza.
This workshop will put PAs in the spotlight. Instructor Daniel Scarpati is a former PA who worked on everything from network TV to feature films and dozens of commercial shoots (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5388350/). Daniel will bring you behind the scenes to hear about all the plentiful (and sometimes painful) tasks that PAs are asked to do so the show can go on. This workshop will cover many common tasks that are expected of all types of PAs, from in the production office to on set. Potential paths of progression will be discussed, and tips and tricks on how to network and successfully navigate from job to job. Daniel will also elaborate on the freelance lifestyle and explain why he believes that success in showbiz is all about who you don’t know.
This workshop will last 2 hours. The first 90 minutes will be a presentation and discussion about PAs and their work, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. We may stay a bit longer if there are many remaining questions at the end of the workshop.
Space is minimal, so if you’re interested in this workshop, register before the available spots fill up!
Instructor: Daniel Scarpati
After having worked as a PA for about six years, Daniel Scarpati became owner-operator of Passing Planes Productions LLC in Queens, NYC. He now works as a freelance filmmaker and camera operator (associate member, Society of Camera Operators).
After graduating from CUNY Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College with a B.A. in Film Production & TV/Radio, Daniel worked as a PA on dozens of primetime TV shows, feature films, documentaries and commercials. He shares many of his most memorable experiences from years on set and other life lessons in his award-winning nonfiction book, Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television. Keep up-to-date with him online at www.passingplanes.com.
What You Get:
- One full e-book copy of Daniel’s book, Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television
- 2 hours of education and networking
- PDF list of helpful resources for PA hopefuls and fledgling filmmakers (training programs, job hubs, industry magazines and news outlets, podcasts, blogs, etc.)
- Certificate of completion
What You Need to Bring:
- Note-taking tools
- Plenty of questions
Price
Key Members – $20 per student
(Get your discount code here)
Regular – $40 per student
Date & Time
Sunday October 8, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm PST
**All sessions are recorded and will be available to enrolled students after the session has concluded**
Location
Anywhere with a solid internet connection, it’s virtual! The course will be hosted on Zoom. Further connection details will be sent once you are a student.
Space is limited so register today by clicking the button below. Can’t wait to see you there!
If you have any questions you can email us directly at support@filmlocal.com