Georgia Production Partnership, in association with the Atlanta Film Society and Production Consultants & Equipment (PC&E), are proud to present The PA Academy.
CLASS DETAILS
What: (2) 12-Hour Workshop Days (see below)
When: May 21-22 | 8AM to 8PM
Location: PC&E (Overflow parking along DeFoor Hills Rd)
Cost: $150 Non-Members | $120 GPP & ATLFF Members
Registration Deadline: May 18th, at Midnight
Catered hot lunch by Fresh World Cuisine and craft services provided. Space LIMITED.
CLASS SYNOPSIS
This two day, bootcamp-style Production Assistant workshop is perfect for those just starting their career as a PA as well as those looking to advance their knowledge of what it takes to succeed as an office or on set production assistant working on commercials, industrials, music videos, independent films, television series and studio features.
Training includes, but is not limited to:
- Production Terminology and Paperwork
- Film Crew Titles & Job Descriptions
- Production Assistant Duties & Responsibilities
- Set Etiquette » Dos & Don'ts
- How a Typical Set Day Proceeds (on music videos, commercials, feature films, etc.)
- Locking Up the Set, Distribution, and Petty Cash
- Walkie Protocol, Terminology & Sign Out
- Setting Up Video Village, Extras Holding, and Supporting Your AD Team
We discuss gear and kits, provide hands-on equipment training, share resume tips, and where to find experience as well as paid work. Learn how successful office and set PAs as well as DGA assistant directors got into the business, what they look for when they hire PAs, their tips for success, and how to avoid their pet peeves. This bootcamp simulates a typical day on set to prepare new PAs for their first job, and more experienced PAs the knowledge and training they need to up their skills and compete in the fast paced and growing Georgia film industry. But this workshop isn’t just for PAs. It’s for anyone looking to work in the business from camera to G&E and wardrobe to craft service. All the same protocol, terminology, and hiring practices exist no matter where you start your career.
All students who finish the two day workshop are listed on the GPP member only website database, and offered internship and paid work opportunities for at least two years through a secret PB page that only these students and Producer Linda Burns can access for networking and mentorship. This bi-annual workshop serves as a fundraiser for Atlanta Film Society and Georgia Production Partnership for continuing education and outreach.
INSTRUCTOR
Producer Linda Burns runs ThePAAcademy.org with the help of Georgia’s best DGA ADs, office and set PAs, and crew working full-time in the industry. Each workshop offers a fresh and unique perspective to the students, with an ever-changing group of instructors and guest speakers. For questions regarding this workshop, go to ThePAAcademy.org or contact Linda with PA ACADEMY in the subject line.
The PA Academy was a good starting point for me. It gave me a roadmap with the guidance of industry folks sharing their expertise in different departments. The accessibility to resources and job leads was/is great! I don’t think I would have gotten that same exposure under one roof anywhere else. What I appreciated the most was the no-nonsense and realistic approach to the nature of this industry. Linda Burns and her panel of industry experts gave us what we needed to hear, not what we wanted to hear. There are many people who enter the industry for the wrong reasons. The PA Academy does not promise you a job nor a glamorous tv/film life, but it gives you a sense of direction and it’s up to you to make it happen.
– Marge
Linda Burns’ PA Academy gave me an internship opportunity that developed my career with the camera department as a consistently working 2nd AC. The workshop is educational and serves to prepare individuals to work on set, whether it is the film, television, or commercial industry. I recommend Linda’s courses to anyone wanting to expand their interests in the field of production.
– Chad
I've worked four jobs now in the office and on-set and I am IN LOVE with PA work and production life in general. Every time I set foot on-set PA's with more experience than me are asking questions and looking to me to take the lead because of all the knowledge and materials you gave us! Everyone on the crew is always shocked at how green I actually am. I cannot thank you enough for this head start, I finally found my niche in this world and can't wait to see where I end up!
– Lauren
I have never attended a workshop that was more thorough and comprehensive. Your sharing of your knowledge and experience was invaluable. Each speaker brought another facet of the movie business into focus. I learned more about the industry and movie making process in two days than in years of research. You are an excellent teacher and I thank you. You made a valiant effort to discourage people from pursuing work in the business who aren’t cut out for it and thinned the herd with stories of long days, hard work and stressful moments. I have taken the time to write this not because I think it will help me get a job but by way of acknowledging what an extraordinary experience PA Academy was.
– Kim
I never thought I’d thank someone for making me stand 12 hours a day in Georgia heat in a room without A/C, but I was wrong. I am so grateful for everything I learned at the PA Academy. Thank you for giving me realistic unfiltered expectations of the life of a PA. I went in without expectations and came out with the confirmation that crew life is the life for me. Some of my friends think I’m crazy for wanting to leave my “good job” with benefits for a life of uncertainty, but I don’t see it that way. I was built for this and I’m looking forward to the next leg of my journey.
– Felisha
CANCELLATION POLICY:
(all dates are by midnight)
- By May 13th: 100% Refund
- By May 16th: 50% Refund
- No refunds after May 18th
Space is limited and the PA Academy will fill up!
BECOME AN ATLFS MEMBER
Interested in registering for this class at a discount? Become a member of the Atlanta Film Society today and, in addition to your member discount on this class, you'll also receive year-round benefits such as: invitations to advanced screenings, free tickets to special ATLFS screenings at The Plaza Theatre, a 20% discount on year-round screenings, events, and workshops, and much more!
Plus, every membership comes with access to the annual 10-day Atlanta Film Festival—being held in the spring of 2016!
For more details regarding our membership and festival badge/card options, with a full list of year-round membership benefits, please click here. If you purchase a membership to receive a discount to this class, please email jessica@atlantafilmfestival.com to receive your discount code.
