May 11, 2023 | Filed under: Press Releases, Training
“Breaking In” New Production Assistant Training Sessions
Santa Fe, NM - Today, the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) announced “Breaking In,” a new series of online Production Assistant (PA) training opportunities for New Mexicans interested in working in the state’s thriving film and television industry.
The free, one-day, online PA trainings will run from May 2023 – July 2023 and will prepare New Mexicans to begin a career as a production assistant. A production assistant, also known as a PA, is an entry-level crew position within the film industry. A PA’s role can vary and include a range of delegated tasks, including office work, errands, set up, and clean up.
“Being a production assistant is an ideal way to launch a career in the industry, providing on-the-job training and valuable exposure to how stories are brought to life on the screen. No matter your aspiration in the film industry, learning the nuts and bolts of filmmaking as a PA is essential to success. ‘Breaking In’ provides basic PA skills and knowledge at no cost, so we can continue to recruit New Mexicans into the industry, springboard them into job opportunities and meet the growing demand for film workers in the state,” Dodson said.
The New Mexico Film Office has partnered with Silver Heart Productions to provide the PA training sessions. Participants in the online training will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental role of a PA, including how to read a call sheet, office duties, set etiquette, problem-solving skills, and more.
Michael Jones will teach the Production Assistant trainings. Jones is a New Mexico resident, executive, creative, and line producer with over 28 years of experience in over 36 states. His projects include “9 Bullets,” “Violet,” “Cabin Fever,” forthcoming projects “Code 3,” the New Mexico filmed “Robots,” and more.
“This training is to help establish yourself and launch your career to succeed in New Mexico and teach the necessary skillset,” Jones stated.
“Breaking In” training will be held online via Zoom and offered regularly from May 2023 – July 2023, with the first session being held on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Participants must be New Mexico residents over 18 and interested and available to work immediately. Registration forms can be found here.
Registrations for upcoming Saturday sessions must be submitted no later than 10:00 am the preceding Friday. Space is limited, and spots will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis