Entertainment Equals Diversity
A Production Assistant or (PA), is an entry level position in filmmaking. The Production Assistant usually runs errands and is trusted with petty cash for a variety of Production needs. If you are attempting to break into Showbiz, and specifically from the aspect of below-the-line Production, this is a great way to get to know how Film and TV Production works from the inside out. So even if your an aspiring Actor, Producer, Director, Writer, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. Streetlights PA’s is a Non-Profit Organization who specializes in training PA’s and pointing them in the right direction, but you have to meet their special requirements to get your foot in the door. There are other opportunities as well, LACMA for instance has teamed up with Film Independent for more in depth sessions in filmmaking. Cine Gear Expo is an annual event held in Los Angeles, and is usually held at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. However the New York Expo has been postponed indefinitely.The Expo exhibits many Filmmaking equipment, such as Lights, Cameras, Grip Equipment etc. The event is sponsored by many known name brands in the Filmmaking Industry, such as GoPro, Sony, Arri, Mole-Richardson Company, Zylight, Matthews Studio Equipment and Samy’s Camera just to name a few. It’s a great chance to network with anyone with Director to Gaffer. The event is free to attend but you have to sign up. Hollywood Cinema Production Resources (Hollywood CPR), is a great way to learn what it takes to become a skilled technician in an entry-level Motion Picture and Television Production career. They offer training in various “below-the-line” fields within the entertainment industry such as: Lighting Technicians, all aspects of Grip work, Set Design, Production Sound, Editing, Set Painting, Props. As well as working with union representatives such as IATSE Local 80 who rep Studio Grips, Crafts Services and Set Medics.