Get started in production assisting with this webinar from the 1st AD of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 1 & 2.

In the highly competitive world of film production, landing your first job as a Production Assistant (P.A.) is a crucial stepping stone for anyone looking to break into the industry. P.A.s are the backbone of any film set, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. This webinar is essential for aspiring filmmakers and production staff who want to gain the practical skills and insider knowledge necessary to succeed in this demanding role. As nearly every renowned filmmaker has started as a P.A., understanding this role and excelling at it can be your ticket to advancing within the industry.

Succeeding as a P.A. requires more than just showing up on set. Newcomers often face challenges such as understanding the various departments, mastering the lingo, and knowing how to present themselves professionally. The learning curve can be steep, and common missteps—like being late, mismanaging paperwork, or failing to adapt to the fast-paced environment—can quickly derail a budding career. This webinar addresses these pitfalls by providing practical advice on how to avoid them, offering a roadmap to help participants navigate their first job and set themselves up for long-term success.

Gary Fiorelli, a seasoned 1st Assistant Director with the Directors Guild of America, brings decades of experience from working on large-scale productions across the globe. Starting his career as a production assistant, Gary has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this entry-level role. His impressive resume includes work on iconic films and TV shows such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Sons of Anarchy," "Supergirl," and "All American." With a career that spans major productions in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, Gary offers unparalleled insights into the world of film production, making him the ideal mentor for aspiring P.A.s.

In this exclusive online webinar, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the P.A. role, including the essential skills needed to thrive on set. The webinar will cover everything from preparing for your first day—such as creating a film-friendly resume and understanding your rate of pay—to mastering on-set procedures like operating a walkie-talkie and handling safety protocols. You’ll also learn how to navigate challenging environments, manage unexpected situations, and build a strong foundation for your career in film production. By the end of the course, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impression on your first day and beyond, setting the stage for a successful career in the industry.

PLUS! Receive the exclusive handouts:

• Sample Production Assistant Resume

• Sample Call Sheet

"I am thrilled that my years of experience as a 1st AD for major films and TV productions have led me to Stage 32, where I get to share my knowledge with the future of the industry."

-Your Stage 32 Instructor, Gary Fiorelli

What You Will Learn:

• First Job = P.A. (Production Assistant) & What the Job Entails

• Transferable Skills Needed of all P.A.’s. 

• On Set Breakdown – Learn about Departments & Skills you’ll need. 

• How to treat every set like it’s a multi-million dollar set. 

Job Search: 

• Find Productions 

• Create film-friendly Resumes 

• Interview effectively 

• Get Hired for the 1st DAY!

Prep For Day 1: 

• Know what your Rate of Pay is (HOURLY and DURATION)

• ASK FOR CALL SHEET/MAP + START PAPERWORK

• Know Where to PARK & REPORT & ADD 30 MINUTES

• Check Weather 
  

Day 1

• EARLY = ON TIME → ON TIME = LATE → LATE = FAST FOOD SERVICE?

• STAKES ARE HIGH – Treat the job like it’s $100,000 an hour. 

• Park as directed – NAME/CONTACT on Dashboard 

• Report to AD’s 

• Complete Start Paperwork Correctly 

• Bring Work Documents 

• Meet Staff 

• Get Tools 

Day 1 Tools & Documents

• Walkie Talkie - How to Operate + Language/Terms 

• Safety → General Set Safety 

• ex: Animals, Live Traffic, Pedestrians, Rain, SFX, Explosions

• CALL SHEET is the daily plan of action

• Always be courteous and patient

First Day (As Additional Pa) 

• What to expect…

• Large Crowds

• Urban Ext. Challenges 

• Difficult Locations

• 1 Lane roads 

• Limited Access to Set 

• SFX – Explosions, Gunfire 

• Aircraft/Water Vessels

• Know what your responsibilities are for each new location/set

• Understanding the language of film 

• How to stop filming and WRAP the Company

• Great first day = Getting called back → Career Begins 

Q&A with Gary

Actors of all levels who want to gain on-set experience.

Filmmakers of all levels who want to learn by watching more experienced directors.

Producers of all levels who want to understand the job of the “backbone of a film set.”

"I am thrilled that my years of experience as a 1st AD for major films and TV productions have led me to Stage 32, where I get to share my knowledge with the future of the industry."

-Your Stage 32 Instructor, Gary Fiorelli