HOW TO APPLY

The next “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program training cycle starts on January 11, 2027. To apply for this training, you must attend a virtual Info Session. Register here.

The application link will be provided at the end of the Info Session presentation. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please review the eligibility requirements before attending our virtual Info Session.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

We will be unable to consider applicants who do not meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• Available full-time and able to attend the four-week training program (Monday through Friday)
• You must be legally eligible to work in the US
• You must currently live in New York City (you must be able to prove residency within the 5 boroughs of NYC for the past 6 months)
• You must have a valid driver’s license (out-of-state is accepted). We can provide free driving lessons to a small number of select applicants if they do not already have a driver’s license. To be considered for this service, applicants without a driver’s license must have a learner’s permit and should be committed to driving on production jobs once they receive their license.
• Available after graduation to work freelance, on-call PA jobs on TV and film productions

• You are currently employed full-time
• You are enrolled in school
• You plan to enroll in school in the next two years
• You have more than 2 years of paid production experience
• You have a Master’s or Doctorate degree
• You want a career in front of the camera as a performer or an actor

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Before you apply for the “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program, learn more about being a Production Assistant (PA).

PAs provide support to the rest of the crew and are often asked to:

• Drive the crew and talent to and from set

• Load and unload production equipment
• Purchase production supplies
• Prevent pedestrians from walking onto the film set

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS CAN EXPECT:

• PAs work freelance jobs, and jobs are not guaranteed
• PAs work 12 to 14-hour days
• Work schedule includes early mornings and overnights
• Physical labor and standing on your feet
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions
• PAs are paid $231 a day
• Driving is required on most PA jobs; however, you do not need to own a vehicle to work as a PA

AFTER WORKING AS A PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

After working for 2-3 years to gain experience and connections, a Production Assistant can land more skilled positions behind the scenes, including:

• 1st Assistant Camera
• 2nd Assistant Camera
• Art Dept Coordinator
• Art Dept, Leadman
• Art Director
• 1st Assistant Director
• 2nd Assistant Director
• 2nd 2nd Assistant Director
• Script Coordinator
• Best Boy
• Boom Operator
• Camera Operator
• Craft Service
• Dolly Grip
• Grip
• Key Grip
• Gaffer
• Hair Stylist
• Location Manager
• Location Scout
• Makeup Artist
• Production Coordinator
• Production Designers
• Production Manager
• Production Secretary
• Production Runners
• Rigging Grip
• Script Supervisors
• Set Decorator
• Wardrobe Assistant
• Wardrobe Stylist
• Wardrobe Supervisor