Cuyahoga Community College
ZNMC1200 - Production Assistant Workshop
Course Description
Over three days of hands-on training, participants will learn the essential hard and soft skills required to excel on a professional film or television set, including walkie-talkie etiquette, set protocol, and the breakdown of critical production paperwork, such as call sheets, sides, and production reports. This course focuses on real-world application—navigating set hierarchy, managing lockups, and understanding the "unspoken rules" of the business—to ensure participants can arrive on Day 1 with the confidence and competence to be an invaluable asset to the crew.
We will also explore the industry's diverse landscape, detailing the specialized roles of Production Assistants in other departments (Office, Locations) and across various media platforms—including sports, live events, commercials, and corporate productions. The final day will detail a typical day on set before diving into resume-building strategies, career-path mapping, and tips for navigating the freelance market.
Course Outline
Day 1:
- Production Assistants in Film and Media
- Film Crew Departments and Set Hierarchy
- Production Terminology and Paperwork (Call sheets, sides, DOODS)
Day 2:
- Production Office and Office Pas
- AD Department and Set PAs
- Set Etiquette
- Walkie Talkie Lingo and Etiquette
Day 3:
- A typical day on set
- Resume tips
- Finding work and next steps
Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of the Production Assistant in various media contexts and how they support production.
- Demonstrate proper walkie-talkie etiquette, manage secure lockups, and navigate the production hierarchy with professional decorum.
- Accurately interpret and distribute essential documents, including Call Sheets, Production Reports, and Sides, to ensure the crew remains informed and on schedule.
- Apply "set-ready" critical thinking to proactively manage a typical production day, from the initial morning call through the final wrap and load-out.
- Identify the broader film and media industry in Northeast Ohio, and how to navigate a freelance career within the region.