Capital Film Arts Alliance and Kincade Productions Join Forces to Cultivate Sacramento’s Film Industry Workforce
Bridging the Gap: Grant Funded Training Program Equips Aspiring Filmmakers with Industry-Ready Skills
Sacramento, CA (January 17, 2024) – Addressing the need for trained production assistants (PAs) in Sacramento's growing film industry, the Capital Film Arts Alliance (CFAA) and Kincade Productions partnered to deliver a successful production assistant training program. Funded by the California Arts Council's Creative Youth Development Program, the 2023 CFAA Production Assistant Course equipped aspiring production assistants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in this dynamic field.
The program, held in December, was developed after Laurie Pederson, CFAA’s Executive Director, kept hearing about the gap in trained production assistants (PA) in the local film industry.
"For this particular PA course, we knew that we needed to build our workforce. We had a deficit of skill sets and experience in PA positions. I kept hearing the requests, the demand from our film commissioner, from other producers that they needed fully trained PAs."
The program offered a multi-faceted training approach broken up into three stages. Stage One featured seasoned film professionals sharing their invaluable insights from their journeys starting as PAs.
Stage Two immersed participants in Kincade Productions' online course, "How to Be a Successful Production Assistant." This industry-standard program, accessible throughout December, provided six hours of intensive learning covering essential skills, protocols, and best practices. Rigorous testing and certification concluded the course, ensuring participants were equipped with the knowledge and credentials to seamlessly transition into a professional setting.
Stage Three offered hands-on training and an overview of industry expectations. Local leaders shed light on what to expect on set, the diverse tasks PAs encounter, and the importance of etiquette and equipment familiarity. This interactive segment allowed participants to put theory into practice, building confidence and practical skills.
"PAs are the only position that literally touch everything. They see everything. They understand eventually how the whole machine works, whereas anybody who's in a very specific role elsewhere, they may not ever see some of the other really important roles that are taking place. I think the PAs first and foremost are the one role that has to be prepared to do anything,” said Pederson.
The CFAA grant specifically targeted educating local aspiring filmmakers, particularly those aged 18-24 and from diverse backgrounds. The program offered free access to CFAA filmmaking meetings and networking events, fostering valuable connections and career opportunities. This initiative aligns perfectly with California's recent efforts to prioritize creative arts workforce development and promote film industry employment.
About Capital Film Arts Alliance:
The Capital Film Arts Alliance (CFAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing a thriving film community in Sacramento. They provide resources, education, and networking opportunities for filmmakers at all stages of their careers. CFAA is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry, ensuring a vibrant and representative film scene in Sacramento.
About Kincade Productions:
Kincade Productions is a leading online film and television production education provider. Their comprehensive courses, designed by experienced professionals, equip aspiring filmmakers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. Kincade Productions is dedicated to making high-quality film education accessible and affordable, empowering individuals to pursue their filmmaking dreams.
The collaboration between CFAA and Kincade Productions demonstrates a shared commitment to developing a skilled and diverse workforce in Sacramento's burgeoning film industry. With the success of the "2023 Free CFAA Production Assistant Course," the future of filmmaking in Sacramento is exciting, fueled by the talent, passion, and dedication of its next generation of professionals.
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