Summer 2026 DMCT Production Assistant (PA) Workshop
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS: Are you studying film, television, or live content creation? Register for this FREE, hands-on PA workshop. Train alongside industry professionals and gain real-world production experience. A limited number of competitive, paid opportunities will be available to attendees.
PA Workshop
Same Workshop, Two Locations
Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
University of New Haven - Bergami Center
300 Boston Post Rd, West Haven, CT, 06516
Tuesday, July 7, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
UConn Hartford
10 Prospect St., Hartford, CT 06103
Lunch provided.
Starting as a PA is the most common way to break into the film and television industry. It allows you to network, learn how a set operates, and figure out which specific department (such as directing, camera, or producing) you want to pursue. It is a vital entry-level role where a person acts as a general assistant to support various departments. On a movie set or in a production office, a PA literally does "practically anything" to keep the production running smoothly.
CT students majoring in film, television, or live content creation are invited to register for a FREE, hands-on PA workshop. This Production Assistant (PA) workshop provides entry-level training on the essential skills needed to work as an office or set PA. Trainees learn standard set etiquette, industry terminology, and how to manage critical production paperwork like call sheets and scripts. Train alongside industry professionals and gain real-world production experience.
The workshop introduces students to industry terminology, on-set expectations, professional etiquette, and the culture and pace of real-world productions. Lunch is provided!
This one-day workshop will cover the following:
- Set Protocol & Etiquette: The "unwritten rules" of a film set, including crew hierarchy (e.g., how to interact with the Director’s team, department heads, and talent).
- Introduction to Departments & Crew Roles: Learn about the departments and crew titles that you will encounter on a production set.
- Production Paperwork: How to read and distribute standard on-set documents like call sheets, daily sides (condensed script pages), and production reports.
- Office vs. Set Duties: Learning the specific day-to-day tasks of an Office PA (making copies, running errands) versus a Set PA (locking up streets/doors, herding extras, and maintaining equipment).
- Gear & Supplies: How to use basic PA equipment, prepare basecamps for talent, and properly pack/unload gear.
- Interview Basics: Students will break up into teams and conduct an on-camera interview with an industry professional.
- Career Building: Format your resume to highlight transferable skills, interview strategies, and how to break into the entertainment industry
Meet Your Instructor
Alec Asten – Executive producer / director Firesite Films
Alec Asten has been an award-winning commercial / music video director, documentarian and narrative filmmaker for the past 30 years. After graduating with a BFA in Cinema from the University of Bridgeport's Department of Cinema and Television in 1990, he became a freelance director spending time in NY, DC. ME, & VT. In 1995, he moved back to Southeastern New England to become a staff director / editor at Sonalysts Studios in Waterford, CT.
In 2008, Alec created Firesite Films LLC in Mystic, CT, a production company specializing in the creation of digital video content . The Firesite tribe of cinematic storytellers, artisans and technicians have the experience and the track record to deliver award-winning corporate videos, commercials, music videos, broadcast documentaries, and feature films.
PA Fellowship
Students who participate in the one-day workshop can also apply for a 40-hour competitive, paid opportunity to shadow an industry professional. Six students will be selected and matched with an industry mentor (member of the CTFTVA) and placed on a Connecticut film/tv production in July-August 2026. These fellows will have the opportunity to learn alongside an industry professional and gain real-world experience. When registering for the workshop, students will indicate whether or not they want to be considered for the fellowship.
Who Should Apply
The DMCT PA fellowship is designed for students/recent alumni of Connecticut universities/colleges who demonstrate a strong interest in production, a willingness to learn through real-world experience, and a commitment to professionalism.
Requirements/Eligibility
- Current or recent student at a CT university (class of ‘25 to ‘28)
- Flexible availability in July or August 2026 for a 40-hour fellowship
- Reliable transportation to production locations in Connecticut
- Participation in the DMCT Summer 2026 PA Workshop on June 27 or July 7
Stipend
2026 Student PA Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend, paid after completion of the 40-hour fellowship.
PA Mentors
Are you a Connecticut-based film/tv professional with exciting projects happening this summer? Are you excited about mentoring a promising film student? Want some free help on set? Apply to be a Summer 2026 DMCT PA Mentor!
About the Program
The DMCT PA Workshop & Production Placement Program is a new collaboration between the Digital Media CT and the Connecticut Film & Television Alliance, designed to connect emerging Connecticut talent with real-world film and television production opportunities.
Developed and taught by CTFTVA Vice President, Alec Asten (Firesite Films) and CTFTV Secretary, Heather Elliott-Famularo (UConn Digital Media & Design), this pilot program provides an opportunity for emerging talent in film and TV production to secure hands-on training with experienced industry professionals working in Connecticut.
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