WORK FOR BROOKLYN'S PAT

Want a job in TV and Film Production?

The “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program is a freefive week nonprofit training program, taught by industry professionals, and followed by two years of job placement. No previous production experience is required

What is a PA?
A production assistant (PA) provides support to the rest of the crew on a production. PAs work on movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos and other productions. As a PA you may

• Drive crew to and from set
• Pick up equipment and purchase production supplies
• Perform ‘lockup’ so that pedestrians don’t walk onto the film set

PA is the entry level position for the TV and film production industry – almost everyone starts out as a PA. After working as a PA for one to two years to gain experience and connections, you can move up into more skilled positions in specific crew departments. BWI works with “Made in NY” PAs for at least two years to help you find production work, define your interests and advance your career.

As a PA you can expect

• Long hours – 12-16 hour workdays; early morning, evening and weekend work
• Physical labor – you will be on your feet all day and must be able to lift and bend at least 50 pounds
• Outdoor work in all weather
• Freelance work – you will be hired day to day, and project to project; most jobs will not include benefits and you will usually not know your work schedule in advance
• Pay rates of about $100-$200/day

*Please consider whether these working conditions are right for you before applying.*

The “Made in NY” PA family includes hundreds of alumni, employers, instructors and industry friends committed to our graduates’ success. If you’ve seen these productions, you’ve seen the work of a “Made in NY” PA!

Who should apply?
BWI is looking for applicants who come from a very low-income background, who are currently out of work or earning a very low part-time wage, and who do not already have experience and connections in the TV and film industry. We are looking for people who have overcome obstacles and are motivated to start a new career. No previous production experience or knowledge is required. There is no educational requirement.
BWI strongly encourages women and veterans to apply.

If you are already working in the industry or have opportunities through school, friends or family we encourage you to reach out to your network and research other opportunities for free or low-cost training

There is no fee for BWI’s training. However you must be able to cover your personal expenses during the training and job search. We do not provide a stipend. The training is full-time Monday-Friday, with homework and occasional evening and/or weekend sessions, followed by a two year career development program which consists of job placement assistance, career counseling and support as you work your way up the entertainment ladder. Please do not apply if you are employed full-time or enrolled in school, or plan to enroll in school in the next two years.

Ready to become a “Made in NY” PA?
To be eligible to apply you must meet all of the following criteria:

• 21 years or older & legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Currently reside in New York City and able to demonstrate residency within the five boroughs for at least 6 months.
• Have a valid driver’s license (no exceptions – you will be asked to drive during job placement. All applicants must have a valid driver's license at the time of their application. Out of state licenses are accepted. If you do not have a driver's license, you may be eligible for New York Drives, BWI’s driver’s education career development program.
• Available full-time and able to attend training Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Able to make a two-year commitment to working in the industry
• Be unemployed, have a low income or receive public assistance, and come from a low-income background.

If you do not meet our program eligibility requirements, visit our Production Resource List to learn more about other opportunities for free or low-cost training in Television and Film Production.

Because we have the resources to train and place a limited number of people, you are not eligible for this program if any of the following is true:

• You have more than 2 years of paid media/radio/print, production, post production or theater experience (international or domestic)
• You have supervised production assistants (paid or unpaid)
• You have a Master’s or Doctorate degree

If you are not eligible for this program for one of these reasons, visit our Production Resource List.

How to apply
Attend an Information Session to fill out an application and meet with program staff to learn more about the program. A limited number of training spots are available. Apply ASAP to guarantee consideration. Applications are accepted year round. Training classes are held at least four times a year.

Information Sessions are held Mondays* 1pm -5pm at the BWI Main Office. Please bring your driver’s license if you have one and a résumé. Individuals without a driver’s license are welcome to attend. NO RSVP Needed. Latecomers will NOT be admitted.
*Dates may vary, call 718-237-2017 x145 and listen to the voicemail message to receive updated information.

BWI’s Main Office is located at 621 DeGraw Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in Brooklyn, NY. Take the R train to Union Street, walk two blocks North on 4th Ave and make a left on DeGraw Street. -Or Take 2/3/4/5/D/N/B/Q to Atlantic Avenue-Pacific Street, transfer to the R Train and follow the directions above.

For more information, email pa@bwiny.org or call the program voicemail box at 718-237-2017 x 145.

Due to the high volume of calls we receive, if you leave a message it may take us a while to get back to you. Thank you in advance for your patience.