Twelve hour days, department heads, call-sheets, walkies, unions, location-scouting. These were the terms and topics being bandied about at green studio, Second Line Stages at NOVAC’s 2011 Production Assistant Workshop. Held September 30th – October 2 and presented in conjunction with Film New Orleans and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, the 2011 PA Workshop boasted instructors and guest speakers from  some of the most celebrated productions both in-town and out, including HBO Series, Treme.

The workshop got off to a great start with some critical information and training on general resumé building and interviewing techniques from professional Career Consultant, Danielle Dayries who taught students on the benefits of a well-structured resumé, using social networks to your advantage, and the importance of face-to-face networking.Afterwards, it was time to get to the business at hand. Leading the PA instruction was industry veteran, Larry Kostroff who not only claims a celebrated career on-set, but in the classroom as well. Having taught at some of the most prestigious film schools in the world, including AFI, USC and UCLA, NOVAC and the 2011 PA Workshop participants were  thrilled for the opportunity to get his perspectives on the culture and structure of feature film production and what out of town productions are looking for in a PA.

Students were also given practical advice on working various departments like locations, wardrobe and office from guest speakers including Treme Executive Producer, Nina Noble and HBO Series department heads.  Also joining the class was guest lecturer, Phil LoCicero, President of IATSE, local 478 who gave the PA’s an inside glimpse into union rules and benefits.  The lineup of speakers also included: Laura Schweigman, Associate Producer of Treme; Tim Cohn, Treme Set Decorator, Sofia Hujabre, Assistant Production Office Coordinator; Ann Walters, Co-Costume Designer; Chris DeAngelis, 2nd Assistant Director; Mike Leonard, 2nd AD, Virginia McCollam, Locations Manager and Joe Incaprera, Treme Producer and UPM.

Katie Williams and Carroll Morton of Film New Orleans were also in attendance and closed out the workshop with valuble information about the Film New Orleans Office and shooting in New Orleans.  The 2011 PA Workshop culminated in an industry networking event on the Second Line Stages rooftop where NOVAC, Film New Orleans and the Treme team toasted to 2011′s emerging PA’s.  Check out the complete listing of our grads.

Ready, Willing, Able and Coming to a Set Near You: 2011 Production Assistant Workshop Graduates: