The Business of Filmmaking

For those new to the industry, the Production Assistant Training Program is a great first step to learn more about working on Utah film, television, and commercial sets. Developed with the Utah Film Commission, the course is taught by experienced 1st ADs and production experts.  After completing this class, students will have the option of completing the full certification which includes a listing in the Utah Film Commission Directory.  The course has options to be taught both online and in person.   If you are interested, please click the wait list button below.  Course length: 4 hours

*If you are an educator and interested in adding the Production Assistant Training  to your film program, please indicate that you'd like group training on the sign up sheet.

Believe it or not, you really need to know accounting processes to work in tv and film production! This course is for first time production managers, supervisors, department heads, office staff and anyone who is interested in working in production accounting. This class reviews in detail the basic accounting procedures that everyone who works in TV and Film production should understand. Topics include: Purchase Orders, Invoices, Vendors, and Petty Cash/P-Cards. Course length: 2 hours.

 The Assistant Director (AD) handles the logistics of running a set. They are the liaison between the director and the rest of the crew.  They create and manage the shooting schedule and disseminate information to the crew. This class will focus on what an assistant director is, what they do and what characteristics make a good assistant director.  You should be great at multi-tasking and communicating, and have stellar organization skills. Course length: 3 hours

Before you can even start looking for locations or cast your first actor, you need a budget!  Regardless of your experience in finance or accounting, this course will guide you through the steps for creating a budget for your next project. We will review budgeting terminology as well as go through a budget checklist for your project—students should bring a script breakdown if they have one. We will drill down into specific above-the-line and below-the-line budgeting elements using a budget template but will also discuss budgeting software options.  At the end of this course, you should know how to structure a budget and develop line items.  Course length: 3 hours.

Do you want to take your budget further from beginning to end? This course takes everything you learned in Budgeting Basics and dives into more details. You will create a breakdown and high level schedule from your script then using the budget software of your choice, complete a first draft of your budget. Industry experts will review your budget and provide one-on-one feedback as time permits. Course length: 3 hours.

This is an add-on to Budgeting Basics and can be conducted on the same day or a separate day.

Come learn the mysteries of the camera department from cinematographer to loader! This workshop will concentrate on responsibilities of each position in the camera department. Learn terminology, how to pack your tool belt, basic camera set up, film set protocol and key networking tips. This course will be held at a camera house for hands-on experience.  Course length: 4 hours

With many moving pieces, the grip and electric departments have key relationships with the Director, DP and AD's.  They are responsible for shaping the light (grip) and setting the lights (electric).  In this workshop, learn key terminology and get hands-on experience, from industry professionals, with the equipment, camera movement, and setting lights. 

This two-day workshop, taught by industry experts, is hands-on and when scheduled will be held at a local equipment house.  

The Art Department for any TV show or feature film is sometimes one of the largest on a crew--from production design to construction to graphics.  This workshop focuses on set decoration, set dressers and props.  Learn why these positions are so important to the overall look and how they work with the  Production Designer and Director to bring their visions to screen.  Course length: 4 hours

As we all know, sound is integral to the on screen experience.  In this workshop you will learn about the key positions within the department and the basic sound equipment.  You will also learn how to properly mic an actor, how to deal with "outside" noise, and  the key department relationships like camera and the script supervisor. Course length: 3 hours