Talk Film to Me is a card game that allows people to learn filmmaking vocabulary, crew roles, and Production Assistant responsibilities through film trivia. When designing a learning experience I decided I wanted to dive into gamification to teach this entry level film job in an entertaining way. I used the website Canva to design graphic images for the rules to the game and all of the cards for the game as well. I was inspired by our PCE class to create a game for the students to play at the beginning of each day, similar to how PCE is structured with tinkering and snacks before our lesson. I went through several iteration of the card designs and card questions, which landed me at the final results.
Below is the curriculum for a 2 day Production Assistant Bootcamp training I’ve designed for this card game to be used at.
Day 1: Introduction to the Film Industry and PA Role
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Session 1 – Introduction to the Film Industry
- Talk Film to Me card game playing session
- Welcome and course overview.
- Overview of the film industry, its structure, and key players.
- Historical context and evolution of filmmaking.
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Session 2 – PA Job Duties
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Production Assistant.
- PA hierarchy on a film set.
- Basic on-set etiquette and professionalism.
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch Break
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Session 3 – Film Crew Department Heads Hierarchy/Job Duties
- Introduction to department heads in film crews (e.g., director, producer, cinematographer, AD).
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities of key crew members.
- How PAs interact with different departments.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Session 4 – Film/TV Set Etiquette
- On-set safety procedures and emergency protocols.
- Proper behavior and professionalism on set.
- Handling walkie-talkies and communication.
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Session 5 – Film/TV Set Language/Terminology
- Key terminology used on a film set.
- Understanding common phrases and jargon.
- Practice exercises for using film set language.
- Terminology Game Play
Day 2: On-Set Responsibilities and Career Development
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Session 6 – Call Sheet Review
- Talk Film to Me card game playing session
- Introduction to call sheets and their importance.
- How to read and interpret a call sheet.
- Understanding the schedule and responsibilities outlined in the call sheet.
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Session 7 – PA Paperwork
- Overview of common paperwork used by PAs (e.g., production reports, time sheets).
- Completing and managing paperwork accurately.
- Importance of attention to detail in paperwork.
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch Break
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Session 8 – Tools to Find Work as a P.A.
- Online resources and job boards for PAs.
- Networking and building industry contacts.
- Crafting a professional online presence and resume.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Session 9 – Lock Up Training
- Techniques for securing and managing shooting locations.
- Crowd control and public relations.
- Practical exercises and role-playing.
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Session 10 – Walkie Talkie Training and P.A. Resume Prep
- Proper use of walkie-talkies on set.
- Effective communication and protocol.
- Crafting an effective PA resume, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
6:00 PM: Course Conclusion and Q&A
Final thoughts: My goal for this two-day training program is to provide my participants with an intensive introduction to the job duties of a Production Assistant in the film industry, covering all the requested subjects and topics. It includes gamification with the Talk Film to Me card game, theoretical knowledge and practical training to prepare learners for entry-level positions in film production.
