CreateU – Media Skills Training Program
The CreateU Media Skills Training Program is a forward-thinking initiative designed to empower individuals with diverse working experiences by providing them with the essential skills and practical experience needed to succeed in the highly dynamic and rapidly expanding film and television industry. Our innovative approach features a hybrid curriculum that seamlessly blends online learning with hands-on production experiences. Students gain technical expertise and immerse themselves in real-world, on-set environments. The program is designed to address the immediate and long-term workforce needs of the entertainment industry, both locally in Camden County, Georgia and the global entertainment industry. The Film Production Training Program offers a direct pathway to high-demand careers in this vibrant industry.
FILM PRODUCTION BOOT CAMP
Exploring Entry Level Job Opportunities
Boot Camp Details
Duration: 2 days – Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 2026
Time: 10am-3pm (both days)
Location: Pigmental Production Offices – 124 Industrial Drive, St. Marys, GA 31558
Participants: Community members, veterans, active military and family interested in exploring film production careers
Instructors: Working film industry professionals
Attire: Comfortable set of working attire and closed-toe shoes (required)
Lunch is provided during Boot Camp days!
Register for our FREE Introduction to Film Production Boot Camp HERE or call 1 (888) 551-3456 choose option 7 for CreateU.
Boot Camp Overview
This immersive two-day film production bootcamp offers students a comprehensive exploration of the professional job opportunities.
DAY 1
Participants rotate through four specialized stations:
- Camera Department
- Grip & Electric Department
- Audio Recording Department
- Production Office
Participants will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, learning professional set etiquette, and understanding how departments communicate and collaborate to bring a film to the screen.
Led by working film industry professionals, the bootcamp is designed to help students discover how their existing skills and interests can translate into various jobs within film production, whether they’re detail-oriented organizers, technical problem-solvers, creative visual thinkers, or logistical coordinators.
DAY 2, a full production day, where students apply everything they’ve learned by actually filming a scene with actors and a complete professional workflow. Throughout this bootcamp, students rotate through different departmental roles, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to work on a real film set while discovering where their unique talents might fit best in this dynamic and collaborative industry.
DAY 1
Departmental Exploration, Fundamentals, and Etiquette
Duration: 4 hours + 1 hour open studio
Lunch: Provided
Boot Camp Structure
Introduction
- Welcome and instructor introductions
- Overview of film production hierarchy
- Bootcamp goals and schedule
- Safety and set etiquette briefing
Room Rotation Format: Rotate through 4 stations in small groups (approximately 30-35 minutes per station)
Station 1: Camera Department
- Camera roles: DP, Camera Operator, 1st AC, 2nd AC, DIT
- Equipment overview and handling protocols
- Camera reports and paperwork
- Communication with other departments
- Hands-on: Basic camera setup and lens changes
Station 2: Grip & Electric
- Key Grip, Gaffer, Electrician, Grips
- Lighting fundamentals and equipment
- Rigging equipment, safety and procedures
- Power distribution and cable management
- Hands-on: Setting up basic lighting setups
Station 3: Sound Department
Station 4: Production Office
- Producer, UPM, Production Coordinator, Production Assistant
- Call sheets, production reports, and paperwork flow
- Scheduling and logistics coordination
- Communication protocols and chain of command
- Hands-on: Creating call sheets and managing production documents
Wrap-Up & Q&A (15 minutes)
- Overview of other departments (Art, Wardrobe, Hair/Makeup, Sound, Post-Production)
- Day 2 preparation and expectations
- Questions
Open Studio (1 hour)
- Students revisit any station for deeper exploration
- One-on-one time with instructors
- Equipment handling practice
- Review of production paperwork
DAY 2
Production Day
Duration: 5 hours
Lunch: Provided
Pre-Production Preparation
Morning Briefing
- Review of Day 1 skills
- Introduction to the script scene
- Meet the actors
- Review the shot list and production schedule
- Production updates call sheet and timing
- Safety meeting and set protocols
Department Breakdown & Planning
- Students assigned to initial departments
- Review technical requirements for each shot
- Camera: Shot composition and movement planning
- G&E: Lighting design for each setup
- Production: Timing, logistics, and coordination
- Locations: Set management and workflow
Production
Rehearsal & Blocking
- Actor rehearsal with the director
- Camera blocking and shot planning
- Lighting adjustments based on blocking
Production Filming
- Execute shot list with full crew rotation
- Students rotate through departments every 2-3 shots
- Real-time problem solving and adjustments
- Professional set etiquette in practice
- Communication between all departments
Lunch Break
Continued Filming & Rotation (Remaining time)
- Complete shot list
- Ensure all students experience multiple roles
- Capture coverage and any additional shots needed
Wrap & Debrief
Set Wrap
- Proper equipment breakdown procedures
- Documentation and paperwork completion
- Set restoration
Final Debrief
- Screen select footage
- What went well / lessons learned
- Industry insights from instructors
- Career pathways and next steps
- Q&A and final thoughts
- Certificates of completion
Key Learning Outcomes
DAY 1:
- Understanding of major film production departments
- Knowledge of on-set communication protocols
- Familiarity with industry terminology and etiquette
- Hands-on experience with basic equipment and paperwork
DAY 2:
- Practical production experience in multiple roles
- Understanding of workflow and interdepartmental coordination
- Problem-solving under time constraints
- Professional conduct on a working set
Materials & Requirements
Provided:
- Professional instructors for each department
- All production equipment (cameras, lighting, grip gear)
- Scene script and shot list
- Production paperwork templates
- Lunch both days
Students Should Bring:
- Notebook and pen
- Comfortable, production-appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe shoes (required)
- Water bottle