FAQ

There is no fee to apply to the Program.

As a professional work training program, when a Trainee is assigned to a production, s/he becomes an employee of the production company and is paid specific wages as set forth in the DGA collective barganing agreements. Trainees are also enrolled in a health insurance plan, at no cost. 

The Training Program is a full two years in duration. A minimum of 350 production days must be worked in that time period.

Experience is not required, but a candidate must have a strong and committed interest in film production. The Program will provide all of the training necessary to become an AD. 

The career of an Assistant Director is completely different than that of a Director. The Training Program will not lead toward directing. 

To be accepted into the Program, one must be at least 21 years old. Many Trainees have several to many years of life/work experience beyond that. 

People apply to the Program from all across the country. If accepted, the Trainee must reside in the New York City vicinity. Most of the productions that will be assigned are in the greater New York area. 

There is no need to have a car here in NY. If public transportation is not available near the shooting location, transportation will be provided by the production. 

While it is not a requirement for a Trainee to work on a location job, the opportunity does arise from time to time. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to join the Directors Guild of America in the category of 2nd Assistant Director.