Program

Phase 1:  Application and Interview: SetVets, to date, has relied on P.J. Stigers, manager of employment services for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, for many of the candidates for the program.  Candidates are interviewed by a panel including SetVets instructors and other film production professionals, at least one of whom has previous military experience. They look for the attitude and work ethic needed to succeed as a Production Assistant (PA). The participants must be physically fit enough to carry gear, present a copy of their DD214, a valid driver’s license, and access to a registered and insured motor vehicle.
Phase 2: The Orientation: This is a three day workshop designed to prepare 10 to 12 participants for their first days as a PA on a professional shoot. All of the instructors and guest speakers are experienced film production professionals.

program1Day 1 is for registration and detailed descriptions of the various departments. Instructors discuss what it takes to succeed in the free-lance environment. Day 2, the group meets on a soundstage. A seasoned PA brings a cube truck with some basic production supplies. The vets are trained in offloading and loading the production cube and setting up a basic set.

program2The vets are then instructed in how to “cover” a set and support the director and production staff. The group looks at the various stages of a project, such as treatment, storyboard, shooting schedule, etc. The vets review the finished spot and explanations are given of how all the things they’ve learned play into each shot, followed by a Q&A.

program3Day 3 repeats day 2’s curriculum at an outdoor location. Orientation is wrapped by sharing a meal and the camaraderie of our mutual experience.
Phase 3: Paid On the Job Training: Each passing participant works at least one day on an actual set under the supervision of a SetVets Instructor acting as mentor. The SetVet receives feedback on the strengths/weaknesses of their performance on set. The program includes an average of 2-3 paid jobs with a SetVets Instructor.
Phase 4: You are a SetVet: If work is up to par, the vets are placed on the SetVets roster and recommended to the various commercial production companies who have pledged to support the SetVets program. This completes the program.