This month, six of Villa’s Digital Filmmaking students attended a Production Assistant Training and Certification Program hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Film Commission and was held as the WNED Studio in downtown Buffalo.
During the program, students were introduced to some of the basic tasks a Production Assistant manages, like how to read daily call sheets, how to operate equipment, and what to do/what not to do on their first day on a film set.
Attendees were greeted by a number of presenters including experienced PA’s, both locally and nationally known, as well as the Commissioner of the Buffalo Niagara Film Office, Tim Clark.
To complete the program, students took an exam on the material covered throughout the day and received their official PA certificates. They are now registered with the Film Commission and are eligible to work on any films that shoot in the Buffalo/Niagara region.
“This program was a great experience. It’s refreshing to see Buffalo so open and inclusive to something I love and am going to school for. I can’t wait to see how the film industry grows in Western New York and I’m excited to help facilitate that growth with the knowledge and expertise I’ll gain from Villa Maria College.” — Ashton Barrie, Digital Filmmaking Major
