Unemployed? How to get a job in the film industry

Leathaniel Newell (right) on the job as a production assistant at a movie set.

Leathaniel Newell is eager to put his newly gained job skills as a production assistant to work in the film industry and he’s anticipating a busy year.

“I’m looking forward to 2019 as we have a lot of projects to film,” said the St. Rose resident. “I’m rolling up my sleeves to get at it.”

Productions like Claws and Queen of the South are reportedly coming to Louisiana to take advantage of the state’s restored tax credits, and it means a lot for Newell as one of the people taking advantage of state-provided training.

Newell is a successful story locally, as well as for the state of Louisiana.

“I was unemployed and looking for a career change from driving trucks and wanted other employment,” he said. “I seized the opportunity to do a career change.”

Newell took a production class last year offered by the St. Charles Parish Business and Career Solutions Center, which is held in partnership with NOVAC (New Orleans Video Access Center) in New Orleans that helps with job placement. The organization has been in existence for 48 years, stepping in to help create jobs in the film industry.

NOVAC Executive Director Darcy McKinnon said Newell’s enthusiasm and desire to connect to the industry illuminated his path to the numerous opportunities they provided. He was among more than 750 people who have gotten work, and another 70 who got permanent jobs.

McKinnon also welcomed a busy 2019 and particularly for Louisianans who needed work.

Because Newell was unemployed, he got the training free and is finding work that also pays well. More recently, he completed classes in electrical work and grip training, bringing together skills that he said “makes everything go when shooting on the set.” This work could pay $60,000 a year and higher depending on the production.

[pullquote]“It’s been amazing. Some 30 individuals were in the first class, but several of them were working at film sites before completing the class.” – Tommy Scott[/pullquote]

In September, he worked on the “Left Behind” movie starring Nicholas Cage and gave him his first IMDb film credit. He’s got two more coming with “Wendy,” a spin off of Peter Pan, and a small production in Baton Rouge.

It’s work Newell got while taking NOVAC’s PA Boot Camp.

“It’s been amazing,” said Tommy Scott, the Career Solutions Center’s director. “Some 30 individuals were in the first class, but several of them were working at film sites before completing the class. That’s how much demand there is.”

Not only did Newell find work, but demand for the class rose, too.

One is underway and another planned in spring, Scott said. More classes could be held with more requests of them.

“I think a lot of people are interested, but don’t know how to penetrate the industry, he said. “This has never been offered before in St. Charles Parish so I’m really proud to bring this opportunity to the residents.”

Newell is also one of Scott’s success stories.

His training in the PA Boot Camp taught him the do’s and don’ts of being on a production set. He learned set etiquette, the lingo and terms.

Newell has met actors Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Susan Sarandon and Kirsten Dunst, but his training taught him the rules about meeting them and staying on the job.

“You never ask for selfies or autographs … that’ll get you kicked out,” he said. “I just treated them like a regular person and told them I was a big fan and hope they enjoy their time here. You can’t be star struck. You have to be a professional.”

Newell said it’s also an industry based on reputation like being reliable, coachable and teachable that gets call backs.

As a production assistant, he works as a “busser” or catering to the needs of actors and actresses so the director and assistant directors work uninterrupted. It’s an entry level position, but he hopes to step up to “key PA” on future projects and do the hiring.

“It works hand in hand,” Newell said. “Once you’re in, you’re in. It doesn’t matter how you get in, just get in.”

Who is NOVAC?

  • NOVAC (New Orleans Video Access Center) has helped provide education, training, resources and opportunities to the film industry more than four decades.
  • NOVAC has locations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
  • Since 2007, the nonprofit organization has partnered with federal, state and local governments, major studios, film industry unions and community organizations to open access to the film industry’s high wage, low barrier-to-entry careers.
  • NOVAC has created customized on-set community based film industry learning programs for major studios including HBO and Warner Bros. in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Louisiana.

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply