Series overview
SFPA features engaging video content specifically designed for online classroom use, making it an ideal supplement to your existing arts curriculum for high school and college-age film and media students
Dr. William Henshaw, Film Teacher, Redwood High School, Visalia, CA
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“I would tell the teachers that this is a great opportunity for you to be able to open up your classroom. Not only during the time you're in the classroom with the students, but also when they're at home, they can use their laptops or school equipment or even their phones to access the training that they offer because it's all online. I like that point of being able to take the classroom outside of the classroom in a sense. Virtually through this coursework, because it's online.”
Full course and Beginners Course
the course is divided into two parts
Part I - Beginner Series
Course One - Film Production Overview
Course Two - Film Production - The Real World
Part II - Advanced Series
Course Three - Film Production On Set
Course Four - Film Production Rules
Course Five - Film Production Business
Over 15 Downloadable PDFs
Call Sheets | Maps | Resumes | Petty Cash Forms | Neighborhood Flyers | Walkie Lingo & Channels | Master Invoices | Crafty Shopping Lists | Crafty Kits
Five Courses with six hours of video content
The course features comprehensive videos—each ranging from two to nine minutes—showcasing candid interviews with over 20 industry professionals, including Directors, Producers, and various crew members. They share real-world insights about what it truly takes to succeed as a Film Production Assistant.
Kincade Productions also equips instructors with a full curriculum on request and access to the TalentLMS learning platform, making it easy to track student progress.
The online curriculum includes interactive quizzes, exercises, discussion prompts, multiple-choice questions, and a final exam leading to certification.
the course is easy for teachers to use
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series Content
set them up for success
Jesse Hernandez, Certified SFPA, Class of 2021, Sunnyside High, Fresno
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“When I first took the course, it was just, like, I didn't think about it. Like, hey, I didn't even know this was informational to take in to, I didn't even know I could learn this, I didn't know anybody was, like, you should pay attention to this. There's no classes out there. There's no courses out there that teach you this type of stuff. And so when I first hands on took the course it was very, like, it's good to know and until I on hands on, I didn't realize how important it was until later on. They might not all do video jobs, but at the end of the day this information and skills, you will take on pretty much any job and so it's very helpful to learn that the pros and cons of what you can and cannot do, what you should and shouldn't do. I still talk to my teacher that I took this course with and telling her of all the amazing things I've done because of her work and her connections because her access to Kincade Productions.”
Course One
Film Production Overview
The First Course gives an overview of the job of a typical PA
Antique Car filming in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
The first course provides a clear overview of the Production Assistant role, offering insight into exactly what Directors and Producers expect. Students will learn how to build a client list, navigate their first day on set, understand key crew roles, read a call sheet, and handle the unpredictable nature of working on location—all while preparing for the exciting journey ahead.
Module 1: Overview
1: What is a PA?
2: Types Of PA Jobs
3: Types Of PA's
Module 2: Attitude
1: Attitude Part I
2: Attitude Part II
3: Freelance Life
Module 3: Start Up!
1: Resume Experience
2: How Build Client List
3: First Step
Module 4: The Plan
1: The Call Sheet
2: Who Are All These People?
3: Roll Call: Part I
4: Roll Call: Part II
5: Roll Call: Part III
Module 5: First Day
1: The Set Is A Delicate Place
2: Biggest Complaints of PAs
3: Client Etiquette
Course two
Film Production The Real World
Covering communication, locations, and why being prepared is key to success
Course 2 takes a deeper dive into the world of film locations, covering the differences between open and closed sets and the critical role communication plays on set—including the importance of active listening (yes, there’s a method to it!). Students will also explore how to navigate the industry through mentorships and discover why preparation is one of the most powerful tools for long-term success.
A rental van on the Arizona Border is turned into a Camera Car with the DP and Audio person on the roof.
Module 1: How To Navigate
1: Build Your Strengths
2: Life’s Not Fair
3: Finding Mentors
Module 2: Be Prepared
1: Be Prepared
2: What to Bring
3: Production Office Etiquette
Module 3: Locations Part I
1: Being On Location
2: Permits And Insurance
3: Approaching The Job
Module 4: Locations Part II
1: What Is Lockdown?
2: It’s The Real World
3: Sound vs No Sound
Module 5: Communicating
1: Being A Good Communicator
2: 3 Kinds Of Listening
3: Secret Tips
Course Three Film Production on Set
What is a viable crew member?
An interior restaruant scene getting ready to film using a slate to camera
Want to become a valuable member of the film crew? Course 3 focuses on the essential hard skills every Production Assistant needs to master. Students will learn the ins and outs of common on-set responsibilities, including craft services, handling petty cash, managing parking, posting signage, and understanding permits. This course offers a practical look at the real tasks PAs handle on a typical film set.
Module 1: It’s A Real Job
1: Take Your Job Seriously
2: Be Tactful And Aware
3: Be Resourceful And Never Assume
Module 2: Petty Cash
1: What's Petty Cash?
2: Receiving And Tracking Petty Cash
3: Petty Cash Final Report
Module 3: Crafty
1: What's Craft Service?
2: Shop for Crafty
3: The Chemistry Of Food for a Set
4: The Wrap
Module 4: Parking & Posting
1: What Is Pulling Parking?
2: Rules of Posting
3: General Rules For Transpo
Module 5: Talent
1: Who Is Talent?
2: Be A Professional With Celebrities
3: Life From An Actor’s Perspective
Course Four Film Production Rules
there are rules to this industry!
Course 4 covers some challenging but essential topics—most importantly, how to handle situations when the set isn’t going as planned. It also dives into the ins and outs of the transportation department and explains why understanding this area is crucial for any new PA. Students will learn the basics of using walkie-talkies effectively and how to confidently navigate a live film set.
Stand Ups at Golden Gate Bridge. Talent, Director, DP and Grip are waiting for camera roll, San Francisco, California
Module 1: Field Rules
1: Things No One Will Tell You
2: Common Sense Pays Off
3: You’re On A Miserable Job. What Can You Do?
Module 2: Transpo
1: Protect Yourself
2: Road Rules
3: Errands
Module 3: Location
1: Getting To Set
2: Using Technology
3: Maps/Directions
Module 4: Presentation
1: Think Presentation
2: Dress Code / Show Black
3: Expect The Unexpected
Module 5: Communication
1: What Kind Of Devices Are Used On Set?
2: Walkie Rules Check In And Out
3: Channels / Walkie Dialogue
Course Five
Production Business
Learn the business side of production
A typical digital slate
Discover the business side of working as a Film Production Assistant in Course 5. This course covers essential topics like networking, setting rates, invoicing, and the ins and outs of managing your own career as an independent professional.
Module 1: Start It Up!
1: How To Begin
2: What Do You Need To Be In Business?
3: Discuss Rate / Invoice
Module 2: Taxes
1: Freelance Lifestyle
2: Getting Paid
3: It's Tax Time
Module 3: Networking
1: How To Network
2: Scheduling
3: Find The Right Career For You
Module 4: Final Thoughts
1: PA’s ARE Important
2: Final Words
Sample Course Material
Take a look at some examples of what is in the Series
Kincade Productions Certificate of Completion
Students who watch at least 90% of the videos and earn a minimum score of 70% on the final exam will receive an electronic Certificate of Completion. Additional resources and information are also provided as part of the Kincade Productions SFPA Certification.
Changing lives
Redwood High, Visalia, California - 2025
49 Certificate of Completion are earned by these future filmmakers
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