Hawai‘i Island Film Office Workshop: Want to Work in TV?

Ever wonder what it would be like to work on the set and behind the scenes of a major motion picture, television show or music video? Now you can spend the day with an entertainment industry professional who has for over 30 years.

On Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, Hawai‘i-based Stani Franklin will lead a full-day workshop on the roles and responsibilities of a set production assistant (PA) and surviving below the line for island residents interested in working in feature film or television.

The workshop will be held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. The workshop is designed for those with some experience in production who are strongly motivated to pursue entry level work in motion pictures or for those with more experience who want to “brush up” on their skills.

Franklin attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with an emphasis in media, broadcasting and theater in 1997. She has been working in film and television ever since, with multiple credits on a variety of shows in all genres and in almost all below the line production capacities including production assistant, production coordinator, set production assistant, extras casting, art department assistant, assistant location manager, craft services and more.

Specific shows have included Hawai‘i Five O, #Reality High, Masters of Sex 4, 17th Annual WIN Awards, Wheel of Fortune, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and many more.

The workshop will cover all the essential aspects of set PA duties and responsibilities including finding a job, proper set operations and etiquette, problem solving and communications, gear and equipment, paperwork, survival tips, and what to expect on that first day of work.

MTV is currently filming at Waterfalling Estate.

Hawai‘i is seeing a surge in professional productions.

Several game and reality dating shows have been on island, including MTV, which is producing here for two months shooting B roll and background for a dating show.

Two feature films shot shot on Hawai’i Island in 2016 including Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson headlining in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jo the Medicine RunnerMan, a feature-length drama starring Jim Caviezel and Matt Damon.

These productions and others needed set PAs and looked to the talent pool here on Hawai‘i Island to fill some of these positions. So, if you have an interest in pursuing career opportunities in the motion picture field or want to upgrade your skills, this workshop is for you.

The registration fee for students is $15; non-students, $20. A light breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee. Call (520) 345-8809 or email johnmasonkona@gmail.com with questions or to register. Space is limited.

This program is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Island Film Office, Department of Research and Development, County of Hawai‘i. It is the first in a series of film production workshops planned for 2018 as part of the film office’s Visiting Artists Program, an initiative to provide training and workforce development in the areas of film and media production to island residents. On Saturday, March 3, 2018, a second workshop in the areas of acting and producing will be held, and on Sunday, May 27, 2018, a third workshop will be offered in screenwriting for film and television.