Workshops

All workshops are “pay-what-you-can”. This means to pay what is sustainable for you!

breaking into the film industry: a beginner’s guide

Curious about working in film but not sure where to start? This interactive 2-hour online workshop is designed for beginners who want real, practical insight into how the industry works, especially from the perspective of stepping onto set for the first time.

Whether you're interested in background work, acting, or simply understanding how productions run, this session will give you the confidence and knowledge to walk onto set prepared and professional.

What We’ll Cover

Understanding the Film Set

• Who’s who on set (ADs, PAs, DPs, etc.)

• How departments work together

• Set hierarchy and why it matters

Working as Background (Extras)

• How to find background work

• What to expect on the day

• Professional behavior that gets you rebooked

• Common mistakes to avoid

How to Read a Call Sheet

• Call times & production details

• Shoot days, locations, and scenes

• Special instructions & wardrobe notes

• Set terminology you need to know

Set Etiquette & Professionalism

• On-set do’s and don’ts

• When to speak (and when not to!)

• Phone use, confidentiality & NDAs

• Building a good reputation

Getting Your Foot in the Door

• Headshots & resumes (what actually matters)

• Casting profiles & submission tips

• Union vs non-union basics

• Networking without being awkward

What Newcomers Always Want to Know

• How long are shoot days really?

• How much can you expect to earn?

• Do you need an agent?

• What makes someone re-hirable?

• Transitioning from background to principal roles

March 25, 2026 7:00 - 9:00PM PDT

ONLINE GOOGLE MEET

Send in your questions ahead of time to make sure we address what you want to know. No question is too basic — this workshop is a judgment-free space built for beginners.

As always, ACT’s Professional Development Workshops are on a pay-what-you-can basis!

INSTRUCTOR