The FILM 5 Trainee Program provides aspiring filmmakers and crew with training in a hands-on learning environment. The program takes place from January through May and consists of a series of workshops and intensives that prepare participants for a crew position on one of the four FILM 5 productions to be shot in April or May. FILM 5 productions provide on-set experience for a minimum of 28 trainees annually.
The following trainee positions are available:
- Production Coordinator
- Production Assistant
- Trainee Assistant Director
- Camera Assistant
- Sound Assistant
- Grip/Electric
- Art Department
- Continuity Assistant
- Assistant Editor
Eligibility
Trainee positions are open to anyone who has completed the prerequisite workshops for the trainee position they are applying for. All trainees must take Set Etiquette, a union-approved industry-standard safety and procedure class.
To Apply
After completing the workshops required for the trainee position(s) of interest, participants can submit their application form and resume to the FILM 5 Program. Producers from each of the four FILM 5 productions will select trainees and every attempt will be made to ensure that all trainees receive a placement. Trainees who have not been on another FiILM 5 Production in the department for which they are applying will be given preference.
Download an application form PDF here.
More Info:
Trainee Info Session Cost: FREE
Tuesday, Jan. 19th 6pm – 8pm
This information session will cover everything you need to know about becoming a FILM 5 Trainee. We will provide an overview of the various Trainee departments and workshop requirements.
Trainee/Team Meet and Greet Cost: FREE
Tuesday, March 16th 6pm – 8pm
This meeting will give aspiring Trainees a chance to meet the FILM 5 Producers and Directors and hear them pitch there projects.
Requirements:
Production Managers’ Intensive Cost: $200/$225
Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 13th/14th 10am – 5pm
Good management is an important component of realizing the creative vision of the filmmaking team. In this two-day crash course participants will learn about the organizational tools that can help a production run smoothly and how to manage (the sometime unnecessary but always present!) production problems that can arise. Topics covered include the role of the Production Manager and team, script breakdown, budgeting, cost reporting, hiring personnel, locations and money management. Bring a calculator – there will be lots of hands-on examples.
Instructor: TBA
Required FILM 5 Producers and Production Coordinator Trainees.
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Assistant Directing Cost: $95/$125
Saturday, Jan. 30th 10am – 5pm
This one-day workshop will cover the specific functions of the AD team and provide an overview of how the AD team organizes an efficient independent film. Pre-production and production requirements will be discussed in detail including script breakdown, shooting schedules, on-set responsibilities, and cast/ crew co-ordination.
Instructor: TBA
Required FILM 5 Assistant Director Trainees
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Everything You Need To Know to Start Shooting Film Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, Jan. 21st 6pm – 10pm
This workshop covers the basics of film image science and how that determines your creative approach to image crafting. Topics discussed include: a brief history of film technology and its development, luminance theory, persistence-of-vision, focal length and the art of lens choices, film stock options and more. Instructor: Chris Spencer-Lowe
A prerequisite for many other AFCOOP workshops and a requirement for FILM 5 Camera Department Trainees and Grip and Electric Trainees.
35mm Cameras: Part I Cost: $40/$50
Tuesday, Feb. 2nd 6pm – 10pm
A comprehensive overview into the exciting world of 35mm motion picture cinematography with the Arriflex 35III and 35BL III cameras. Hands-on instruction and a review of the 35mm format will be included in this workshop.
Instructor: Al DeLory
Prerequisite: Everything You Need to Know.
Required for FILM 5 Camera Department Trainees
35mm Cameras: Part II Cost: $40/$50
Tuesday, Feb. 9th 6pm – 10pm
An extension of the 35mm workshop. A basic overview of professional camera accessories, follow focus, video taps, speed control units, matte boxes, etc.
Instructor: Al DeLory
Prerequisite: 35mm Cameras Part I.
Required FILM 5 Camera Department Trainees.
Camera Assistant’s Intensive Cost: $200/$225
Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 13th/14th 10am – 5pm
This two-day course will cover the tasks associated with a being a 1st assistant camera, loader and trainee as well as basic camera operation. Topics covered include the working relationship with the DOP, focus pulling, loading mags, filters and lenses, film stocks and inventory.
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisite: 35mm Cameras Part I and II, Highly Recommended: Super 16mm Cameras.
Required Film 5 Camera Trainees.
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Audio Principles Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, Feb. 11th 6pm – 10pm
An introduction to the terms, principles and science of sound and electronic sound equipment. A must for anyone interested in recording sound for film or sound recording in general.
Instructor: TBA
This workshop is a prerequisite for the Location Sound Recording and Digital Sound Editing with Pro Tools workshops. It is highly recommended for Sound Design Intensive. Required FILM 5 Sound Department Trainees.
Location Sound Recording Cost: $95/$125
Saturday, Feb. 27th 10am – 5pm
Learn the basics of location sound recording, mixing and boom operating. An overview of AFCOOP’s location sound equipment will be given and you will participate in some recording practices during this hands-on day.
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisite: Audio Principles, Required FILM 5 Sound Department Trainees.
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Everything You Need To Know to Start Shooting Film Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, Jan. 21st 6pm – 10pm
The basics of film image science and how that determines your creative approach to image crafting. Topics discussed include: a brief history of film technology and its development, luminance theory, persistence-of-vision, focal length and the art of lens choices, film stock options and more.
Instructor: Chris Spencer-Lowe
A prerequisite for many other AFCOOP workshops and a requirement for FILM 5 Camera Department Trainees and Grip and Electric Trainees.
Lighting Principals and Aesthetics Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, Feb. 4th 6pm – 10pm
Learn the fundamentals of lighting aesthetics, science and how to set up basic film lighting scenarios.
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisite: Everything You Need to Know.
Required FILM 5 Lighting and Grip Trainees.
Grip and Electric Intensive Cost: $200/$225
Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 20th/21st 10am – 5pm
Participants will be given an overview of the equipment, job descriptions, and structure of the two departments. The workshop will cover the technical and safety aspects of lighting and grip work. Through a series of set-ups and demonstrations the participants will learn the basics about colour, electricity and lighting equipment.
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisites: Everything You Need to Know, and Lighting Principals and Aesthetics. Required FILM 5 Lighting and Grip trainees
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Art Department Intensive Cost: $200/$225
Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 6th/7th 10am – 5pm
This intensive will introduce participants to the structure and roles of the Art Department of a film production. Topics will include techniques, script breakdown, planning and budgeting, tips, dos and don’ts and more.
Instructor: TBA
Required day one FILM 5 Producers, Writers and Directors, required both days, FILM 5 Art Department Trainees
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Continuity and Script Supervision Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, Feb. 25th 6pm – 10pm
Learn why continuity is one of the most important aspects of shooting a film.
Instructor: TBA
Required FILM 5 Continuity Trainees.
Set Etiquette Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 11th 6pm – 10pm
Ever wonder who does what on a film set? How the set is run? What are the do’s and don’ts and whys? The workshop will prepare beginners for what to expect when they get to set. INSTRUCTOR: TBA
Required ALL FILM 5 Trainees.
Post-Production Intensive Cost: $95/$125
Tuesday, March 2nd 6pm – 10pm
Tuesday, March 9th 6pm – 10pm
The shoot is only the beginning. A basic step-by-step guide to finishing your film. Topics will include scheduling and avoiding technical pitfalls, an overview of the lab processes involved in making a 16mm and 35mm film as well as how video is used to facilitate a film finish.
Instructor: Chris Fost
Highly recommended for Digital Sound Editing with Pro Tools, Sound Design Intensive and AVID Editing Intensive.
Required FILM 5 Producers, Directors and Editing Trainees.
AVID Editing Intensive Cost: $205/$235
Saturday/Sunday, March 13th/14th 10am – 5pm
Sunday, March 21st 12pm – 4pm
This comprehensive clinic will introduce participants to the universally used AVID MEDIA COMPOSER editing software and hardware. You will also learn how to apply your knowledge of AVID editing to film and effectively edit for a film finish while minimizing the hassles and pitfalls of the process. Twelve hours of practice time and individual instructor appointment is included! Only four participants accepted!
Instructor: TBA
Highly recommended: Post-Production Intensive.
Editing Aesthetics Cost: $40/$50
Thursday, March 18th 6pm – 10pm
Instructor: TBA
Required FILM 5 Editing Trainees.
