2020-2021 Course Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

GFA On-Set Production Assistant Certificate Program Fact Sheet


What is a Georgia Film Academy Certification?

The film industry in Georgia is booming - currently ranked third in the nation behind only Hollywood and New York.  Over the next few years, the industry is expected to generate thousands of new jobs, most of which are on the set.  The Georgia Film Academy Certification is a unique, statewide effort, which will provide students the opportunity to gain a specific set of skills and experience only attained by working on industry-standard equipment and professional productions.  This program will provide you:

  • Multi-disciplinary training by professionals in the film, TV and new media industries.
  • In classroom course work coupled with the opportunity for on-set, hands-on training.
  • Opportunity to work on “real world” projects in order to develop recognized film credits, through partnerships with professional productions.
  • Hands-on instruction and training working with a package of professional equipment (cameras, sound gear, lights, etc.) as well as production trucks, generators and sound studio space.
  • Please note that this program does not prepare students to be camera operators, directors, actors. This program is to train for jobs in crafts. The “below the line” talent is the crew involved with the day-to-day operations of getting the film made and can be broken down between production and post-production.
Degrees and Certifications Georgia Film Academy certification
Prerequisite courses Students must have diploma level proficiency in reading, writing and math to be eligable to take the FILM classes.  All students must complete FILM 1100  with a “C” or better to move into the craft course.  The student’s grade and instructor evaluation from FILM 1100 is also used to determine their eligibility for an on-set internship.  If not selected for an internship, students have the option of completing two craft courses to complete the 18 credit hours and earn their GFA Certification.
Program classes
  • FILM 1100  - Introduction to On-Set  Film Production
  • GFA Specialty Craft Course (One or Two)
    • FILM 1350  - Electric and Lighting, and/or
    • FILM 1450  - Grip and Rigging
    • FILM 1510  - Set Construction and Painting
    • FILM 1150  - Introduction to Special Makeup Effects
    • FILM 1650  - Post Production: Film & Television, AVID Editing, Digital Imaging & Story Craft I
    • FILM 2060  - Production Accounting & Office Management
  • FILM 2550  - GFA Internship (If Selected) 

NOTE:  The location and semester that courses are offered can vary for each craft course.  You will have to check with your advisor each semester for the most up-to-date information.

Semester Program Begins Varies
Application Process Applicants to the Georgia Film Academy must meet all Admissions requirements; complete an application and pay the application fee. Apply online at GwinnettTech.edu, submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test if required.  Once accepted, students are added to the Georgia Film Academy waitlist for the next available term.
Program Deadlines The program adheres to the regular application deadlines.  Students are waitlisted according to their date of acceptance, so it is best to complete your application as early as possible.
For more information, contact: Terry See, Division Dean, TSee@GwinnettTech.edu, 678.226.6651.
For admission and enrollment, contact: Enrollment Support Center in Building 100 at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email BusinessArtDesignTeam@GwinnettTech.edu.

Quick Facts


Average earnings            $84,000 at year
Entry level education            GFA certificate
Number of jobs (3 to 5 years)            3,000 to 5,000 new jobs projected in the next three to five years