So, you want to make a film but don’t know where to start.

You’ve graduated with a film degree, but don’t know how to get your foot in the door. You’ve had the good fortune of being involved in a feature film that came to your community and you now have the ‘bug’. Or maybe you’re making a pivot in your life and want to switch to a more creative and exciting career. The film industry is BIG and there’s so much that goes into it. Without a larger understanding of how it all works, what all the different jobs do, and what sort of entry points you can find to begin your new career, it can naturally feel overwhelming to get started.

We’ve luckily brought in the perfect person to assuage your fears and give you the tools you need to take the next step towards your filmmaking dreams.

Kenny Chaplin is a long-time filmmaker, DGA & DGC assistant director, and all-around industry veteran with over sixteen years in the trenches of the Hollywood, working hand-in-hand with directors like David Mamet, Terrence Malick, Ang Lee, and Ridley Scott. He has 'wrangled' Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, Sean Penn, and Eva Longoria, and has worked on the films END OF DAYS, DUDE WHERE’S MY CAR, BODY OF LIES, RUNAWAY JURY, THE THIN RED LINE, and many more. In addition to his mountain of experience on large film sets, Kenny has also spent the better part of two decades presenting live seminars across North America and helping aspiring filmmakers see their worth and find their way in.

Over four jam-packed sessions, Kenny will teach you the culture, protocol, and skills required to work and stand out within the highly competitive “below-the-line” departments of the film industry. He’ll explain how exactly a film is put together from pre-production on, what every role is on set, and how you can best find your way in. He’ll discuss practical and technical film set protocol, etiquette anyone should follow, and safety training you should expect.

Through all this and more, Kenny will give you a comprehensive blueprint you can take with you as you begin your career in film. Gain the confidence, inspiration, and peace of mind to walk onto any film set with the know-how of a road weary veteran.

4-part class taught by Kenny Chaplin, DGA/DGC Assistant Director who has worked for filmmakers like Terrence Malik, Ang Lee, David Mamet and Ridley Scott!

Purchasing gives you access to the previously-recorded live class.
Although Kenny is no longer reviewing the assignments, we still encourage all listeners to participate!.

PRAISE FOR KENNY:

"Kenny Chaplin is a sharing and knowledgeable instructor, the blend of local talents with Kenny's direction made this one of the most informative and educational experiences I have had. Ever. The seminar was outstanding, many thanks for all the hard work and passion in creating this successful workshop."

- Nancy G.

"Although billed as entry level film industry training, it is in fact an excellent overall look at filmmaking on the studio level delivered by an experienced and engaging instructor. It is useful for everyone interested in entering the business in any position. I highly recommend Kenny Chaplin to provide basic training for emerging filmmakers in any jurisdiction."

- Peg Owens, Idaho Film Office Commissioner

Part 1 - Pre-Production

What happens during pre-production? What are three key meetings crucial for pre-production, and how do you fit in? Kenny answers these and more, including running through who is on the “Director's Team”.

Q&A with Kenny

Part 2 - Your First Day

Kenny goes through what your first day on set looks like, including what personal belongings and “tools” might be required. He explores set protocol and etiquette, walkie talkie protocol, film lingo and background tricks of the trade and etiquette.

Q&A with Kenny

Part 3 - Other Departments and Script Breakdown

Kenny defines the duties of various types of PA's include “office” and “location”. He runs through the key elements of a script and how they're broken down on set. Lastly, he discusses the various types of documents anyone on set should be familiar with.

Q&A with Kenny

Part 4 - Safety, Unions and Resumes

Kenny discusses personal safety concerns as well as safety in the workplace. What are the key labor organizations? How do I tell time in the film business? Lastly, Kenny discusses “film friendly resumes” and how to ace the interview as well as where to find job listings.

Q&A with Kenny

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to perfect their craft and become memorable on their next project. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• This class will consist of 4 sessions, each roughly two hours in duration.

All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to perfect their craft and become memorable on their next project.

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to perfect their craft and become memorable on their next project.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to perfect their craft and become memorable on their next project.

Actors looking to perfect their craft and become memorable on their next project.

PRAISE FOR KENNY'S TEACHINGS:

"Kenny Chaplin is a sharing and knowledgeable instructor, the blend of local talents with Kenny's direction made this one of the most informative and educational experiences I have had. Ever. The seminar was outstanding, many thanks for all the hard work and passion in creating this successful workshop."

- Nancy G.

"Although billed as entry level film industry training, it is in fact an excellent overall look at filmmaking on the studio level delivered by an experienced and engaging instructor. It is useful for everyone interested in entering the business in any position. I highly recommend Kenny Chaplin to provide basic training for emerging filmmakers in any jurisdiction."

- Peg Owens, Idaho Film Office Commissioner