James Augare works behind the scenes on a short film, as a member of the Production Assistant certification class offered in Broadus.
Thomas Oylear was interviewed about his experience in the Production Assistant Certification Class, which he and James Augare completed this semester. The duo learned all aspects of working on a film set during the class. (Photos courtesy Kate Ruland)
By Kate Ruland
This semester PRCDHS was picked as the one and only pilot program in the state of Montana to host a Production Assistant Certifcation Class, by Accelerate MT.
The course would teach students all aspects of working on a film set.
Art teacher Kate Ruland learned about the opportunity in October 2023 about being the pilot program teacher and started working with the school counselor Dori Phillips and Pre-ETS (Pre Employment Transition Services) Coordinator Renea Bidwell on how to make it happen for seniors at PRCDHS.
The senior class was then approached about who wanted to learn how to work on film sets for movies. Seniors James Augare and Thomas Oylear signed up for the program, which they took in conjunction with photography and yearbook. Both seniors took the certification class online and passed with flying colors in April.
The program is self paced and allows students time to study and discuss each learning module. The students learned all aspects of what it means to be a production assistant on a film set, including: paperwork, crews and their roles, key vocabulary and lingo, equipment and loading a film truck, all things walkie talkie, safety on a film set, what to expect when you start and most importantly how and where to get hired.
On May 4th and 5th, Kate, Renea, James, and Thomas went to Billings where they reviewed what they learned and put it into practice. Everyone helped set up for the filming of two interviews that will be included in a short film.
The group from Broadus helped set up and tear down the whole production.
With the certifications that were earned our pilot program is now eligible to immediately start looking for job opportunities. The filming industry is alive and well in our state as well as nationwide, all movies and films need production assistants. This certificate makes these seniors very employable, and will travel with them no matter where they go or what they decide to do after graduation.
During the interview that James gave to the film crew he indicated that "I really like the idea that I can pick a job anywhere, I can travel and see things and places I've never seen before, I can work and earn money and not have to stay in one place to do it, this will open a lot of doors to me."
This program creates real opportunities for students to try something new, and to learn about very real employment opportunities. This certification does not require a 4 year degree and university debt; it is an opportunity to hit the ground running and see where your feet take you.
In the near future Accelerate MT is looking to add a stagehand certification course that is geared towards concerts and any other stage performances - yet another opportunity that our small rural community can benefit from.
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