Atlanta Film Society and Former Producer Linda Burns are proud to present The PA Academy 2.0, expanding training in 2026 to help meet the ever changing needs of the entertainment industry in Georgia.
ATLFS presents The PA Academy 2.0 - Spring 2026
DATES: Sat, June 6th and Sun, June 7th
TIME: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM (including catered lunch)
LOCATION: Metro Atlanta Area
PRICE: $250 NON MEMBERS
ATLFS Member discounts applied at checkout
The PA Academy takes place in-person in August and virtually via Zoom in November. Sign up for our free newsletter to learn dates and when registration opens for each!
NEED FINANCIAL HELP? SCROLL DOWN TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP.
Due to the contraction of film and television work in the U.S., the PA Academy is expanding it's training to include live events such as music, film and arts festivals, corporate conventions, event staging and light stagehand work to increase the arsenal of skills to make you more desirable as a freelancer.
Start your career or improve upon your current skills in the industry with advanced knowledge and training. The PA Academy shows you what it takes to advance while preparing you for your first day on set or your transition from a dayplayer to a core crew member, or when working on difference types of industry events. Whether you want to work as an office PA, set PA, production assistant in another department, or in live entertainment, The PA Academy teaches you everything you need to know to feel confident in your ability to do the job. But this workshop isn’t just for PAs. It’s for anyone looking to break into the entertainment business. All the same protocol, terminology, and hiring practices exist no matter where you start your career.
Training includes but is not limited to:
Production terminology and paperwork
Film crew titles, job descriptions, and hierarchy
Department duties and responsibilities
Office and set etiquette - Do's and Don’ts
How a typical day proceeds on multiple types of projects
Locking up the set, distribution, and petty cash
Walkie protocol, terminology, and sign out
Supporting your AD team, your crew, and the project
Kits and gear for different types of projects
We share resume tips, what key crew members look for when they hire PAs, and how to interview. We discuss best networking practices, and where to find experience as well as paid work. We'll explore the many entry-level PA positions available, the paths to different careers, and how your individual experience can influence your unique path to a career you may not even know exists.
All students who finish the two-day workshop in full will be included in a secret FB page and hiring database that only these students and Producer Linda Burns can access for networking, job opportunities, internships, and mentorship. This workshop serves as a fundraiser for the Atlanta Film Society, supporting education and outreach.
You must be 18+ to enroll.
PLEASE register no later than than May 29th
A minimum number of students must be reached for this workshop to take place, plus there are advanced materials to read before the workshop, so register early!
See below for scholarship opportunities.
REFUND POLICY
No refunds after Friday, May 22nd at 5:00 PM EST. All sales are nonrefundable 14 days before the start of the event. By completing this purchase, you agree to the refund policy.
INSTRUCTOR
Former Producer Linda Burns runs The PA Academy. Each workshop offers a fresh and unique perspective to the students. For questions regarding this workshop, contact Linda with THE PA ACADEMY in the subject line. For more information, visit Linda Burns’ Instructor Page.
Scholarships Available
Are you a DeKalb or Gwinnett County, GA resident, or in financial hardship? Through the wonderful support of our sponsors, the DeKalb Entertainment Commission and Explore Gwinnett Tourism + Film, we are able to offer 50% off scholarships for those with proof of residency in DeKalb OR Gwinnett County. We also offer Financial Hardship Scholarships to support Georgia residents needing assistance.