We are looking for aspiring filmmakers in the Watsonville area to join our crew! Gain hands on experience working on a local film set with other crew members. This is a great entry-level opportunity for students looking to enter filmmaking (open to high school students through the age of 24 only, no exceptions). 

PREPARATION FOR PRODUCTION [ 5 weeks]

Crew members must attend all trainings to participate in the production of the short film.

• Training #1: Saturday, June 16 from 11:30am to 5:00pm. During this training crew members will learn crucial decision making skills that can be applied on set. Must attend this training to receive your crew badge. If you do not have a crew badge you cannot participate in the next training (Space is limited). 
• Training #2: This training period will take place from June 18 through July 20 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30pm - 6pm. During this training members will learn how to use all equipment on set; work with the director, director of photography, and actors on set; block the lighting, camera, and sound per scene; and learn to read production schedules, call sheets, and other key documents on set. At the end of this training you will receive your crew position. If you do not have a crew position and crew badge you cannot participate in production. 
• Production Meetings: Production meetings will take place from June 18 through July 20 on Thursdays. During these meetings all department heads will report out and update the producer and director on their departments and review the production schedule. 

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE [ 4 weeks]

• Principal Photography (or production) will be from July 23 through August 18. All crew must be available, no exceptions. More details (time and locations) will be given to those in Training #2.  

CREW POSITIONS: 

At the end of Training #2 crew members will be invited to work in certain position, or can request a position in one of the following departments below. For detailed descriptions please view this document:  

Production Department:

• Works closely with Producer, Production Manager, and Director. 
• Positions include: 2nd Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, Key Production Assistant, Production Assistant, Location Manager, Production Coordinator. 

Camera Department

• Works closely with the Director and Director of Photography.
• Positions include: Camera Operator, 1st Assistant Camera Operator, 2nd Assistant Camera Operator, and Camera Loader, Still Photographer, Documentary Videographer, 

Sound Department 

• Works closely with the Director and Director of Photography
• Positions include: Sound Mixer, Boom Operator, and Sound Equipment Manager. 

 Art Department 

• Works closely with the Production Designers and Producers 
• Positions include: Art Director, Prop Master, Set Decorator, Key Makeup, Key Hairdresser, Set Costumer (Wardrobe). 

ABOUT THE FILM

Service with a Smile is a short Science Fiction film written by Digital NEST member Jane Tobias. Below is a short synopsis: 

The year is 2040, Rita, a college student and part time waitress finds her life interrupted when her boss replaces his wait staff with a fleet of service robots. Undocumented, unemployed and searching for work Rita is forced to make a choice. To Keep her head down and her fingers crossed, or stand up and fight for herself. As ICE raids break out all over town, putting her friend Antonio in danger, Rita takes action and rushes to the diner to save him. Continuing her mother's legacy, Rita finds La Causa headquarters and joins the resistance.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 

• This is a student production, and there will be no compensation. 
• Community Service hours available for high school students. 
• Film will be submitted to the Watsonville Film Festival

FAQs

Is there an age requirements to register?

Yes, you must be in high school or up to the age of 24. You can register to become a member of the Digital NEST here.