Whether you’re destined to be the next Chloe Zhao, Bradford Young, or the world’s most beloved 1st AD – or even if you just want to learn what directors, DPs, and even PAs really do on a shoot – getting lots of hands-on on-set experience is a crucial step in your film career. However, breaking into production can be tough if you don’t already have some on-set experience or a department head to give you referrals.
That’s why we’ve created the Tongal Filmmaking Apprentice Program. This is an opportunity for new and aspiring filmmakers to gain real-world on-set experience through mentorship and guidance from established Tongal creators, to build connections with local production crews, and to earn production credits for your resume and reel, as well as referrals for future work. If you’re selected, you’ll get paid a day rate to crew up on a local Tongal shoot, and receive one-on-one guidance from your filmmaker mentor or department head before, during, and after your shoot.
This is an “Always On” Project which means that the submission phase is re-opened each month and we do not announce greenlights on this specific project page. If there is an opportunity available in your area we will reach out to you to see if you are available and the department head of those projects will select applicants to interview for the chance to be chosen to be the next on-set apprentice.
Currently we are accepting Apprenticeship applications for those residing in or around the following metro areas:
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Atlanta, GA
- Miami, FL
- Columbus, OH (Pittsburgh, PA / Cincinnati, OH / Cleveland, OH)
- Vancouver, BC, CAN
If you are within a driving distance or could reasonably travel to one of the above locations, you are more than welcome to apply, however, Tongal will not provide additional compensation for travel expenses. Don’t see your area on the above list? We’ll be opening additional opportunities in more cities throughout the year, so stay tuned – and let us know where you are!
HOW THE FILMMAKING APPRENTICE PROGRAM WORKS:
- Apply for the program – Click over to the Submission Form to tell us more about you, your goals, and any previous production experience you have, as well as which production department(s) you’re interested in shadowing on set. Don’t worry: prior experience is not a requirement, we just want to know where you’re starting from so we can fit you into the right role.
- Get matched to a shoot – When a Tongal shoot pops up in your area, we’ll connect you with the filmmaker leading that production for one-on-one guidance and prep ahead of the shoot.
- During your apprenticeship – Your Tongal mentor and/or relevant department head will prep you for the shoot. This will involve a meet-and-greet call and potential pre-production calls ahead of the shoot day. On set, you will be expected to follow all guidelines and role requirements set by your mentor/department head. Tongal will cover your day rate for each full day on set at $250 per shoot day.
- Generally, your shoot will encompass one to two full days of live production, generally 8-10 hours per day. You MUST be available for the entire shoot day(s).
- That’s a wrap – You’ll share your experience with Tongal and your filmmaker mentor on a wrap call and through a program survey. Once the project is done, you’ll receive final cuts of all live content, a new production credit to add to your resume and your reel, and new production contacts in your area for future work!
PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS:
- As an apprentice you will be expected to attend at least one meet-and-greet call with your Tongal mentor and/or relevant department head. Depending on your production department/role, you may also be required to attend additional pre-production meetings.
- You must be able to commit to a full shoot day (generally 8-10 hours).
- After your production wraps, you must complete the program set wrap survey – we want to know what you thought of the program!
- Ask questions – you’re here to learn!
- You MUST follow all proper set etiquette and COVID protocol at all times.
- You CANNOT share photos, videos, or audio from set or any content from the project prior to the finished content going live and without Tongal approval.
- Regardless of any information shared with you during pre-production or on the call sheet, you may not contact anyone from the shoot outside of your Tongal mentor and/or department head unless specifically asked or told to do so.
For any questions or other project updates, check out the Project Forum.
By submitting for this program, you understand that you are not guaranteed an on-set experience and understand that it may take time before there is an on set opportunity in your area. We will be compiling a list of filmmakers who do submit each month and we will make sure to reach out to you when there is an on-set opportunity in your area.
THE TONGAL FILMMAKING APPRENTICE PROGRAM:
The Tongal Filmmaking Apprentice Program is a new initiative designed to equip emerging filmmakers and creators with the tools and experience to excel on a live-action production set and better understand client expectations on set. By pairing emerging filmmakers with seasoned creators from within the Tongal community, the program will teach apprentices how to prepare for hands-on, real-world work experience on set; collaborate with crew members; what’s expected before, during, and after a shoot; the potential for more work in the future through new production contacts and referrals; and production credits for their resume and reel.
ABOUT TONGAL:
Tongal believes creativity drives human potential and that everyone has the potential to be creative. We empower Creators by connecting them to each other and to opportunities for top networks, studios, and brands, setting into motion a never-ending cycle of opportunity and growth.
Awards:- DAY RATE + ON SET EXPERIENCE
Deadline:- 03-02-2025
