Apply now for the 2025 DGA Assistant Director Training Program now through December 3rd.
Do you have what it takes to become an Assistant Director?
The New York Assistant Director Training Program is designed to provide opportunities for a limited number of individuals to become Assistant Directors in film, television & commercial production. This is a two-year Program consisting of 350 days of on-the-job training combined with monthly seminars.
Trainees are placed on the sets of various features, television series and commercials shooting primarily in the New York City vicinity working under the supervision of DGA members – Second Assistant Directors, First Assistant Directors and Unit Production Managers – until graduation. Upon completion of the Program, graduates are qualified to join the DGA (Directors Guild of America) as Second Assistant Directors.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE PROGRAM
Trainees enrolled in the DGA Assistant Director Training Program have the opportunity to work on feature films, TV and commercials for companies that have a contractual relationship with the Directors Guild of America. Learn about what you can expect while enrolled in the program.
HOW TO APPLY
Each year, the DGA Assistant Director Training Program accepts a limited number of applicants into the Program. The number is determined by the employment outlook for the coming year in the motion picture industry in New York. On average, the Program receives between 300 – 350 applications from individuals from around the country. Of that total, between 5-7 candidates will be accepted.
Trainees come from all walks of life. Some are recent college graduates, others have more life/work experience and are looking to make a career change. There are Trainees who have had some film experience, other have never been on a film set before.
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. A four year college degree and some industry experience is recommended but not essential. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the start of the Program (June of each year).
A formal application must be submitted in order to participate in the selection process.