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.
There will be no 2024 application. Applications for 2025 will become available in September 2024.
Phase 1: Online Testing (February)
Administered by an independent assessment organization, the exam consists of a battery of tests designed to evaluate problem solving skills, interpersonal orientation, verbal ability and critical thinking. The exam is conducted online once a year.
Phase 2: Preliminary Interview (March)
Upon evaluation of online testing and application materials, top ranking candidates will be scheduled for a one on one interview with our assessment consultants. This interview is approximately 1/2 hour in duration.
Phase 3: Interview Before the Program's Board of Trustees (May)
There are generally 20 candidates chosen during Phase 2 to interview before the Board. The Board consists of representatives of the DGA & it's membership and Commercial & Motion Picture Producers.
The Program is a feature of the collective bargaining agreement between the Directors Guild of America and both the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers for the Eastern Region (AICP). Trainees are paid by signatory producers at rates that have been determined by DGA/Producer negotiation. When assigned to a production, the Trainee becomes an employee of the production company. Trainee weekly salary rates increase over the two year period on a quarterly (six month) basis as follows:
1st quarter: $984
2nd quarter: $1057
3rd quarter: $1133
4th quarter: $1208
Trainees are entitled to overtime pay after working 54 hours in a week. Trainees generally work between 70-90 hours during a 5 day work week. While participating in the Program, Trainees are provided with health insurance, at no cost.