Set Savvy: Getting in the Door

A 3-Part Production Assistant Workshop Series: how to get hired, stand out on set, and get invited back.

About this Event

Join us for the first event in the Set Savvy Series! Throughout this three week workshop series, industry insiders will walk you through all of the fundamentals you need to get your foot in the door of your first film set.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get on a professional film set—or how to turn that first opportunity into many more—this hands-on workshop series is for you.

Taught by working industry professionals, this three-part series demystifies what it actually takes to get hired as a Production Assistant (PA), how to succeed once you're on set, and how to build a reputation that keeps you booked. Whether you’re brand new to film or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll walk away with real-world knowledge, industry contacts, and a clear plan of action.

You'll hear from Alexis Doan, Rachel Murphy, and Lauryn Zimmerman plus other industry pros.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to find and land your first PA gig
• What production companies are really looking for in new crew members
• The essential gear and wardrobe every PA should bring
• Soft skills and mindset shifts that set you apart on day one
• Real talk from experienced local crew who’ve “made it” behind the scenes

Why It Matters:You only get one chance to make a first impression on set. Learn how to show up prepared, professional, and ready to contribute from day one.

This series is ideal for:

• Aspiring PAs looking for their first set experience
• Early-career filmmakers wanting to round out their knowledge
• Students and creatives exploring behind-the-camera roles
• Anyone seeking a foot in the door in Indiana’s growing film industry

About the Speakers

Rachel Murphy is a seasoned production professional with over 20 years of experience in commercial and film production. She began her creative journey with a degree in Fine Art Photography from Indiana University’s Herron School of Art, later discovering her passion for motion storytelling. Rachel has produced national, regional, and local advertising campaigns for two decades. In the past ten years, she has expanded her focus to narrative filmmaking, driven by a deep love for storytelling and a strong desire to take on the creative and logistical challenges of film.Her recent film credits include line producing the features Runner, Between Waves and So Cold the River, as well as several short films including Hide & Seek, The Passenger, Through the Window, and As We Begin. She has produced commercial campaigns for brands including State Farm, Meta, IU Health, and others.

Alexis Doan is a production assistant and visual creative with over three years of experience in photography, videography, and commercial production. Based in Indianapolis, Alexis has worked on sets for national campaigns with brands including State Farm, Gatorade, and Nike. Prior to entering the production industry, Alexis spent two years in corporate sales and marketing, bringing a strong foundation in brand strategy and client communication. Alexis holds a B.S. in Marketing and International Business from Indiana University and combines creative execution with business acumen to support directors, producers, and crew with adaptability and professionalism.

It takes a strong person to deal with high schoolers on the regular. Lauryn Zimmerman did it for four years. And even when she did leave the education world, it wasn’t the overly involved parents that drove her out but rather a creative longing that guided her toward video production. Which, to be honest, wasn’t that surprising. The truth is, Lauryn grew up as an “industry kid.” While some of us were dragged to corporate offices for Take Your Daughter to Work Day, Lauryn headed to her dad’s video production studio to hang out with other professionals, cameras, and learn a lot of creative jargon. Over the next summer, she dove even deeper into video production and never left. “The combination of organization, scheduling, and creativity in video production was perfect for me. I could not have made a better decision to change my life path.As someone who’s not afraid to take charge, people and clients like working with Lauryn." Clients like Apple, Microsoft, MasterCard, IU Health, Sony, Gatorade, the NFL, and Indiana’s favorite sitcom Parks and Recreation, to name a few.

About the Set Savvy Series

The Set Savvy Series is workshop series presented by Pattern in partnership with Studio Lex and Moxie Films.

This series is supported by Herb Simon Family Foundation and the Samerian Foundation, and is part of Pattern’s Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Creative Entrepreneurs (SPACE) program.

Upcoming workshops in the Set Savvy Series include:

• A workshop with industry pros covering set life, equipment, best practices, and real-world problem-solving in a low-stakes setting on August 19, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• A workshop with industry pros to earn how to get invited back, grow your business, navigate set paperwork, and network with industry leaders from every department, on August 26, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

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