Courtney Ward-Thompkins Launches Workshop for Aspiring Production Assistants

Major film and television productions are no longer limited to Hollywood and New York. For the past 10+ years, “the business” is presently booming in Georgia, thanks to the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act (GEIIA). With Georgia being ranked No. 1 in film production, the state is seeing a demand from people seeking training in the business of film and television. To meet this demand, seasoned independent television producer Courtney Ward-Thompkins is excited to launch “BTS in TV/Film with Courtney Ward-Thompkins”, her first professional development class designed to introduce and train people interested in pursuing a career behind-the-scenes in film and television. The one-day course will focus on the role of a production assistant and their responsibility for the execution of day-to-day production activities.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 9 am – 11 am EST at Bobbcat Film Studios, “BTS in TV/Film with Courtney Ward-Thompkins” will introduce current college students, recent graduates, and professionals who are transitioning to a film and television career the ins and outs of what it takes to be a production assistant. Participants will learn:

• How the production office supports the entire production process
• How to execute lease agreements
• How to organize and order equipment and more

Since launching her career in 2003 with Will Packer’s “The Gospel”, Thompkins has worked several major film productions that have grossed well over $100 million in box office receipts. Past

work includes “Due Date” starring Robert Downey Jr., “Zombieland” starring Woody Harrelson, “Punky Brewster Reboot”, “The Founder”, “House of Payne”, “Meet the Browns”, and more. Most recently, Thompkins was hired in the role of production supervisor for Netflix’s “First Kill”, which debuts June 10, 2022 and is currently working on “Heels” season 2 with STARZ and Lionsgate as a production coordinator.

Thompkins is now ready to share her years of experience in production to support and inspire minorities to push forward in this industry and navigate the waters of the inter-office politics that many must deal with in this industry.  “Georgia’s film and television industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that continues to grow faster than it can hire qualified crews. My goal with my upcoming workshop is to educate people on how the production office works and how production assistants support the entire production from prep to wrap of the show.”

The class will also feature speakers Chris Haley, DGA Member and 2^nd AD of “Heels” season 2, Rasheen Donaldson, a seasoned production manager in television, Shane Bobb, producer at Bobbcat Film Studios, and Sommer Oliver, production coordinator.

Owner and Founder of Avala Productions, LLC, Thompkins is active in many organizations that positively support women of color who pursue a career in film and television. Currently, Ward is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the International Alliance of Theatrical and State Employees (IATSE) 161. In addition, Thompkins is a member of inclusion organizations such as Black Women in Film, and Women of Color United.

For more information about “BTS in TV/Film w/ Courtney Ward-Thompkins” and/or to sign-up, please https://btsintvfilm.eventbrite.com . Limited seats are available.