FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denver Film Media Contacts:
Marty Schechter: marty@schechterpr.com
DENVER – April 15, 2025 – Denver Film and the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media announced today the creation of the Student PA (Production Assistant) Fund. Designed to connect Colorado film students with Colorado film productions, the hands-on mentorship opportunity provides real-world, on-set experience for film students, facilitating workforce development and building a pipeline for aspiring filmmakers to grow their careers in Colorado.
“We’re excited and honored to partner with our friends at the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media to bring this incredible opportunity to film students and productions set to film in our state,” said Denver Film Development Director Amy Weiner Weiss. “While we know just how well our state shines on the big screen for these Colorado-based productions, we’re equally excited to continue showcasing the incredible talent of our film program students as they look to bring their passion and vision to the industry as well.”
The program bolsters local Colorado productions while adding value and vibrancy to Colorado’s esteemed films schools. Up to six student PAs will each receive a $1,000 stipend and an Industry Pass to the Denver Film Festival, and be assigned to film sets based on factors such as production schedules and student geographic/date availability.
“The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media is thrilled to support Denver Film in the launch of this exciting initiative. By creating workforce pathways for the next generation of filmmakers in Colorado, this program will help bridge the gap between graduation and rewarding careers in film for students from across the state,” said Arielle Brachfeld, Deputy Film Commissioner for Colorado.
Applications for the initial session are available through May 12, 2025 at https://www.denverfilm.org/support/student-pa-fund/. Student applicants must be at least 18 years of age and enrolled in an accredited higher education program specializing in film production. Recipients will be notified in May with productions filming in Colorado between June 1 and August 31, 2025. Priority may be given to productions approved for the Colorado Film Tax Incentive.
Denver Film, in collaboration with a review committee, will receive and process applications, connect qualified student PAs to relevant film productions, disburse funding to students, collect and analyze evaluation materials, and organize cohort networking opportunities.
Qualifications:
For Student PAs
Eligible student PAs must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in an accredited film production program within Colorado. Students are required to have completed a capstone project or other department head-approved prerequisites that demonstrate their readiness for on-set work. Additionally, students must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to and from film sets, allowing them to fully participate in the hands-on learning experiences provided by the program.
For Film Productions
Any production, filming in Colorado between June 1 and August 31, 2025, may apply. Preference is given to productions that have been approved or are pending with the Colorado Film Incentive. Projects that have not been approved for the Film Incentive may be required to submit additional application materials. Productions must be scheduled to shoot within Colorado. Only productions taking place within Colorado are eligible to apply, with preference to productions that have received the CO Film Incentive and with special Consideration to Projects that Originate in Colorado, ensuring the program’s support remains focused on local industry development. Productions must be able to provide proof of General Liability and Workers Comp insurance that will cover students’ participation.
About Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media
The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) attracts and facilitates content creation in the state to generate economic growth. It promotes the state’s film and television industry locally, nationally, and internationally while highlighting Colorado’s unique rural areas. Colorado’s film incentive program has generated $153.8 million in economic impact to 55 counties in Colorado and created over 5,400 cast and crew positions since its inception.
The office connects the film, television, and videogame communities to resources they need by providing:
COFTM is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development (OEDIT).
About Denver Film
Denver Film has been transforming and entertaining the Colorado community through the power of diverse voices in film since 1978. Operating as the region’s only membership-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit film institution, Denver Film has grown into a signature cultural organization in the West, screening international and independent movies found nowhere else in the region.
Serving more than 100,000 patrons annually through 600-plus screenings that include year-round programming at Denver Film’s flagship home the Sie (pronounced SEE) FilmCenter, the annual Denver Film Festival celebration, the iconic Film on the Rocks program at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Spotlight Festivals including CinemaQ, Women+Film, and the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival. Spotlights highlight underrepresented communities and foster inclusivity. Denver Film works to build resilience across all of its programming and events by amplifying diverse voices, promoting equity, and fostering community connections.
For more information or to explore the full suite of Denver Film programming, events, and ticketing visit: denverfilm.org.
