New certification initiative aims to bridge the gap between ambition and employment with practical, on-set training for aspiring production assistants.
LOS ANGELES — As demand continues to grow for skilled professionals behind the scenes of film, television, and digital productions, VIP Ignite Live has introduced a new credential designed to help aspiring entertainment professionals enter the industry with practical experience and recognized certification. The organization’s newly launched Certified Production Assistant Program combines hands-on instruction, mentorship, and industry-focused training to prepare participants for entry-level production roles.
Founded by entertainment industry veterans Sir Michael Fomkin and Alycia Kaback, VIP Ignite has spent nearly two decades connecting aspiring models and actors with casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. The addition of a production assistant certification reflects a broader shift toward developing talent not only in front of the camera but also behind it, where production crews remain the backbone of an expanding content industry.
“The entertainment industry does not just need talent in front of the camera—it needs trained, committed professionals behind it,” said Alycia Kaback, Co-Founder of VIP Ignite. “Our Certified Production Assistant Program was built to give every participant not just knowledge, but a credential that opens doors. We are creating a pipeline of production-ready professionals who know how to show up, contribute, and grow.”
Production assistants often serve as the operational foundation of film and television sets, assisting with scheduling, communication, logistics, talent coordination, and production support. While the role is frequently viewed as an entry point into entertainment, industry veterans note that professional preparation can significantly improve both hiring prospects and long-term career advancement.
VIP Ignite’s program is designed to familiarize participants with essential production practices, including set etiquette, crew hierarchy, production terminology, assistant directing fundamentals, equipment handling, workplace safety, scheduling, and introductory post-production support. The curriculum also includes mentorship from experienced professionals within VIP Ignite’s entertainment network, providing students with insights into the realities of working on professional productions.
Sir Michael Fomkin said the certification reflects the organization’s long-standing mission of helping aspiring professionals transform ambition into opportunity.
“This program represents what VIP Ignite has always been about—bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity,” Fomkin said. “A certified production assistant walks onto a set with confidence and credibility. We built this program to create exactly that.”
Graduates who successfully complete the course receive the VIP Ignite Certified Production Assistant designation, which the organization says can be included on résumés, IMDb profiles, and casting submissions and is recognized by its network of entertainment partners.
For many newcomers to the entertainment business, preparation can be just as important as talent. According to Deneen White, President of Talent Development at VIP Ignite, technical knowledge and professionalism often determine whether emerging professionals secure opportunities on set.
“Every major opportunity I have seen talent miss was not about looks or ability—it was about preparation,” White said. “This certification ensures that our talent is not just ready to be seen. They are ready to work.”
The launch comes at a time when streaming platforms, independent productions, branded content, and digital media continue to expand the need for trained production crews across the entertainment sector. While acting and modeling programs remain popular among aspiring performers, career development initiatives focused on production support have become increasingly valuable as the industry seeks qualified professionals capable of contributing immediately on set.
VIP Ignite says the Certified Production Assistant Program is open to individuals at all experience levels, making it accessible both to newcomers exploring careers in entertainment and to aspiring actors and models looking to broaden their understanding of production operations.
Enrollment is currently open, with upcoming cohorts scheduled throughout the year.
About VIP Ignite
VIP Ignite Live is a talent development organization co-founded by Sir Michael Fomkin and Alycia Kaback. For nearly 20 years, the company has provided education, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to connect aspiring models, actors, and entertainment professionals with casting directors, agents, producers, and industry decision-makers. Its programs focus on career readiness, professional development, and creating pathways into film, television, commercial, and digital media production.
Sidebar | Program Highlights
- Program: Certified Production Assistant Program
- Organization: VIP Ignite Live
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Focus Areas: Set etiquette, production workflows, crew hierarchy, scheduling, equipment handling, safety, assistant directing, post-production basics
- Certification: VIP Ignite Certified Production Assistant
- Eligibility: Open to aspiring entertainment professionals of all experience levels
- More Information: www.vipignitelive.com
