Volunteer Information

FPA exists because of its volunteers. Our shows and classes depend on YOU! Volunteering helps to create current programs and gives you the opportunity to hone your skills and network with others at the station.

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Volunteering for Class Requirements:

There are some courses that require a completion of a volunteer session for certification, please consult your catalog. Your volunteer work needs to be in the same area as studio camera operators.

Volunteer for Class Credit:

This credit program, as envisioned by the Board of Directors, will allow volunteers to apply accumulated credits of up to 50% towards the cost of any future training course they wish to take. Any volunteer on a certified technical field or studio crew position can earn a $20 credit that will be valid until their membership expires, provided that they have filled out and submitted a volunteer form within 24hrs of their volunteer work, and that the producer of record has signed the form and verified by the Equipment room or Training Department. For studio assistance, one volunteer slip is equivalent to helping in a 3-hour shoot or the length of the full Studio Production time block.  Similarly for Field or Editing volunteers a 3-hour session equals one volunteer slip. Producers cannot earn credit for their own productions, but may claim credits for volunteering on others

Note: Volunteers must be certified and have completed any volunteer requirements before they will be allowed to earn credits towards future classes. Remember that volunteer credits have a 1-year expiration period.

Important: Submit completed form in full at the end of a production or no later than 24hrs after the end of a shoot.

*Please inform the Training Dept. of any discounts you may qualify for at the time of your registration/class reservation. If using volunteer credits to help lower a class fee only those credits available a week before the class date will be applied towards the class fee.

Finding Volunteer Work: How do I find volunteer Work on Shows?

Consult the yellow “Active Producer List” and contact producers on shows you wish to help.

You can also turn in a crew available form or contact the Training Dept. and ask them to add your name into the green “Volunteer List” and email group. This will allow you to begin receiving email requests with various upcoming volunteer options.

Introduce yourself to others at FPA prior to the start of a course or a production session and offer your volunteer services. Build network connections with members and/or producers.

Call the Equipment Room (571.749.1111), to find out which shows are being taped on the specific day you’re interested in volunteering. Remember, keep your inquiry DATE SPECIFIC.

Ask about tapings on days that you want to volunteer. Sometimes a show cancels at the last minute because a guest backs out, etc…so please call again prior to driving to FPA to make sure the show is on.

Use your volunteer time to network. Find out if someone on the show is interested in helping with your show. Find out if you can become a permanent crew member.