The role was created under an agreement last month between entertainment unions and an alliance of producers as part of the terms for Hollywood's return to production. Already, an industry is emerging around this important position. Some companies are offering training and certification, others are providing consulting services to productions.
"You've learned to do things in a certain way," Davis added. "And now, all of a sudden, you can't do that. It takes a mental retraining."According to the agreement, producers must hire a supervisor who is responsible for compliance and enforcement of industry protocols on each production. For L.A.-based Jessica Lesley, it was an opportunity to start a new business. Lesley, 35, has a bachelor of science degree from Alabama's Tuskegee University and went on to the L.A.-based Streetlights production assistants course, which helps young people from diverse communities access Hollywood.
One such company is the San Carlos, Calif.-based Health Education Services. It offers a two-hour webinar for $50; participants who pass the course receive a certificate and their names are listed on the the company's database. About 300 people a week are attending, said DJay Brawner, who helps teach the online sessions.
Pure Sets, an LA-based company founded in the pandemic, provides a one-stop shop for productions. It has a roster of supervisors who have worked as medics, first responders, even a Navy seal."One of the big challenges is finding people with a leadership quality," said founder Julian Lemaitre.